Makeup and Shelf Life: How Heat Affects Expiration Dates

Makeup and Shelf Life: How Heat Affects Expiration Dates

Most makeup has expiration dates for a reason — once preservatives break down, bacteria can grow, formulas lose potency, and products stop working as intended.

But here’s what most people don’t know: heat accelerates that process.

🧴 What changes:

  • Preservatives break down faster in high temperatures.

  • Oils and actives degrade, causing formulas to spoil before the printed date.

  • SPF and vitamin C lose effectiveness in days if exposed to heat.

How to fix it:

  • Store makeup below 77°F.

  • Use insulated storage on hot days or when traveling.

  • Discard products that change color, smell, or texture.

Think of makeup like skincare — how you store it matters as much as how you apply it.

 

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