Shampoo expiration is a hidden danger lurking in your bathroom cabinet. The bottle you’ve been holding onto for months might be more than just ineffective it could be harming your scalp and hair. The truth about shampoo’s shelf life and what happens when it goes bad is something every hair care routine needs to address.
Does Shampoo Expire?
Shampoo and conditioner certainly do expire, even though the FDA does not require cosmetics, including shampoos, to include expiration dates. Once a bottle is opened, it’s exposed to air, moisture, and bacteria, which can start to break down the preservatives and formulas within the product.
Over time, this causes the shampoo to lose its effectiveness. Hair care products, including shampoos, are designed to cleanse and moisturize, but their ability to do so diminishes as they age.
Once opened, the preservatives in shampoo begin to degrade, which can lead to the product becoming less effective at cleaning your hair. Not only will it fail to clean and moisturize as intended, but the bacteria and fungi that build up over time can also irritate your scalp.
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How Long Does Shampoo Last?
Unopened shampoo typically lasts for about three years after purchase. However, the clock starts ticking once the bottle is opened. After opening, most shampoos are good for about 18 months, although this period can be shorter for products that do not contain preservatives. Natural shampoos, or those without artificial preservatives, tend to last only 6 to 12 months after being opened.
Many brands include a “period after opening” symbol on their packaging. This symbol looks like an open lid and is usually followed by a number like “12M,” “18M,” or “24M,” which tells you how many months the product is good for after opening. If your shampoo doesn’t have this information, you can generally assume that it will last about 18 months once opened.
How Do You Know If Shampoo Has Gone Bad?
If you can’t remember when you opened that old bottle or aren’t sure if it’s still safe to use, there are a few clear signs that will indicate whether your shampoo has gone bad. One of the first things to check is the product’s appearance. If the shampoo has become lumpy, separated, or changed color, it’s time to say goodbye to that bottle.
Another clear indicator that shampoo is past its prime is an off smell. If the shampoo has an unpleasant or sour odor, it has likely spoiled and is no longer safe to use. If the product doesn’t lather well anymore, that’s another sign it’s time to toss it out.
What Happens If You Use Expired Shampoo?
Using expired shampoo may not always harm your hair directly, but you won’t be pleased with the results. As shampoos lose their effectiveness over time, they fail to cleanse your hair properly. Instead of leaving your hair fresh and clean, expired shampoo may leave behind residues that make your hair look dull and lifeless. This is because it won’t cleanse your scalp effectively, leading to buildup and lackluster hair.
More concerning, however, is the risk of using shampoo that contains bacteria or fungi. If your shampoo has gone bad, it may irritate your scalp, leading to itching, dandruff, and other skin problems.
How To Keep Shampoo From Going Bad?
There are several ways to help extend their shelf life and ensure they remain effective for as long as possible. Store your shampoo in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet or linen closet, away from humidity and heat. Exposure to sunlight and warmth can speed up the degradation process, so a cool and dry environment is ideal.
Always make sure to close the shampoo bottle tightly after each use. This helps prevent moisture and air from getting inside the bottle, which can accelerate spoilage. If you have a bottle that’s nearly empty, avoid sticking your fingers into the bottle, as this can introduce bacteria. Instead.
