In the world of acne care, benzoyl peroxide face wash is a common product used for long-term control of the problem. However, just like any other kind of product, it will have a use-by date. The natural question that arises is whether it’s ok to use once it’s expired – something we hope to answer clearly in this blog.
So, Does Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash Go Out of Date?
As much as we’d like to say that BP doesn’t expire and that you can use it, regardless of whether it’s been in your kitchen cupboard gathering dust for many years, it does. Does it become dangerous or harmful? Actually, no, it doesn’t, but what you might find is that it’s not quite as effective as it used to be.
Depending on how it’s stored, your BP wash’s shelf life can vary. Usually, the manufacturer’s advice says to use it up within 6 months of opening the product, but if it’s not open, it can last as long as three years or more.
How to Check the Expiration Date
Finding out whether the product you’re about to use is within its use-by date is easy, as every bottle of the stuff will need to carry an expiration date. Under FDA rules, you can’t sell any type of product without listing this information. As such, you should look around the bottle for a date that’s been embossed on the lid or elsewhere.
There are other ways to tell whether your benzoyl peroxide face wash is good or not, and that’s by actually looking at the liquid inside. It should have a smooth white texture to it, so if it has become separated or it has changed color, our advice is to bin it and buy a new product.
What’s the Best Way to Store the Stuff?
While it might be convenient to keep your BP wash in the bathroom, it can be a little too hot in there, if you take lots of hot baths or showers. BP wash can be degraded more quickly if it has been left in direct sunlight or exposed to heat once too often.
That’s why you should always store yours in a dry, cool place – such as a bathroom cabinet or other cool dark area. Also, make sure you seal up tight after every use.
Just Don’t Use Expired Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
Look, no one is saying that you shouldn’t use what’s left in your BP wash bottle to save a little cash – so long as you remember that it’s not something you should typically do. As a one-off, it’s not likely to do you much harm – if any – but you don’t want to get into a habit of it.
That’s because you may not get the results a new product would give you, and that’s essentially the big reason for buying a replacement. If a product doesn’t quite hit the heights because it has degraded, why would you use it if your sole aim is to rid yourself of troublesome pimples?
Just don’t use it unless it’s in date – like anything else. It’s a risk you just don’t want to take for the sake of your skin.
