Does Shampoo Expire?
Yes, shampoo expires regardless of whether it is opened or sealed. Typically, shampoos have a shelf life of 1-2 years. While it’s rare that you’ll locate an expiration date printed on the container, you will almost certainly see a symbol on the rear of the bottle that looks something like an opened bottle.
When this symbol is used, the number is usually 12 or 24, and the ‘M’ represents month. This mark indicates that your shampoo is good for the next 12 or 24 months after you unseal and open it, depending on the manufacturer. Possibly as a result of opening the bottle, you’re exposing the shampoo or conditioner to oxygen and germs, which will cause the ingredients to gradually wear down or decay over time.
The majority of shampoo products have an expiration date of 12 or 24 months. So, if you’re the kind who rarely uses hair care products and can get by with a shampoo bottle that lasts more than a year, attempt to keep track of the month in which you purchased a new bottle.
What Makes Shampoos Expire?
Shampoos that have been stored for too long begin to undergo chemical change. This means that the new formed chemical compounds no longer work as effectively as the initial product.
If you are using a shampoo that is made from too many active components, the efficiency of the shampoo will decline dramatically after the expiration date.
What Happens if You Use Expired Shampoo?
Using shampoo that has passed its expiration date can cause your hair to appear dull and less clean than you would anticipate.
According to Rivera, a shampoo that has expired may cause excessive itching or irritation to your scalp as a result of the shampoo’s chemicals that have changed.
If you wind up using expired shampoo, it is highly unlikely that it will be hazardous to your scalp; nevertheless, chronic use of expired shampoo may result in an infection or dryness of scalp. It rarely harms your hair or color, but if you have colored hair, it may react with the chemicals in your hair dye, which could be unpredictably bad.
Manufacturers of Shampoos Are Not Required to Label Expiration Dates
Companies that manufacture personal care products, like makeup, skin care, and hair care products, are not required to label their products with an expiration date under federal or state regulations.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, many products will provide a “period after opening” recommendation. This period generally refers to the amount of time you may expect the shampoo to function well or be safe for use after it has been opened.
Shampoos that Contain Organic Compounds Expire Faster
Some shampoos contain chemicals and preservatives that allow the product to retain freshness for months or even years after it is opened. Although organic and paraben and sulfate-free shampoos are generally considered to be of higher quality, they should be utilized before their indicated use-by date or disposed of after expiry date.
How to Tell Shampoo Has Gone Bad
Shampoo that has expired will soon begin to exhibit physical changes. In other words, the smell, texture, and color of the product should begin to appear unusual to the point that it no longer looks or smells right. If you try to use it, it may not even lather well or may leave a sticky residue on your skin. It is possible that the contents will separate and that it will smell bad.
Some telltale indicators of expired shampoo include:
- having an unusual odor
- having developed a clumpy appearance
- being discolored
- not appearing to be functioning as effectively as it once did
How to Store Shampoo to Make it Last Long
Take the following steps to your shampoo to guarantee that it does not lose its effectiveness before its indicated use by date:
- When you’re finished with it, make sure to close it properly.
- Keep shampoo that has not been opened away from extreme heat or direct sunlight.
- Keep the shampoo bottle in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.
- Prevent exposure to water droplets or other items that could react with and contaminate the shampoo.