How Long Do Personal Care Products Last?

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

When do personal care products expire? From essential hygiene items to grooming staples, this guide covers it all. Whether it’s skincare, beard and hair care, oral hygiene, or men’s cosmetics and colognes, find out their lifespan and how to tell if it’s time for a replacement.

The PAO Symbol and Expiration Guidelines

The PAO (Period-After-Opening) symbol features an open jar containing a number and the letter “M”—see the image below. This indicates how long a product remains safe and effective after opening. For example, 6M means six months, while 24M means two years.

The EU

The symbol is mandatory in the EU for products lasting more than 30 months after opening. For shorter lifespans, an expiration date must be given, which applies to the unopened product.

The USA

Unlike food and medicine, personal care products aren’t legally required to display expiration dates of any kind in the United States. However, some manufacturers do include PAO labeling or expiration dates on a voluntary basis.

For items with a PAO label but no specific expiration date, mark directly after opening with either the current date or the month and year of expiration. For items with no longevity labeling, refer to the list below and mark with the soonest suggested expiration date.

Expired personal care products lose effectiveness and may cause irritation or infections if exposed to bacteria. Consider, too, that preservative-free or natural formulations can degrade faster than conventional ones.

Handling and Storing Personal Care Products

Hygiene and correct storage are key factors to prolonging the usability of grooming products.

Handling

Before applying with your fingers, wash your hands to avoid transferring germs to the product, and always keep grooming tools clean.

Of course, the best approach would be to use an application spatula for products in jars, but how many men do this? I certainly don’t.

Storage

The bathroom is invariably the most convenient place to keep personal care products. But its warm, often steamy and humid atmosphere can turn it into an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Temperature fluctuations can also degrade formulations, especially in creams and balms.

Therefore, store in a cupboard or vanity unit. I use the type of plastic drawer cabinet intended for tools in the garage or workshop. It keeps everything dry and organized while shielding from direct sunlight.

For added protection, consider placing moisture absorbers in the form of silica gel packs or bamboo charcoal bags in your storage space.

And don’t forget to seal containers tightly after each use.

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

When Do Personal Care Products Expire?

The following is a guide to how long you can expect personal care items to last, and how to tell if a product is no longer usable.

1. Shaving Essentials

• Razor Blades should be replaced every 5-10 shaves or when the blade becomes dull, which will cause tugging. Keep your new blades in a dry space to prevent rust.
• Shaving Creams, Foams, and Gels may come in a tube, tub, or aerosol and typically last 12-24 months. Discard in case of an off smell and/or a change in consistency; it may become chunky or watery. Replacing the cap or lid prevents drying and blockages.
• Shaving Soap Pucks, and Sticks can last several years with proper care. Never store shaving gear in an enclosed space, especially while it’s still wet; leave in an open area with good air circulation. Discard shaving soap in case of mold or a noticeable change in scent.

2. Beard and Mustache Care

• Beard Oils usually keep for 6-18 months, although some high-end products last longer. Expired oils can separate, feel tacky, or develop a sour odor. Store at a moderate temperature to maintain freshness and prevent degradation.
• Beard Balms usually last 12-24 months—expect products without preservatives and synthetic stabilizers to expire sooner. Signs of degradation include a grainy or clumpy texture, color changes, and reduced absorbency. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent melting or separation.
• Stiff-Setting Mustache Wax typically lasts up to 24 months, but discard if it becomes brittle or hardens to the extent that it’s difficult to distribute. If flaking occurs, try mixing with a tiny drop of argan oil—its light texture may solve the problem without compromising stiffness. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent drying.
• Soft-Hold Mustache Wax, which gives a less sculpted appearance, can last more than 24 months due to its high oil content. Discard if it separates, becomes greasy, or loses its hold. To prevent melting and consistency changes, keep away from heat and direct sunlight.

3. Hair Care

• Shampoos and Conditioners (including beard washes) usually last 12-18 months. Discard in case of scent changes or separation.
• Hair Styling Products (Pomade, Wax, Gel, Sea Salt Spray, Mousse) generally last 12-24 months. Expired products may become sticky or ineffective. Keep away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
• Dry Shampoo keeps for 2-3 years, but discard if its scent changes or its spray mechanism malfunctions, which may be a result of clumping. As with any powder product, store in a dry environment.

4. Facial Skin Care

• Soap-Free Face Wash lasts 12-24 months. A pH 5.5 formula like Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash cleanses without stripping moisture and works well as a beard wash. Discard immediately in case of changes in scent and texture, and store in a cool, dry place.
• Micellar Water is a no-rinse cleanser applied with a cotton pad. It typically lasts 6-12 months. Replace if its odor changes or you notice a decrease in effectiveness. Store away from direct sunlight. In case you’ve never heard of it, search the internet for ManCave’s Micellar Cleansing Water. You’ll find similar items in drugstores, although this is a personal care product not usually targeted at men.
• Toner lasts 12-24 months depending on its formula. Throw away if you notice any of the following: yellow or brown discoloration due to oxidation; cloudiness, which may indicate bacterial contamination; a change in texture, including stickiness, separation, or particles; a shift in smell. To prevent degradation, store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Chemical and Enzyme Exfoliants usually last 6-12 months. Discard if there is a change in smell or if the formula separates. To preserve active ingredients, keep away from direct sunlight.
• Mechanical Exfoliants (facial or body scrubs) last 12-24 months. Discard if its texture hardens, abrasive ingredients (like jojoba beads) dissolve, or the product smells in any way off. Store in a dry, cool place.
• Serums typically last 6–24 months, depending on their ingredients. Hydrating serums (like those with hyaluronic acid) tend to last longer, while vitamin C or retinol-based products may degrade sooner due to oxidation. Discard in case of darkening or separation. Store in a cool, dry place, and seal tightly to preserve potency. In case you’re wondering what type of serum a man might use, consider something like The Ordinary’s Pycnogenol 5%, an antioxidant-rich formula with a natural red tint that helps boost skin tone and radiance.
• Day Creams (including 24-hour products and eye creams) last 12–24 months. If they contain built-in sunscreen, UV protection may degrade faster when exposed to heat or light. Discard if there’s a change in texture or scent, or if the product separates.
• Night Creams, which lack sunscreen and are typically richer than day creams, often contain reparative ingredients like retinol or peptides. These can oxidize over time, especially when exposed to air or heat. Signs of oxidation include yellowing, separation, or an unpleasant scent. Shelf life is usually 6 to 18 months, depending on formulation and storage.
• Sunscreen, both mineral and chemical, lasts up to three years unopened. After opening, aim to use within 12 to 24 months. Mineral formulas (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are generally more stable but may develop a grainy or chalky texture when degraded. Chemical sunscreens are more sensitive to heat and light, and may show signs of separation, thinning, or an off smell. Always seal tightly and keep out of direct sunlight.
• Lip Balm typically lasts 1 to 3 years, depending on ingredients and packaging. Natural formulas (with beeswax or essential oils) may expire sooner—within 6 to 12 months—due to fewer preservatives. Discard if the balm changes in texture, smell, or color, or if it feels gritty or waxy on application. Store in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving it in hot environments like cars or on windowsills. For jars or tins, use a clean finger or applicator to minimize contamination.
• Perfecting Balms, which are usually labeled “primers,” are ideal to disguise tiredness, whether through lack of sleep or a hangover. They’re totally invisible on the skin but are highly effective. I recommend M. Asam’s Perfect Me in “transparent.” These last 6-12 months if kept tightly sealed and away from heat and direct sunlight. Replace in case of changes in consistency or smell.
• Petroleum Jelly, the classic multitasker, lasts up to 10 years if properly stored. Its occlusive quality makes it ideal for slugging. Use it, too, to soothe dry patches, protect wind-chapped skin, or seal minor cuts. Because it’s non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores, but men with acne-prone skin should use it sparingly. Keep in a cool, dark place for maximum longevity.

Source: Pexels

5. Body Care

• Body Wash and Shower Gel last 12-24 months. Throw away if it separates or thickens, or smells in some way off. Keep unopened bottles in a cool, dry place, and use promptly once opened—this is a personal care item we all keep in the shower, where heat and humidity can shorten its lifespan.
• Bar Soaps keep for 2-3 years unopened but should be replaced after 6-12 months once in use. To extend life, store on a well-draining soap dish and allow to dry between uses to prevent mushiness and bacterial growth. Homemade and natural soaps may have a shorter life expectancy due to a lack of preservatives.
• Body Lotions and Creams last 12-24 months. Discard if you notice a change in scent, a gritty texture, or separation. Store in a cool place.
• Body Powder containing talc should be used within 36 months. Less controversial starch- or clay-based products can last longer. Keep in a dry place to prevent mold and clumping. If your powder has clumped, try breaking it up with a spoon or fork. Or, better still, give it a quick spin in a dry blender.
• Foot and Hand Cream last 12-24 months. Discard if there’s an off smell or a change in texture (separation, thickening, or grittiness). To soften calluses and cuticles, apply petroleum jelly overnight with cotton socks or gloves. This can enhance the efficacy of foot and hand creams worn during the day.
• Antiperspirant and Deodorant in the form of creams, roll-ons, and sticks last 12-24 months; sprays may keep longer. Discard if it dries out or its scent changes. To preserve texture and performance, store away from heat and humidity. Two extra tips: If a spray nozzle is blocked, remove and rinse under warm water. For stubborn residue, soak in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching. Revive a dried-out stick deodorant by scraping off the top layer or running the sealed product under warm water. If there’s no inner lid, prevent drying by covering the stick surface with Saran Wrap before replacing the cap.

6. Oral Hygiene

• Toothpaste lasts 1-2 years. Discard if its texture changes. Seal the tube after each use to prevent hardening.
• Mouthwash typically keeps for 12-24 months. Replace if it becomes cloudy, or its taste and scent seem off. Store new bottles in a cool, dry place and use promptly after opening.

7. Fragrance

• Cologne, Eau de Toilette, and Aftershave don’t technically “expire,” but they can oxidize or degrade after 2–5 years, especially if exposed to light, heat, or air. Signs of aging include changes in scent, color, or clarity. To extend their life, store in a cool, dark place, replacing the cap to prevent damage and evaporation. If the fragrance smells different or has discolored noticeably, it’s time for a refresh—even at more than $100 a shot if it’s a good one.

Source: The Neat and Tidy Man

8. Tool Maintenance

Unlike personal care products, grooming tools don’t come with use-by date. But that doesn’t mean they last forever. Neglect them, and you risk not only impaired performance, but irritation and infection through product contamination. The good news? With a bit of regular care, most tools can last for years. Here’s how to keep yours in peak condition.

• Rinse Shaving Brushes after each use to prevent residue buildup. For natural bristles, wash a couple of times a month with baby or beard shampoo. If the brush feels stiff or loses its lathering ability, soak in a 1:4 solution of white vinegar and water for 10 minutes. Never squeeze—just shake off excess water and leave to dry bristles-down in a well-ventilated area. Based on my experience, synthetic brushes require less maintenance.
• After removing an old blade, clean Safety Razors thoroughly with a mild soap and nail brush to remove scum and debris. Dry completely before inserting a new blade. Store in a dry, well-ventilated spot—not in the shower—to prevent the blade from rusting.
• Nail Clippers and Files can last indefinitely if kept clean. Disinfect clippers monthly by soaking in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly to avoid rust. Rinse glass and coated metal files (sapphire, diamond, ceramic etc.) after each use with a mild soap solution and store in a dust-free container. Never share files.
• Clean Wooden Beard Combs weekly with a soft nail brush and a drop of baby or beard shampoo. Avoid soaking since this can cause warping or splitting. To prevent the wood from drying out or cracking, rub it with beard oil once a month, but make sure the comb is completely dry beforehand.
• Clean Natural Bristle Beard and Mustache Brushes monthly with lukewarm water and a little baby or beard shampoo. Rinse well and allow to dry bristles-down to prevent water seeping into the wooden base—moisture buildup can cause shedding.

If there’s a personal care product you were hoping to find in this listicle but didn’t—or a telltale sign of expiry we’ve missed—feel free to share it in the comments.

© 2025, J. Richardson. All rights reserved.