Does suntan lotion expire??

[SusanMac]

Just wondering. I have an SPF 15 from Avon (the Skin So Soft stuff) that is now several years old (mainly because we always seem to have 4-5 bottles lying around) Is it still good? Or does the effectiveness wane after a certain amount of time?

[BarbaraL]

Yes, sunscreen does expire. You'll notice sunscreen you buy today has an expiration date. I think it's more than a year; maybe two or three. Look on your sunscreen and see if there's a toll-free number; if there is, call it and give them the lot number (this will be printed on the tube). They'll be able to tell you if it's still good.

[wallycat]

unless you're using something that is solely titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (like dermatone)....those are minerals and can't expire.

[funnybone]

I read somewhere recently that it DOES expire. It may lose its SPF factor and not provide you with the protection you should be getting.

[SusanMac]

I forgot about the fact that these are just basic minerals. Then you don't know if the expiration date is just a marketing gig like the drink companies use (bottled water often now has expiration dates. yeah, right!)

[funnybone]

I found the following info at: http://www.americansun.org/pages/sunscreen.htm

Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Look for an expiration date. Sunscreens have a shelf life of about 2 years after which time the chemicals separate from the solution. If your sunscreen feels gritty, the chemicals have likely separated and it should be thrown away.




So, I guess that it is okay unless it is "gritty".