Using expired lipstick risks bacterial infections, cold sores, irritation (redness, dryness, itching), breakouts, and allergic reactions because of bacterial/fungal growth, rancidity, and changes in formula, leading to issues like infections, inflammation, or even potential long-term health concerns if heavy metals are absorbed, making it best to discard it when it smells off, changes texture, or passes its "period after opening" (PAO) date, typically 1-2 years after opening.
You may experience breakouts, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or rashes. Expired lipsticks can bring mouth related ailments like cold sores.
No. A five-year-old lipstick has completely degraded preservatives and likely contains harmful bacteria. The shelf life maximum is two years opened, three years sealed. Discard old products regardless of appearance.
Cracks and Mold on Lipstick
The first step to check whether a lipstick is still good to use is look to at the appearance of the lipstick. Examine the surface of your lipstick for visible cracks or any signs of mold growth. These are clear indicators that the lipstick has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
An easy way to check is to wave the lipstick over a flame and see if the white stuff melts. If it melts, it's just crystallized wax. If it doesn't, it's mold.
Unopened lipsticks may last 2–5 years, depending on the ingredients and packaging. A cool, dark storage space helps keep them fresh longer. Even so, no lipstick lasts forever. If it has been sitting unused for several years, always check for smell or texture changes before applying.
Viruses and bacteria can linger on sticky surfaces like lipsticks, balms and ointments for hours to days, so it's important to not gloss over the risks.
Here's some general advice on when it's time to replace your cosmetics based on the product and when you opened it:
As lipstick ages, it typically starts to fade or darken. You may even notice a color difference between the tip and base of the lipstick. Similarly, there may be white specs in the color that weren't previously there. Look for these signs that the lipstick might be expired.
Using eyeliner that is 15 to 20 years old can be very harmful to your eye health. Over time, cosmetics can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus, especially if they've been used repeatedly or stored improperly. These microorganisms can lead to eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or stye.
While trying to reuse makeup that is old, your lipstick is a very versatile product. You can use it as an eyeshadow shade as an eyeliner and even a colour corrector. If you are curious about how to reuse broken lipstick, you can simply depot it and use it as a blush or colour corrector!
The longest-lasting lipsticks often feature matte liquid formulas, with Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink frequently praised for its incredible staying power (up to 16 hours and through meals). Other top contenders include Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond (glossy but transfer-proof), Dior Rouge Dior Forever, and formulas like MAC's Matte Lipsticks or Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution for reliable wear, with brands like Sephora Collection and L'Oréal also offering strong options.
Typical shelf lives include:
Lipsticks: 12–18 months. Powder eyeshadow: 24 months.
Using expired lipstick can be surprisingly harmful. As products age, their ingredients degrade, potentially producing harmful compounds. These deteriorated substances may irritate your lips, causing flakiness and dark patches.
Steps:
Lipstick can harbor bacteria, especially if it doesn't contain preservatives. The oils in lipstick can become rancid -- mostly oils with an unstable shelf life have been used, but in some cases you can still continue to use it if it smells and looks the same as when you opened it.
Why does my lipstick smell bad? If you twist up your lipstick and get a strong waxy, crayon like smell, it is a major red flag. Even if the color still looks fine on your lips, a crayon scent usually means the oils have gone rancid. At that point, it is time to say goodbye.
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
Can lipstick actually grow mold? Yes. Lipstick contains oils, waxes, and emollients that provide food for mold spores. Humidity, contaminated brushes, and expired preservatives create conditions where fungal growth thrives on the bullet surface and inside the tube.
Lipstick and lip gloss
Your mouth is home to 700 species of bacteria and other microbes, which can easily make their way into your lip products. Because of this, lipsticks should be replaced every 1 to 2 years.
Older makeup products are more likely to trigger skin irritation or acne-like breakouts. They can also contain bacteria and oils that can clog pores, encourage acne, or lead to infection.
A common misconception is expired makeup is safe to use, but this isn't always the case. Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth.
"Forbidden Lipstick" refers to a specific, popular line of intensely pigmented, moisturizing lipsticks from the natural makeup brand Rituel de Fille, known for bold colors, a semi-matte finish, and ingredients like castor oil, jojoba, and lavender, offering a natural, cruelty-free alternative to conventional cosmetics. The name evokes daring, rich hues like deep reds and berries, often using natural pigments, with shades like "Carnal," "Written in Blood," and "Fortune Teller".
A red dye is extracted from the females of a scaled insect species found in Mexico and Central America. It's been reported that more than 70,000 of these beetles are killed to produce just 1 pound of dye, which can be found in many cosmetics and other products. Don't believe us?
Obvious Signs Of Mold Growth
Mold on lipstick usually appears as fuzzy spots on the surface of the bullet. These spots can be green, black, white, gray, or even slightly pink. Things that are usually not mold: Raised bumps without fuzz, which can just be oils pressing out and drying on the outside.