Does moisturizer expire?

Yes. Most face creams and moisturizers keep about three years unopened and 12 months after opening, the 12M symbol on the pack. Jars you dip into go off sooner than pumps and tubes.

Unopenedabout 36 months
After opening12 months (12M)

General cosmetics guidance for moisturizer, not a brand promise. A date or open-jar symbol printed on your pack always wins.

How old is yours? Check the batch code

Where to find the date on moisturizer

The batch code is on the base of the jar or bottle or on the crimp of the tube; the open-jar symbol is on the label or the box.

Signs your moisturizer has gone off

Moisturizer brands people check most

Nivea Neutrogena L'Oréal CeraVe Dove The Ordinary Garnier Vaseline Charlotte Tilbury Yves Saint Laurent Aveeno Bioré Laura Mercier Mary Kay Caudalie Elemis Chanel Simple Bath & Body Works Clarins Tom Ford Medik8 The Body Shop Burt's bees

Moisturizer expiry: common questions

How long does moisturizer last after opening?

About 12 months for most; a jar you dip into is best used within 6 to 12 months.

Can expired moisturizer cause breakouts?

It can. Preservatives weaken with age, and bacteria in an old opened cream can irritate the skin.

What does the 12M symbol mean?

It is the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, an open jar with a number: 12M means use within 12 months of opening.

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