It happens that you relegate that body scrub to the back of the cabinet or shelf. Or, maybe you’re just worried about not being able to use it before it expires. So do body scrubs expire?
Body scrubs will go bad. However, it’s probably safe to use if it appears and smells normal. If the scrub has changed in color, consistency, or smell, it has expired.
Continue reading as we go into more detail about this and discuss what could make them expire. We’ll also discuss how long body scrubs are good for.
Do Body Scrubs Expire?
Yes, body scrub has a shelf life. All scrubs have a best-before date on the bottom and will last between 6 to 12 months.
It is probably safe to use if it appears and smells normal.
It’s time to throw away the scrub if it has changed in color, consistency, or smell.
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How Long Are Body Scrubs Good For?
So, we’ve told you that body scrubs can expire, but how long does a body scrub last?
If there isn’t an expiration date on the container, a body scrub’s typical life is about two years.
If you purchased your body scrub from a store, search for a tiny image of an open container with the numbers 6, 12, or 24 inside.
This indicates the length of time the product is effective. The symbol is probably absent from a scrub that is not mass-produced.
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t see an expiration date on your body scrub container because in the US, only a few products, like sunscreen, are required to have one.
Read More: Benefits of Body Scrub
What Causes Body Scrub to Expire?
You might be surprised to learn that almost all personal care and skincare items expire. Some are more likely to expire quicker than others, and it really comes down to their ingredients. Scrubs for the body are no exception.
Several factors can cause a body scrub to go bad, but those without preservatives have a shorter shelf life.
Moisture and bacteria entering the container of your body scrub are the two main causes of expiration. In the paragraphs that follow, we’ll go over each of these problems and how to avoid them.
Moisture
To lessen the chance of moisture getting inside, try to keep your body scrub container away from the direct flow of water.
To really reduce the risk of water getting inside your container, scoop some out beforehand into a separate bowl to take to the sink or shower with you. Humidity is another way that moisture might find its way into your container.
When not in use, think about keeping your body scrub outside of your bathroom to extend its shelf life.
Bacteria
If the body scrub is exposed to moisture, humidity, or heat, it can cause bacteria to grow or the scrub’s consistency to change. Scooping out your body scrub with a spoon beforehand reduces the possibility of bacteria from your hands getting into the scrub.
You should discard your body scrub if there are any indications of mold growth because bacteria cause mold.
Mold can occur at any time. Anything with fresh ingredients can develop mold. So even though the shelf life of your scrub may still be valid, mold may shorten that lifespan.
Remember this and abide by any storage instructions on the container. If the container doesn’t have any storage instructions, a good rule of thumb is to choose a cool, dry, dark place to store it.
You’ll be able to stay out of the heat, moisture, and light in this way. These are all things that could make your body scrub last less time.
How to Tell If Your Sugar Scrub is Bad?
Sometimes, if your body scrub isn’t properly stored, it can go bad before its expiration date. It’s a good idea to throw it away if you detect any unappealing odors, mold, or sudden changes in texture.
Since you should always err on the side of caution when choosing products for your skin, trust your gut if something seems off, especially if you frequently use sugar scrubs to exfoliate before or after shaving.
If you end up covered in a rash a few hours later, having incredibly smooth legs is not worth the risk.
Can I Use Expired Body Scrub?
It might be tempting to use a body scrub that is expired. It’s not like you’re putting it inside your body, but you did spend money on it.
However, your skin is sensitive, and the outside of your body is just as important as the inside.
What happens if you use expired body scrub?
Using an expired body scrub can lead to some dermatological problems. If the product has changed in appearance or odor in any way, do not use it. It might irritate your skin, lead to an outbreak of acne, or cause a rash.
Also, most beauty products begin to lose their effectiveness once they pass their expiration date. This means that it might not be able to do all the things it was meant to do. For instance, sun protection from expired sunscreen won’t be as effective.
With the risk of skin problems and the product possibly not working, you should cut your losses and throw expired products away.
Also Read: Can You Use Body Scrub on Your Face?
How to Store Body Scrub Properly?
It’s crucial to store your body scrub properly to extend its shelf life. Away from heat and direct sunlight, keep it in a cool, dry place.
Use a clean, dry spoon or spatula to scoop out the product from a jar or tub rather than dunk your fingers in it.
Some tips to maximize the shelf life of your body scrub include:
- Keep it in the fridge to extend its lifespan
- Use a clean, dry spoon or spatula to scoop out the product
- Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use
- Avoid exposing the product to heat and sunlight
Conclusion: Do Body Scrubs Expire
Hopefully, the information we’ve provided about the shelf life of body scrubs has been helpful. They can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the ingredients.
To extend their lifespan, be careful with how you handle, store, and use them.
But keep in mind, if the item appears to have changed in any way from its initial state, discard it and buy a new one!
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FAQs About Does Body Scrub Expire
What Happens If You Use Expired Body Scrub?
Your skin may become irritated, rashy, or break out in acne.
How Long Does Homemade Body Scrub Last?
In general, most homemade sugar scrubs will last around 6 months.
Do Tree Hut Sugar Scrubs Expire?
Sugar scrub does lose its effectiveness over time.
Do Sugar Scrubs Expire?
The truth is yes, sugar scrubs do expire, and it’s important to know when to toss them out.
