Can Deodorant Go Bad
Like other cosmetic products, deodorants usually have an expiry date, of about 2 to 3 years from manufacturing. Since most people use deodorants daily, so they rarely check the expiry date. Using bad deodorants can cause bacterial infections If there is no expiry date, inspect your deodorant carefully for molds.
The natural ingredients used in making deodorant eventually get infected by bacteria, but they also go bad. When using expired deodorant, the chemicals within the product are likely to be less effective or more irritating than they would be otherwise. If you use expired deodorant, you may end up with skin breakouts, allergic reactions, irritation, or developing some other skin-related issue, like dry skin. Using expired cosmetics, like deodorant, can potentially lead to skin irritation — such as contact dermatitis — because the ingredients break down.
Deodorant has a small advantage over other expired cosmetics products, as it is specially designed to eliminate bacteria that causes smell. Deodorant falls into the category of wellness and beauty, just like every other cosmetic and hygiene product, it also expires. Deodorants have an expiration date in order to make sure when you use it, you are getting the most out of the product, and that it is doing the job for which it was purchased.
| How to identify an expired deodorant | Shelf Life |
| If the deodorant gets less fragrant or gives irritation/allergic reaction to the skin then it has gone bad. | 6-12 months |
| Using expired deodorant, causes allergic reactions, irritation, or developing some other skin-related issue. | Closed deodorants can last for more than a year. |
After an expiration date, you are allowed to use a deodorant up to 6 months past its expiration due to it being safe still. How long most deodorants can be used depends on many factors, and that time can range from a couple months to up to three years. An all-natural deodorant is good for your skin, but you will need to throw it away near the 6-month mark due to its perishable ingredients. If you are making your own natural deodorant at home, mark it to give yourself a clearer idea of how long you will be able to use it.
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If you are using conventional deodorant, it is possible you can get away with using it for years after the initial purchase. Once you have opened the deodorant and started using it, you want to either finish it within one year or throw it away. If you have deodorant on the shelf for some time, you are fine using it unless it shows signs of deterioration. Keeping the seal of the deodorant intact during use is arguably the biggest factor that will determine its durability.
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Whether you are using antiperspirant or deodorant, a general rule is to decant after about six months to one year. Most experts recommend between a 6 months to 1 year shelf life of both deodorants and antiperspirants, depending on brand and ingredients (again, to reiterate does deodorants expire?). While it is fine to use expired deodorants and antiperspirants up to one year, do not assume that they are still effective after that. While it is okay to use outdated deodorants and antiperspirants up to one year past their expiration dates, do not think that they are still working (otherwise, you might get this situation with BOs and offices getting crushed).
On average, deodorants will last one to three years after production, but store-bought products will have an extremely obvious expiration date written on the packaging. Most deodorants are made to last several years past the manufacturing date, so unless you are buying your beauty products wholesale, chances are that you do not need to worry about the deodorant expiring. There are some types of deodorants that do not come with a specific expiration date, instead, they are marked with something like, Best for 12 months after you open it. If the company does choose to show a deodorant expiration date, it is typically found on the back or at the bottom of the product package, in small type.
Depending on the type of deodorant you are using, deodorant expiration dates are usually located on the bottom of the bottle, like the one shown in the picture above. In the event there is not an expiration date mentioned on the deodorant and it is more than one year old, your best option is to throw it away and get a new one. If you have a tendency to forget how old your deodorant is (I am 100% guilty of this), you can always try writing down the date you purchased it on the bottle.
Due to deodorants antibacterial ingredients, some experts suggest using your deodorant about three years after its manufacturing date. The FDA has not established a expiration date for deodorant, so will need to rely on the shelf life of the ingredients themselves.
Traditional deodorants (deodorants that have aluminum salts in them) can and do expire, and are required by the FDA to include a printed expiration date on their packaging. While many conventional, natural deodorants list an expiration date, only antiperspirants are required to have one by the FDA, as they are considered over-the-counter medications (due to the fact that they literally impact the amount of sweat you produce, blocking sweat pores with aluminum salts). Natural deodorants also do not contain any of the chemical preservatives, like parabens, which are used in personal care products to help extend shelf life.
The essential oils that are commonly used in natural deodorants to help mask body odors may eventually degrade. The oils and waxes that we use in deodorants eventually begin to turn rancid, much like any natural cooking oil would in your cabinet. In general, expired, non-hydrous products, like shaving butter, deodorant, and lip balm, can still function and do no harm, but expired, non-hydrous products can get gross or ineffective.
If you are using a natural deodorant daily, even the best ones will not last more than three or four months, so your chances of having expired deodorant are fairly slim (unless you have, say, two or three that you switch between daily). While it is probably okay to use an expired deodorant and antiperspirant for up to one year past its expiration date, do not just assume that it is still working (or you could end up with this BO-and-office-crushing situation). Never feel guilty about throwing out your deodorant (or any hygienic product) if you cannot trust that it is not going to trigger breakouts, allergies, or infections. Deodorants can be environmentally toxic and hard to save, so you might want to switch out yours for a homemade deodorant that has natural ingredients.
What happens if I use expired deodorant?
Antiperspirants and deodorants that have expired won’t likely be harmful to your health. To achieve the optimum benefits, you should change your deo every six to twelve months if you’ve used or opened it because the product’s formula or aroma may deteriorate. Closed deodorants can last for more than a year.
When should you throw out deodorant?
Deodorant should be thrown out after one to 3 years as a general rule. Most individuals seldom need to abide by this guideline because they use deodorant on a regular basis. If you’re unsure of when you purchased your deodorant, start by checking the expiration date (which is often on the bottom).
Where do you store deodorant?
Deodorant may melt in the heat of the sun and turn stickier, just like any other cosmetic product. So always keep in mind to keep it out of the sun or any other heat source. Keep your purse in a cool area or keep it in the shade if you want to carry deodorant with you.