Question:
How do you tell when your creams have gone off?
You know that funny smell they get, I can't describe it, but they all start to smell the same?
Well my Lush handcream has gone like it, which is to be expected as they're made fresh and it's coming up to the use by date anyway. But I've got a tub of Kiehl's moisturiser and I'm sure it's off, even though I only bought it a month ago. How can I tell coz I don't want to be putting this stuff on my face if it's off, and it was expensive too.
creams going off - it all depends on several factors as to what you should be looking for
if the item is of premium quality then some creams can seperate but they are still absolutley fine once mixed back up and do not mean they have gone off
if its a very low end item and seperated and doesnt mix back then bin it
smells are usually caused by bacteria so if it does smell pongy then chuck it - it doesnt matter if its been open 3 months or 3 yrs, once bacteria gets in then just chuck it as its not worth risking a reaction or worse! I have seen products with mould in them that had been kept in a warm humid place that allowed the bacteria to grow - and i have seen this in shower gels, exfoliators, face creams and foundations so it DOES happen
ALL products should be stored in a cool, dark place - even when open - and should not be kept anywhere nr sunlight, heat or steam as it alters the chemistry of products as they are all produced and tested to remain stable at average room temperature so putting things in a fridge or having them on a windowsill can make a dramatic difference to its life span
if you have any opened product that is in a jar, use it within 1 yr of opening and always use a spatula (if your product doesnt come with them then you can buy them from Boots/chemists) to avoid the risk of bacteria entering into the product
if you have an unopened product this will last upto 24/36months (officially) but can last 5 yrs as long as it is kept in proper conditions, and again use within 1 yr once open.
This applies to skincare, cosmetics and fragrances.
Eye products once open should be used within 6 mths
You know that funny smell they get, I can't describe it, but they all start to smell the same?
Well my Lush handcream has gone like it, which is to be expected as they're made fresh and it's coming up to the use by date anyway. But I've got a tub of Kiehl's moisturiser and I'm sure it's off, even though I only bought it a month ago. How can I tell coz I don't want to be putting this stuff on my face if it's off, and it was expensive too.
Answers:
creams going off - it all depends on several factors as to what you should be looking for
if the item is of premium quality then some creams can seperate but they are still absolutley fine once mixed back up and do not mean they have gone off
if its a very low end item and seperated and doesnt mix back then bin it
smells are usually caused by bacteria so if it does smell pongy then chuck it - it doesnt matter if its been open 3 months or 3 yrs, once bacteria gets in then just chuck it as its not worth risking a reaction or worse! I have seen products with mould in them that had been kept in a warm humid place that allowed the bacteria to grow - and i have seen this in shower gels, exfoliators, face creams and foundations so it DOES happen
ALL products should be stored in a cool, dark place - even when open - and should not be kept anywhere nr sunlight, heat or steam as it alters the chemistry of products as they are all produced and tested to remain stable at average room temperature so putting things in a fridge or having them on a windowsill can make a dramatic difference to its life span
if you have any opened product that is in a jar, use it within 1 yr of opening and always use a spatula (if your product doesnt come with them then you can buy them from Boots/chemists) to avoid the risk of bacteria entering into the product
if you have an unopened product this will last upto 24/36months (officially) but can last 5 yrs as long as it is kept in proper conditions, and again use within 1 yr once open.
This applies to skincare, cosmetics and fragrances.
Eye products once open should be used within 6 mths