Is it Okay to Use Sunscreen from Last Year?

Now that the spring cleaning is almost done many of us are anxiously awaiting summer. As we pull out summer clothes, our child's summer play toys, and swimming accessories we come across last years sunscreen. Now is it safe to use sunscreen from a previous season or should we purchase a new bottle?

The first thing you should do when determining if your sunscreen is still usable is to check the expiration date. Most sunscreen bottles are printed with an expiration date even though some may be tricky to find. Most often I have found the dates on the bottom or the bottle or printed on the side. If the sunscreen has expired you want to toss it out. Things commonly do have a shelf life passed the expiration date, but sunscreen is not one of those items.

If your sunscreen passes the expiration date check the next thing you will want to do is examine it. Check the consistency; is it gooey or runny? If you answered yes than you will not want to use it. Smell the sunscreen to make sure that it does not have a funny odor. Next consider how you stored the sunscreen over the long winter. Was it stored in a cool, dark, and dry place? Or was it stored in your steamy bathroom. Ironically leaving sunscreen in the sun for prolonged periods of time (and in other places of of high heat) can actually change the consistency of the product.

If your sunscreen passed these simple tests than one can assume it is safe to use. The bottom line is sunscreen, if cared for properly, can have a shelf life of up to three years. You have to make the final decision in whether you want to use it or simply purchase a new bottle. Yes, we are all trying to save money but do you want to potentially compromise yours or your babies skin and health? At this point it becomes personal preference and what you are comfortable with.

Regardless if you use last years or buy new sunscreen keep this in mind. If you are using it properly throughout the season you should not have much left, unless you just purchased a brand new bottle at the end of the summer. Most sunscreens first have you apply a liberal amount and then reapply every two hours. You should also reapply after you go swimming or after excessive sweating. Sunscreen will only work if you follow the directions and use it properly.