No, it is generally not okay to use 15-year-old lipstick.
Lipstick is typically good for one to two years after opening. Using makeup, particularly lipstick, well past its recommended shelf life can pose various risks to your lip health and overall well-being.
Why You Shouldn't Use Old Lipstick
When lipstick expires, its ingredients can break down, and it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast. These microorganisms can be transferred to your lips, potentially leading to:
- Infections: Bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus can cause infections, especially if you have chapped lips, cold sores, or small cuts.
- Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Expired ingredients can become unstable or allergenic, leading to redness, itching, swelling, or rashes on and around the lips.
- Cold Sores and Oral Herpes: If lipstick has been used during an active cold sore outbreak, the virus can live on the product and reinfect you or others who use it.
- Reduced Product Performance: The color, texture, and scent of the lipstick will likely degrade, making it unpleasant or ineffective to use. It might become dry, crumbly, waxy, or develop an off-putting odor.
How to Tell if Your Lipstick is Expired
Even if you don't remember when you bought it, there are clear signs that lipstick has gone bad:
- Smell: A rancid, waxy, or unusual odor.
- Texture: It becomes dry, hard, crumbly, gummy, or shows signs of separation.
- Appearance: Discoloration, mold spots, or a film on the surface.
- Application: It applies unevenly or feels gritty.
General Makeup Expiration Guide
Understanding the typical lifespan of different makeup products can help you maintain a safer beauty routine.
| Makeup Product | Typical Shelf Life (After Opening) |
|---|---|
| Mascara | 3–6 months |
| Liquid Eyeliner | 3–6 months |
| Foundation (Liquid) | 6 months – 1 year |
| Concealer (Liquid) | 6 months – 1 year |
| Lipstick | 1–2 years |
| Lip Gloss | 6 months – 1 year |
| Powder Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, Bronzer) | 1–3 years |
| Pencil Eyeliners/Lip Liners | 1–2 years (can be extended by sharpening) |
Best Practices for Makeup Hygiene
To ensure the safety and efficacy of your makeup:
- Check for PAO Symbol: Look for the "Period After Opening" symbol (an open jar with a number followed by 'M', e.g., 12M for 12 months) on the packaging.
- Note Purchase Date: Write the date you opened a product on its packaging.
- Store Properly: Keep makeup in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Sharing: Never share lipstick or other makeup products, especially those that come into direct contact with mucous membranes.
- Wash Hands: Always apply makeup with clean hands or sanitized brushes/applicators.
- Discard Promptly: When in doubt, throw it out. It's not worth the risk to your health.
