When Best to Hold On, Let Go, or Give Back

We invest in skincare to care for our skin and create daily rituals of nourishment, but like food, skincare has a shelf life. Using products past their prime can compromise their efficacy and, in some cases, even irritate the skin.

So how do we know when it’s time to keep, toss, or pass products on?

Understanding Expiry Dates and Symbols

Most skincare will have either:

• A stamped expiry or “use by” date - common for sunscreen or products with active ingredients like Vitamin C or retinol.

• A PAO or Period After Opening symbol - a little jar icon with “6M” or “12M” that shows how long the product stays fresh once opened.

• Beyond these, your senses are the best guide. Changes in texture, scent, or colour often signal a product is no longer safe to use. Oils that smell rancid, creams that separate, or balms that turn grainy should head straight to the bin.

Products to Keep

Not all skincare ages the same. Some formulas are naturally stable and can last a little longer, while others should be used more quickly.

Products you can generally keep, if unopened or still stable in look/smell.

• Powder products (e.g. clay masks) - Can last 1–2 years past expiry if kept completely dry and sealed.

• Balms (oil + wax based) - Usually last 6–12 months past expiry if stored away from heat and light. Discard if they turn grainy or smell rancid.

• Facial/body oils - Around 6 months past expiry if in dark amber glass and still smelling fresh. Oils oxidise and go rancid more quickly once opened — this is why we package in amber glass for longevity.

• Unopened skincare (creams, serums, cleansers) - Often safe for 6–12 months past expiry if packaging is intact and stored in a cool, dark place.

Products to Discard

Some products should never be kept once they expire.

• Sunscreen - Past its date, UV protection breaks down and won’t work.

• Anything that changes in smell, texture, or colour which are clear signs it’s gone off, regardless of expiry.

• Products past their PAO (Period After Opening) - The jar symbol (e.g. “6M,” “12M”) is your guide — once well beyond that, it’s safest to stop using.

• Products used during infections (cold sores, eye infections, etc.) - These may harbour bacteria or viruses and should be discarded promptly.

• Anything with visible mould 

Keep in Mind

• Stable, low-water products (powders, balms, oils) can sometimes be used beyond expiry if they look and smell fine.

• Water-rich products or those with active ingredients (creams, serums, sunscreen) should be replaced promptly once expired.

• Products scooped out with fingers can become contaminated more quickly. Always use clean, dry hands — or better yet, a clean spatula or spoon — to help them stay fresher for longer.

Discarding Skincare Packaging Thoughtfully

Even if the product itself has to go, the packaging doesn’t need to end up in landfill. With a little extra care, many components can be repurposed or recycled.

• Kerbside recycling: Glass jars and bottles, aluminium tins, and cardboard boxes can usually go straight into household recycling (rinse first). Always check your local council’s guidelines, as recycling rules vary.

• Specialty recycling programs: Pumps, droppers, and mixed-material packaging are trickier. In Australia, Banish’s Recycling Program accepts hard-to-recycle bathroom and beauty waste. TerraCycle and other collection services may also be available in your area.

• Reuse at home: Small jars and tins are perfect for DIY balms, decanting travel-size portions, or storing small household items like seeds, herbs, or buttons.

Giving Skincare a Second Life: Donating and regifting

Not everything needs to end in the bin. If you’ve bought something that isn’t right for you but is still unopened and within date, consider the below options to find unused and in date products a new home.

• Donation

  • Local shelters and charities often accept unopened toiletries.

  • Women’s refuges, community centres, or organisations like Share the Dignity (in Australia) welcome self-care donations.

  • Always check guidelines first so you don’t unintentionally create extra waste for them.

• Gifting

  • Share the love with friends or family. An unopened balm or oil that doesn’t suit your skin may be perfect for your sister, neighbour, or best friend.

  • Re-gift it proudly — wrap it beautifully or add it into a small self-care hamper. Let’s normalise thoughtful re-gifting.
    

A Mindful Approach to Buying

Expired skincare often points to buying more than we can use. A simple ritual of mindful purchasing by asking “Do I really need this?”, can help reduce waste from the outset.

Choose multi-use products, like our NAKED BALM, shop in smaller batches, and store them properly to extend their life.

The Takeaway

Keep what’s fresh, let go of what’s no longer serving you, and pass on what you can. It’s better for your skin — and lighter on the planet.

Note - Information around expired products is intended as a general guide. Always use your own discernment and trust your instincts to decide whether a product is still safe to use or best discarded.