Cosmetic safety: risks of using expired makeup

Using expired cosmetics poses significant health risks, including skin irritation, dermatitis, and infections. According to the Ministry of Health and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, preservatives lose effectiveness over time, allowing bacteria and microorganisms to thrive, particularly in water-based products like liquid eyeliners, mascaras, and cream eyeshadows.

European Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 requires manufacturers to provide expiration guidance through two main indicators. The first is a minimum shelf life for unopened products, often marked with an hourglass symbol. The second is the Period After Opening (PAO), represented by an open jar icon with a number and the letter ‘M’ (e.g., 12M), indicating how many months the product remains safe after its first use.

Consumers can identify deteriorating products through sensory tests. Warning signs include unusual or rancid odors, changes in color, or inconsistent textures such as lumps or separation of oil and water. If a product causes immediate burning or redness upon application, it should be discarded immediately. Serious reactions should be reported to the cosmetic vigilance system.