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You reach into the back of your closet or rummage through your beach bag and find a bottle sunshade last summer – or was it two summers ago?
But before applying it, there is one thing you should get in the habit of checking: the expiration date of the product. Yes, that date actually do matter.
The biggest problem with using expired sunscreen is that it does not provide the stated SPF or sun protection factor, which can lead to sunburn and increase your risk of sun damage and skin cancerdermatologist Dr. Joyce Park – founder of Skin refinery and content creator @teawithmd – told HuffPost. So it is bIt is better to be safe than sorry and throw away an expired product.
“Ingredients in sunscreen break down over time, so after the expiration date we don’t actually know how effective that sunscreen is at protecting your skin from UV rays,” she said. “This essentially makes the sunscreen useless.”
This applies to both chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens (here’s an explanation of the differences between the two if you’re curious). The filters used in chemical sunscreens (such as avobenzone and octinoxate) “tend to oxidize and lose their effectiveness over time”, dermatologist Dr. Shasa Huassociate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, to HuffPost.
While the filters in mineral sunscreens – such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – don’t have the same problem, other ingredients in these formulas still going badwhich reduces the product’s ability to properly protect your skin.
For people with very sensitive skin, using expired sunscreen can lead to skin allergies or irritant dermatitis, Hu noted.
That said, using expired sunscreen in a pinch is better than not using sunscreen at all.
“If you are stuck in a situation where you have no other option but to use an expired bottle, please go ahead and choose that instead of having no protection at all,” Hu said. “Most people will not react negatively to expired sunscreen. To compensate for the reduced effectiveness, you will need to apply more and reapply more often.
LeoPatrizi via Getty Images
How to check if sunscreen has expired
Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about three years. The expiration date can usually be found on the top rim of a tube, the bottom of a bottle or aerosol can, or somewhere on the label.
But not every sunscreen has an expiration date. If there is no date, it should be considered “expired three years after purchase.” according to the Food and Drug Administration.
To consider writing the month and year of purchase in permanent marker on the sunscreen container when you purchase it. That way you don’t have to rely on your memory to know when it expires. This is also useful if the expiration date on the label becomes smudged and difficult to read over time.
Other signs that a sunscreen has gone bad include a strange odor (which is a sign of bacterial contamination), clumping, separation or “significant pilling upon application to the skin,” Hu said. If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to toss it.
Opening the sunscreen must not accelerate the decay process, according to Consumer Reports testing. As long as it’s stored at room temperature, “it will maintain its level of protection if it’s still within that three-year period,” Susan Booth, project leader for sunscreen testing at Consumer Reports, told the publication. “We retested sunscreen samples from previous years’ tests after storing them in our laboratory and found no differences in performance.”
That being said, even if the SPF remains intact, “handling the sunscreen container with dirty handsor frequent opening and closing can expose the sunscreen to bacteria,” says dermatologist Erin Gilbert told Allure.
Sunscreen exposed to heat or sunlight “will likely lead to faster product degradation,” Hu said. So if so sat in your carFor example, you’ll probably have to throw it away sooner.
If you go outside, don’t forget to keep sunscreen in the shade, in a bag or wrapped in a towel. At home, it is best to store sunscreen in a cool, dry and dark place. So a damp bathroom is probably not the ideal place, but your bedroom or a closet might be.
Want a recommendation for a great mineral sunscreen? Dermatologists suggest the below.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made through links on this page. Each item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Dermatologist
Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum (SPF 46)
According to Camp, this sunscreen is technically a mineral and chemical sunscreen because it is formulated with both zinc and octinoxate. It also contains skincare-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E. It is great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Sephora
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops mineral milk sunscreen (SPF 30)
Sephora
Supergoop Mineral Sheer screen (SPF 30)
“This is a 100% mineral sunscreen product that provides SPF 30 protection,” Camp said. “The labeling also includes information about protection against UVA rays, PA (UVA protection rating), which many sunscreens do not report.” It also protects the skin against blue light. It’s completely transparent so you don’t have to worry about a white cast and has a lightweight finish that won’t weigh down your skin.
Violet Gray
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow sunscreen (SPF 40)
A personal favorite, this Dr. Loretta sunscreen is ideal for anyone who wants a mineral sunscreen, but with a lightweight, silky finish that you normally only get from chemical SPFs. Zinc, antioxidants and botanical extracts provide protection against sun damage while helping to improve fine lines, dark spots and other signs of aging, leaving skin soft, smooth and nourished. I have found that it blends beautifully with other skincare products and makeup, does not pill and gives the skin the perfect amount of glow without feeling greasy.
Goal
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
“This lightweight, non-greasy product provides SPF 50 protection and contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient,” says Camp. It is specially formulated with antioxidants to be water resistant, is of natural origin and dries quickly without leaving a greasy finish.
Sephora
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum (SPF 30)
Made with pure zinc oxide, botanicals, and antioxidants like bisabolol, willow bark, and resveratrol, this pure sunscreen can help blur pores and reduce shine, even out skin tone and soothe redness or irritation. It is perfect for someone who prefers a silky matte finish.
Amazon
CeraVe Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Camp recommended this CeraVe classic, saying, “This SPF facial sunscreen contains zinc and titanium to protect skin from the sun, as well as ceramides to maintain skin barrier health.” It is a great combination of both skin care and sun protection.
Sephora
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Want to go a little fancy? This beautiful sunscreen from luxury skincare brand Tatcha is made with extracts of zinc oxide and red algae that protect the skin from harmful rays, blue light and pollution. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and even skin tone and texture, and silk extracts to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and act as a smooth primer for makeup. It leaves the skin feeling silky and soft.
Dermwinkel
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
You can’t go wrong with SkinCeuticals products—they’re all about the health and radiance of your skin. This tinted mineral sunscreen not only provides broad-spectrum protection, but also gives your skin a radiant, even glow without leaving a white cast or oily residue. It’s lightweight and water-resistant, making it perfect for a day at the beach.
Ilya Beauty
Ilia Super Serum skin tint (SPF 40)
Talk about a multitasking product! This serum provides coverage and saturates your skin with nourishing ingredients like regular serums do, while protecting your skin from sun damage. It has a dewy finish and can help reduce dryness, acne, redness, wrinkles, and more. It’s a great option for those who want a little more coverage but have sensitive skin.
Amazon
Malin + Goetz mineral sunscreen (SPF 30)
For an ultra-clean, soft finish, try Malin + Goetz’s mineral sunscreen. It has a water-resistant formula that is instantly absorbed and provides reliable sun protection. I was hesitant about the relatively low amount of SPF, but my partner recently took it to Australia for a few weeks and returned with no sun damage.
Dermwinkel
La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultralight Sunscreen (SPF 50)
I love this waterproof French apothecary product and find myself using it every summer. It’s packed with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and is specially formulated for sensitive skin like mine. It’s one of the few SPFs that don’t clog my pores and cause breakouts. It doesn’t leave a white cast on my olive skin, although this might be the case on a more melanous skin tone. It has a soft, matte finish and is packed with skin-caring antioxidants.
