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by the color of that pale face last halloween may seem like the perfect final touch to this year’s dress – Especially if it’s been lying unused in your drawer since your Pac-Man debut. But dermatologists and makeup artists say reaching for old products may have hidden risks.
While reusing makeup may seem both budget-friendly and less wasteful, expired products can cause irritation, infection, or even skin damage. and with many more halloween cosmetics When sold online or at seasonal pop-ups, experts say the dangers can extend well beyond expiration dates.
For starters, customers should Review the product’s packaging and ingredient list before purchasing. Dr. Gloria Lynne, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, explains Independent How “unregulated” the cosmetic industry is is that cosmetic products are required to be tested before purchasing them, meaning consumers must be wary of certain ingredients.
“Be careful with what you buy on the Internet. Often not all of the ingredients found in products are listed on the packaging. If the ingredients list is not in English or some of the words seem to be in another language, it may be best to avoid it, as it may be a counterfeit product or sold illegally,” Lin said, noting that use “trusted makeup brands that are for professional stage or theater makeup.” It’s often worth the extra money.
Even when using high-end makeup, people should make sure they are patch testing by applying a small amount of the product to the inside of their arm to see if fragrances, colors or preservatives trigger any allergic reactions.
On the packaging, there is also usually a “period after opening” (PAO) symbol that resembles an opened container with a number reading 6M. This means the product should be thrown away six months after opening.
“Even if the package is not opened, makeup will eventually expire,” Lynn continued. “To be safe, I would recommend keeping it unsealed or unopened for up to a year. However, if it has a strange color, texture, appearance, or smell, you should not use it.”
Stephen Davis, professional makeup artist and theater makeup instructor at Centenary University, tells Independent Makeup can fade even faster when exposed to extreme temperature changes, such as when stored in a basement, attic or garage.
The best way to tell if makeup has worn off is to look for separation, a different texture, or a bad smell. The biggest concern when using expired makeup is the additional growth of bacteria, which begins to breed “when the sponge, brush or applicator touches a person’s face and then goes back into the product,” Davis said. “Over time, bacteria multiply, especially in cream or liquid products. When contaminated makeup is reapplied months – or even years – later, it can cause skin irritation, rashes or infection.”
eye productsS are particularly risky. Expired mascara or eyeliner can contain bacteria that cause infections like conjunctivitis, while old foundation and concealer can oxidize and change color, making them both unsafe and ineffective.
When it comes to using makeup past Halloween, the safest way to avoid any skin complications is to purchase new products every year. “Check the expiration dates of your products, store them properly, and when in doubt, replace them with professional-grade dramatic makeup that meets FDA standards,” Davis said.
Because while fake blood and gory scars are encouraged, a real-life rash or eye infection is one scare you can skip this spooky season.