Cosmetics Shelf Life: How long can you use your products?

Shelf-Life of Cosmetic Products

 

Cosmetics are an indispensable part of our daily lives, whether for skincare or fragrance. But how long do cosmetics last, and how can we make them last longer? In this blog post, we'll cover important questions about cosmetics shelf life, including why it's essential to pay attention to it. Learn about the factors that influence shelf life, such as product type, storage, and preservatives in natural skincare. Discover how to find the expiration date on your skincare packaging, whether it's a "best before" or "use by" date or a PAO symbol (Period After Opening). Take control of your cosmetics shelf life and prioritise your health and wellbeing.

 

Why is cosmetics shelf life so important?

Cosmetics shelf life is important for several reasons. Firstly, we want our creams to last as long as possible, so that we can use them to their full potential. Secondly, shelf life also plays a role in our health - expired skincare can contain harmful bacteria that can affect our skin and overall health. Therefore, it is crucial that we familiarize ourselves with the shelf life of skincare and follow a few basic rules.

How long are cosmetics products good for?

The shelf life of a cosmetics product depends on various factors, such as the type of product, storage conditions, or the use of preservatives in natural skincare. However, it is generally agreed that skincare have a limited shelf life and should not be used after this time has passed. You can usually find an exact indication of the shelf life of skincare on the packaging of the product. This will either be in the form of an expiration date (either a "best before" or "use by" date) or a PAO symbol (Period After Opening).

 

What does the PAO symbol mean?

The PAO symbol (Period After Opening) indicates how long the product remains usable after opening. It consists of an opened jar symbol combined with a number (e.g. "6M" for 6 months). This means that the product is usable for six months after opening. However, it's important to note that this is only a rough guideline and the actual shelf life of the product depends on other factors such as storage conditions and hygiene.

 

Cosmetics shelf life and the law

Cosmetics shelf life is also regulated by legal requirements. In Europe, these are the EU cosmetic regulations, which govern the safety and efficacy of skincare. These regulations also establish labeling requirements for products, such as the expiration date or storage conditions.

 

What do "minimum shelf life" and "expiration date" mean?

It's important to note that minimum shelf life should not be confused with expiration date. Minimum shelf life only indicates how long the product retains its properties after opening and is identified by the PAO symbol. This does not mean that the product cannot be used after the indicated time period. It may be that the quality of the product decreases, it may have a different smell or change color. However, it's usually safe to use the product even after the minimum shelf life has expired.

The expiration date, on the other hand, indicates the date until which the product can be safely used. The law requires that unopened cosmetics must be usable for at least 30 months if stored properly. After this date, the product should not be used as it may contain harmful bacteria or fungi.

The shelf life of your NAYA products

The packaging and/or bottle/jar indicate how long your products will last. When unopened and stored properly (cool and dark), they have a shelf life of 30 months from the production date. If you notice any unusual smell, texture or feel on your skin, please feel free to contact our customer support.

 

How can you extend the shelf life of your cosmetic product?

There are various measures that can help extend the shelf life of cosmetics. Here are some tips:

Storage: You should store your cosmetics products in a cool and dry place. For very warm temperatures, you can even store sensitive products in the refrigerator. However, direct sunlight should definitely be avoided as it can affect the product's shelf life.

Hygiene: It is important to wash your hands before taking the product or use a disinfected spatula to prevent the spread of bacteria. Also, you should not share your product with others to minimize the risk of infection.

Packaging: After use, you should close the packaging of the products carefully to minimize air circulation.

Usage: It is important to use creams or serums only according to their usage recommendations. For example, a facial cleanser should only be used for cleansing purposes on the face and not on any other part of the body.

Avoidance of old products: It is better to throw away old products than to use them. You should always follow the indicated shelf life date and pay attention to any changes in the appearance, smell, or consistency of the product.

 

How can you dispose of expired cosmetics?

Expired products should not be used anymore and should be properly disposed of. Since some cosmetics products (not those from NAYA!) can contain environmentally harmful ingredients, they should not be disposed of in regular household waste. One option is to drop them off at special collection points or return them to the retailer, where they can be disposed of appropriately. Recycling the packaging is also important to minimize environmental impact. Our reusable packaging system sets the standard for sustainable packaging in the skincare industry.

Regularly check and declutter your skincare The shelf life of cosmetic products is an important issue that affects not only the usability of the product but also the health of the user. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the products' shelf life and take appropriate measures to ensure maximum longevity. With the tips mentioned above, you can help prolong the shelf life of your cosmetics and make them last longer.

How can you extend the shelf life of your cosmetic product?

There are various measures that can help extend the shelf life of cosmetics. Here are some tips:

Storage: You should store your cosmetics products in a cool and dry place. For very warm temperatures, you can even store sensitive products in the refrigerator. However, direct sunlight should definitely be avoided as it can affect the product's shelf life.

Hygiene: It is important to wash your hands before taking the product or use a disinfected spatula to prevent the spread of bacteria. Also, you should not share your product with others to minimise the risk of infection.

Packaging: After use, you should close the packaging of the products carefully to minimise air circulation.

Usage: It is important to use creams or serums only according to their usage recommendations. For example, a facial cleanser should only be used for cleansing purposes on the face and not on any other part of the body.

Avoidance of old products: It is better to throw away old products than to use them. You should always follow the indicated shelf life date and pay attention to any changes in the appearance, smell, or consistency of the product.

 

How can you dispose of expired cosmetics?

Expired products should not be used anymore and should be properly disposed of. Since some cosmetics (not those from NAYA!) can contain environmentally harmful ingredients, they should not be disposed of in regular household waste. One option is to drop them off at special collection points or return them to the retailer, where they can be disposed of appropriately. Recycling the packaging is also important to minimise environmental impact. Our reusable packaging system sets the standard for sustainable packaging in the skincare industry.

Regularly check and declutter your cosmetics

The shelf life of cosmetic products is an important issue that affects not only the usability of the product but also the health of the user. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the products' shelf life and take appropriate measures to ensure maximum longevity. With the tips mentioned above, you can help prolong the shelf life of your skincare and make them last longer.