Question:
How much attention do you pay to the 'use by' symbols?
When you buy new cosmetics or beauty products, how much attention do you pay to the 'use by' symbols (ie 6 months, 12 months etc) on the back?
I quite often find products in my drawer that I've kind of forgotten about and am never sure how effective they'll be if I've had them longer than they recommend?
Thoughts?
(The reason I ask is that I bought a Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost a while back, which is just gorgeous but I've no idea how long I've had it!! Used it last night and am still alive, but will it be just as effective?)
you need to!!!
the products are only formulated to stay stable for a minimum length of time which is stated on the packaging once open and this was introduced by EU legislation - if product goes off after that time then you have no come back and it is classed as unsuitable for use as it may cause an allergic reaction due to the break down of the formulation and bacteria
this is because once open the product starts to oxygenate which degrades the ingredients and depending on the type of packaging bacteria is introduced
at the very most products will only be stable for 36months for products not containing water and 24 months for products containing water - and thats from the date of manufacture not from opening
all products by law manufactures since march 2005 have to have the use within symbol on the packaging therefore if you buy something that doesnt have this symbol on it then you know its nearly 2 yrs old already
Manc Lass, is that just for skincare items because I have loads of make up that I have had for quite a while which is just as good as when I bought it.
I thought the use by dates idea was a bit of a scam to get you to keep buying new make up? :o
5167051) I thought the use by dates idea was a bit of a scam to get you to keep buying new make up? :o
That's what I always thought to be honest!
no all products - skincare, cosmetics and perfume
36 months for any product that does NOT contain water i.e pencils
24 months for any product that DOES contain water
this is especially important to any fluid items and perfume (its these that are more likely to cause a serious reaction) - powders and pencils tend to last longer - as long as you regularly clean off the top layer of product to remove bacteria but it wont prevent it bacteria or totally remove it
When you buy new cosmetics or beauty products, how much attention do you pay to the 'use by' symbols (ie 6 months, 12 months etc) on the back?
I quite often find products in my drawer that I've kind of forgotten about and am never sure how effective they'll be if I've had them longer than they recommend?
Thoughts?
(The reason I ask is that I bought a Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost a while back, which is just gorgeous but I've no idea how long I've had it!! Used it last night and am still alive, but will it be just as effective?)
Answers:
you need to!!!
the products are only formulated to stay stable for a minimum length of time which is stated on the packaging once open and this was introduced by EU legislation - if product goes off after that time then you have no come back and it is classed as unsuitable for use as it may cause an allergic reaction due to the break down of the formulation and bacteria
this is because once open the product starts to oxygenate which degrades the ingredients and depending on the type of packaging bacteria is introduced
at the very most products will only be stable for 36months for products not containing water and 24 months for products containing water - and thats from the date of manufacture not from opening
all products by law manufactures since march 2005 have to have the use within symbol on the packaging therefore if you buy something that doesnt have this symbol on it then you know its nearly 2 yrs old already
Answers:
Manc Lass, is that just for skincare items because I have loads of make up that I have had for quite a while which is just as good as when I bought it.
I thought the use by dates idea was a bit of a scam to get you to keep buying new make up? :o
Answers:
5167051) I thought the use by dates idea was a bit of a scam to get you to keep buying new make up? :o
That's what I always thought to be honest!
Answers:
no all products - skincare, cosmetics and perfume
36 months for any product that does NOT contain water i.e pencils
24 months for any product that DOES contain water
this is especially important to any fluid items and perfume (its these that are more likely to cause a serious reaction) - powders and pencils tend to last longer - as long as you regularly clean off the top layer of product to remove bacteria but it wont prevent it bacteria or totally remove it