Does sunscreen expire? How to tell if yours is still good

Does sunscreen expire? Yes. Sunscreen is made to work for a set time, and after that its protection can drop.

The reason

The active ingredients that block the sun can break down over time, and heat speeds that up. A bottle left in a hot car or a beach bag may age faster than the date says. If protection falls, you may burn when you think you are safe.

How to check

1. Look for an expiry date on the bottle or tube. Many packs show one. Follow what your pack says.
2. Check the look and smell. Separated liquid, grainy bits or a strange smell are signs to throw it out.
3. No date? Write the day you opened it on the bottle. Many makers suggest replacing sunscreen after about a year of opening. Follow your bottle's directions.

For safety advice, read the label and use official sources, such as the sun safety page of your country's health agency. If you have burned skin or a rash, ask a doctor.

What to do with an old bottle

If it is past the date, do not use it on your face, where a burn is most visible. Bin it as household waste unless your local rules say otherwise. Do not rely on a higher SPF number to make up for old product. A new bottle with a fresh date is the safe choice.

The exception

Do not keep an old bottle "for the body" if it is past date. Sunscreen is cheap compared with a burn. If you need to stretch money, buy a larger bottle in spring and use it up in a season. Our page on cheap sunscreen that works shows what to check on the label.

Also see how to read a skincare ingredient list when you pick the next bottle.

Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of the car and out of direct sun between uses.