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Check the expiration date.
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It sounds easy and self-explanatory, right?
On tubes, its often imprinted at the very top.
This indicates that the product remains effective 9, 12, 18, or 24 months after opening.
The expiration date for many SPF sprays is located at the bottom of the bottle.
The expiration date for many SPF sprays is located at the bottom of the bottle.
Expiration dates are often imprinted on the top of sunscreen tubes.
The manufacturing date of this Vacation Sunscreen Lotion is embossed at the top of the tube.
Expiration dates are often imprinted on the top of sunscreen tubes.
Look at the color.
No problem (well, kind of).
Check the texture.
The PAO symbol, which looks like a tiny open container, indicates this product is good nine months after opening.
Another telltale sign of sunscreen gone bad is a change in consistency, according to Dobos.
Start by squirting a dollop of cream onto the top of your hand.
Do you see little clumps or chunks?
The manufacturing date of this Vacation Sunscreen Lotion is embossed at the top of the tube.
Is your spray watery or runnier than when you first got it?
If youre nodding your head yes, ditch it just to be safe.
Another good expiration indicator: look to see if the formula has separated.
If it smells weird, toss it.
Now what the heck does expired sunscreen smell like?
Its not always obvious, especially when so many SPF products are loaded withfragrances.
Though the above tips are certainly helpful, that isnt to say theyre foolproof tricks.
You may still be shrugging your shoulders with a giant figurative question mark over your head.
What if it smells like nothing, for instance?
When in doubt, throw it outand get a new one.
Because its always better to be safe than sun-damaged.
