1. First, Check For An Expiration Date
The first way to check is obvious. Check for an expiration date! Look for a "best before date" or "expiry date" on the packaging, which typically ranges from three months to two years from the manufacturing date. However, sometimes the date can get misplaced. If there is no date listed on your product, if it got lost in the packaging, or maybe it rubbed off over time, don't worry! There are other ways to figure out whether your product is well past its glory days. If you've had your product for more than a year or two, it's most likely time to switch it out.
2. Look Out For Any Physical Changes
Another thing you can do is look for any changes in the smell, color, or texture of the product. The product might have separated, which can happen if there is a decrease in the preservatives over time. It's also important to look for clumps, which could be a sign of bacteria growth. Additionally, the color and texture of the product might be different from the original, and there could even be an off-putting smell. Pay attention to any of these physical changes and discard the product if any of them become noticeable, as this is likely a sign the product has gone bad. Always inspect how a product looks, smells, and feels before using it to make sure it is safe and effective.
3. Make Sure It's Still Working
Lastly, check to see if the product still offers the same results as before, as this could be another indicator that the product has gone bad. The product might still look and smell ok, but does it still work like it used to? Depending on the product, any decrease in performance could be a sign it's expired. For example, serums might not feel as thick if the product has expired, or cleansers might not foam up as much. If you notice the product no longer offers the same results, chances are it has expired and should be thrown out.