Why does chapstick have an expiration date

Be sure to always wash your hands before touching your lips. Expired chapstick can have bacteria and fungus, which can cause skin issues and irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive. Lip balm: Good up to five years unopened and one to three years after first use. Mouthwash: Three years from manufacture date. Our cosmetic products are intended to last three years from date of manufacture, which can be determined by reading the lot code.

Answer: According to Carmex, being that their regular line of lip balm do not contain any water anhydrous there is no place in the product for bacteria to grow, therefore no expiration date!

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. The cream is stable for 6 months after first opening the tube. While chapsticks can temporarily soothe dry lips, they tend to have chemicals and flavors that can further irritate the skin, and in severe cases, trigger eczema and allergic contact dermatitis, Marchbein says.

Generally, lip balms last from 1 to 5 years. The longer all beauty and personal care products go without being opened, the longer they stay fresh. Once a lip balm has been exposed to the air, your lips, and possibly other surfaces or substances, the product begins to breed bacteria. It's tempting to hold on to old lip balms just in case.

But if an open tube has been floating around in a drawer or your bag for a couple of years, the product is probably not worth holding on to. Lip balms are generally inexpensive, so do yourself a favour and simply replace any questionable items. Sometimes, of course, you find a balm you love and want to buy more than one. If this is the case, make sure your investment is solid by using only one at a time. You'll waste less if you can restrain yourself from bouncing 10 or so glosses, balms, and lipsticks around in your purse or makeup bag.

Some of our favourites are:. Go to your local dry cleaner. There also may be resources online. Our Company is always researching new flavor trends and ideas to keep our product portfolio fresh for consumers. For the most up to date information on new products and product announcements, follow us on Facebook!