Can I still use a moisturizing cream that has expired? How to tell if a moisturizing cream has expired?

Cream is an indispensable product in skin care products. Its function is similar to that of lotion. Its function is to cover the surface of the skin to form a protective film, which can effectively replenish and lock moisture. So, can you still use moisturizing cream if it’s expired?

Can I still use my moisturizing cream if it's expired?

Can't. When a facial cream expires, its texture changes and its main active ingredients lose their effectiveness. If used as usual, not only will it fail to achieve the desired skin care effect, it may also be harmful to the skin, such as causing skin allergies.

Can I use the facial cream that has just expired?

Products that have been expired for a long time, have obviously deteriorated in texture, have water and oil separation, and contain mold, should never be used. I believe everyone can do this. But can you use a facial cream that has just expired? Theoretically, it is possible, but it is not recommended to use on the face. Although the substances in a facial cream that has just expired may not have completely deteriorated, it is still best not to use it just in case. If you are afraid of wasting it, you can use it to wipe your feet or hands. It is not recommended to use it on your face.

How long is the shelf life of facial cream?

The shelf life of facial creams from different brands varies. Generally speaking, the shelf life of unopened facial cream is about three years, but it is best to use it up within 3-4 months after opening. Because the cream comes into contact with the air after opening, it will inevitably be contaminated by bacteria and microorganisms in the air, which accelerates the oxidation of the cream and causes the effectiveness of the cream to be lost faster. Therefore, the shelf life of the cream after opening will be shortened to 3-4 months. Of course, the shelf life after opening depends mainly on the environment you live in, whether it is the cold and dry type in the north, or the hot and humid type in the south. If it is in the south, the shelf life after opening will be about 3 months shorter than the expiration date provided on the package. Conversely, if it is in the north, it can be 1 month longer than the expiration date on the package.

How to tell if your face cream is expired

1. Oil floating: The problem of oil floating is a sign of oxidation. It is best to discard it immediately and not use it again, otherwise it will cause skin allergies.

2. Discoloration: The color change occurs because of the production of bacteria, usually turning yellow or black.

3. Spotting: Green, yellow and other mold spots appear on the surface, which is caused by mold contamination due to moisture.

How to turn expired facial cream into something valuable

1. Although the skin care effect of expired facial cream will not be ideal, its effect in improving dry skin is still worth affirming. It also has the effect of removing pigmentation on dark areas such as knees and elbows.

2. In winter, the hair has serious static electricity, but in spring, the short strands of hair become more proud and fly on top of the head. Using expired facial cream to touch your hair and broken hair can not only reduce static electricity, smooth out the small broken hair on the top of the head, but also make the hair soft. Usage: Apply the cream evenly on your hands first and then apply it on the surface or middle and tail of your hair.

3. Take more expired cream and apply it on a clean cotton pad. Then wrap the cotton pad around the nails you want to exfoliate and cover them with plastic wrap. Remove after 10 minutes to soften and remove dead skin.

4. Leather shoes often get minor scratches during use. You can take a small amount of expired facial cream and apply it back and forth on the scratches with a cotton swab to completely remove it and restore it to its original state. It is also suitable for wallets, handbags, etc.

5. Take expired facial cream and apply it on the glass or coffee table with crayon scratches, then wipe it repeatedly with cotton pads or rags to easily and thoroughly remove the crayon marks and make the glass clean again.