Hello sunshine and bye-bye untanned legs! The summer is all about getting a nice tan and sunbathing is the only thing you can do to get that beautiful sun-kissed look. You need to liberally apply sunscreen before you head out into the sun. Before you start digging your bathroom cabinet for a bottle of sunscreen to slather on, you have to check the expiry date. Wait! Does sunscreen expire? Well, yes. It does. In this blog, we tell you all about how long sunscreen lasts!
When does sunscreen expire?
Unfortunately, sunscreen doesn’t last forever. Most sunscreens can be used for up to 12 months after opening. The shelf life of SPF is indicated by the sign of an open jar with a number and the letter M. (for months) In general, sunscreen is marked with 12M, but there are some exceptions with 18M and even 24M.
Although it is not advised to use an SPF that has been opened for more than a year, you can still use it. Just keep in mind that your sunscreen provides less protection – or even none at all. Why? Well, if sunscreen has been exposed to heat, direct sunlight, moisture and bacteria, it deteriorates much faster and loses protection. For an SPF 30, the protection in the second year after opening has gone down to SPF 15.
There are warning signs that tell you if your sunscreen has expired. Always check the colour, smell, look and feel of your sun cream bottle. Has your sunscreen changed colour? Does it have a gritty texture? Is the smell different than usual? Then it’s time to toss your sun cream and shop for a new bottle!
How to store sunscreen
The shelf life of sunscreen is affected not only by how long it’s been open, but also by how the product is stored. The more your sunscreen is exposed to direct sunlight, heat and moisture, the faster the SPF decreases. It’s essential that you properly store your sunscreen to enjoy maximum protection, even if you use SPF every day.
The best tip is to never leave your sunscreen in full sunlight. You can wrap the bottle in a towel, clothes, or put it in a (cool) bag. At home, it’s best to store your sunscreen in a dark and dry place. That way, you can safely use the sunscreen even 12 months after opening.
How long does unopened sunscreen last?
Your favourite sunscreen is now reduced in price, and stocking up may seem like a great way to save some pounds. Your wallet will be grateful, and you’re never out of sunscreen! However, buying sunscreen in bulk is not the best idea in the world. Unopened SPF products should have a shelf life of up to three years, but only when you store them properly. If you don’t want to affect the SPF while the package is still closed, it’s best not to expose it to (sun) light, heat and moisture. When stored in a dark and dry place, the sunscreen should last until the indicated expiry date.
How long does a bottle of sunscreen last?
Although many people are concerned about the shelf life of a bottle of sunscreen, the question is whether this should be an issue at all. If you want to be fully protected, it’s recommended that adults apply at least 30 ml of sunscreen every time. It’s also essential that you reapply your SPF every two hours, because sweating, moving and friction reduce the protection. Reapplying every two hours applies to all sunscreens, no matter which SPF you use. Spending a nice 8-hour day at the beach requires 120 ml of sunscreen. For each person! Since most SPF products contain 200 ml, your bottle of sun cream should last for a maximum of two long days of sunbathing.
Checklist: Sunscreen shelf life
Can or can’t you use sunscreen for more than a year? That depends on several things. Use this sunscreen shelf life checklist for safe sunbathing!
- A sunscreen with a 12M mark is safe to use for a year. Within this year, it provides the SPF as stated on the packaging. Just look for the open jar sign with a number and M.
- An opened bottle of sunscreen can still be used after one year. Just keep in mind that the SPF is cut down in half after one year. Your sunscreen will offer way less protection than stated on the packaging.
- Always check how the sunscreen looks, feels and smells, even if it’s within the expiry date! Discolouration, a gritty texture and an odd smell are all warning signs that tell you to toss your sun cream and buy a new bottle.
- If you own an open bottle of sunscreen for more than a year, you may want to ask yourself if you liberally apply the sun cream. Adults should use at least 30 ml at a time to get the best protection. A 200 ml sunscreen bottle is enough for 6 to 7 applications.
- Always store your sunscreen in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Sunlight, heat and moisture all affect the shelf life of SPF products. It’s best not to leave your sun cream in the sun if you want to retain the maximum SPF. This also applies to unopened sunscreen bottles.
- Don’t stock up on sunscreens when they’re on sale. Even unopened bottles of sunscreen can degrade in SPF.
