Does Expired Sunscreen Still Work?

When it comes to protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, we rely on our trusty sunscreens to keep us safe. But have you ever wondered if expired sunscreen still works? The answer might surprise you.

Mineral sunscreens with active ingredients of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide degrade over time, lowering the sunscreen's potency. A sunscreen that’s expired will not work as well and increases your chance of getting a sunburn. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, undergo oxidation, a chemical reaction that alters their composition and efficacy.

But what exactly happens when sunscreen expires? Over time, the ingredients can spoil or separate, compromising the product's integrity and leaving you at risk for serious sun damage. Even if stored correctly, chemical sunscreens can lose their effectiveness over time.

On the other hand, zinc oxide-based sunscreens do not expire and do not lose their ability to protect skin from UV rays. As long as they are stored properly, they should be effective right up until the expiration date.

According to board-certified dermatologists, expired sunscreen is not something you want to use. 'Like food, sunscreen can go bad and the ingredients can 'spoil,'' says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He advises against using an expired sunscreen six months after its expiration date.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Some sunscreens can be used after the expiration date, but it's crucial to check their effectiveness. A board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Dr. Shari Marchbein, says that while you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next, it's essential to ensure its quality.

In general, creamy sunscreens tend to work better than gels or sprays and can provide protection for longer periods. But even with proper storage, chemical sunscreens may lose their effectiveness over time.

So what's the takeaway? If you're concerned about using expired sunscreen, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard any sunscreen that has reached its expiration date. Remember, your skin is worth taking extra precautions to protect it from the sun's harmful rays.

Does expired sunscreen still work