January Skin Reset: Time to Toss Expired Skincare & Makeup
Do Skincare Products Expire? | Face First Skin Care Los Angeles
May old acquaintances be forgot — and never brought to mind. We may very well be talking about the skin care products hiding and collecting dust in the back of the bathroom drawer, medicine cabinet or counter. January is the perfect time for a skincare reset.
New year, new beginnings. This is the ideal time to check your skincare and makeup products to see what still belongs in your routine. Yes, it is time to audit your skin care products. During a product audit, you may find items that:
You no longer use
Have expired or gone rancid
Need to be refilled or replaced with guidance from your licensed esthetician
Refreshing your products can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Why It’s Important to Declutter Your Skincare Products
You might be wondering, “Why should I get rid of products I don’t use?”
Because they are old, taking up space and can lead to decision fatigue.
The more products you own, the harder it becomes to stay consistent. An over complicated routine often leads to:
Skipping steps
Rushing through your routine
Decision Fatigue
Inconsistent or disappointing results
Guilt because you spent money or received them as a gift.
By streamlining your skincare routine,you:
Save time in the morning and evening
Use the most effective products for your skin
Stay consistent (which is key for healthy skin)
Get better results with fewer products
Feel guilt free because you are using the right products for your goals
A simple, personalized routine will always outperform a cluttered one.
How to Tell If Skincare or Makeup Products Are Expired
The easiest way to check is to look for:
The expiration date, or
The PAO symbol (the open jar icon showing how many months a product is good after opening)
If you don’t see either:
Smell the product — a sour, “off” or rancid odor is a red flag
Check the texture — separation, clumping, or thinning can indicate spoilage
Look it up — most brands list product shelf life on their website
When in doubt, toss it out.
What Happens If You Use Expired Skincare or Makeup?
Using expired products can negatively impact your skin, even if the product appears fine. Common issues include:
Breakouts and clogged pores from bacteria buildup
Irritation, burning, or redness as preservatives break down
Increased sensitivity and inflammation
Eye infections from expired makeup
Reduced effectiveness — expired active ingredients no longer work properly
If your skin has suddenly become dull, reactive or congested, expired products may be part of the problem.
Skincare & Makeup Product Lifespan Chart
Use this as a general guideline. Storage conditions, formulation, and hygiene all play a role.
Skincare Products
Face Oils: 6–9 months
Makeup Products
Mascara: 3 months
Liquid Eyeliner: 3–6 months
Pencil Eyeliner: 6–12 months
Liquid Foundation / Concealer: 6–12 months
Cream Blush / Bronzer: 6–12 months
Powder Products: 12–24 months
Lip Gloss: 6 months
Lipstick: 12 months
If a product smells off, changes color, separates, or causes irritation — toss it, regardless of the timeline.
Start the Year with a Healthier Skincare Routine
January is about fresh starts — and your skin deserves one too. If you’re unsure which products to keep, toss, or replace, a professional skin consultation can help simplify your routine and ensure you’re using the right products for your skin’s needs.
✨ Not sure where to start?
✨ If you’d like help figuring out what to keep, toss, or replace, a customized facial or skin consultation can take the guesswork out of your routine — no pressure, just guidance.
Healthy skin starts with the right products and a routine you can stick to. If you need guidance reach out to your esthetician or if you don’t have one feel free to contact us to schedule a virtual consultation.
About the Author
Rachel is a licensed cosmetologist and owner of Face First Skin Care in Los Angeles. She specializes in customized facials and corrective skincare treatments and helps clients simplify their routines for healthier, more resilient skin.