Many people don’t think about when mascara expire, but it can affect your eyes and skin. Using old mascara can lead to redness, itching, or worse.
If your bottle of mascara has been sitting in your drawer for a while, it may no longer be safe. Most don’t know the real mascara expiration timeline—or what signs to check.
Keep reading to learn how long it really lasts, what changes to look for, and why tossing it at the right time matters.
Why Mascara Has an Expiration Date
Mascara expire dates exist to protect your eyes. Mascara is a liquid product used near the eye, which makes it easy for bacteria to grow. Each time you use the wand, it picks up germs and puts them back into the tube. Over time, this makes the product unsafe.
The eye is sensitive. Bacteria or mold from expired mascara can cause infections like conjunctivitis. That’s why doctors and chemists say liquid makeup, like mascara, should be replaced often.
The shelf life mascara depends on ingredients, packaging, and how you use it. Most mascaras include water, wax, and oils. These break down over time, even if you store them well.
Also, air gets inside every time you open the tube. That causes the product to dry out mascara and makes it clumpy or flaky. Expired mascara may also smell strange or feel sticky.
Brands test how long their formulas stay safe. That’s how they set the mascara expiration date. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s there for your safety.
How Long Does Unopened Mascara Last
When sealed and stored correctly, the shelf life of unopened mascara is usually around 2 to 3 years. This depends on the formula and how it’s preserved. Most unopened tubes stay stable for a while because they haven’t been exposed to air or bacteria.
To stay safe, always check the printed expiration date on the packaging. Even if it’s never opened, mascara can break down from heat, humidity, or time. Ingredients like oils and waxes may separate or lose their texture.
If you’ve had a mascara sitting unused for years, even if sealed, it may no longer be safe to use. Mascara expire whether opened or not, just more slowly when sealed.
How Long Does Opened Mascara Last
Once opened, a tube should be used for no more than 3 months. That’s because bacteria start building up inside from the first use. Each time you pull out the wand, air and germs enter the tube.
Even if it still looks okay, the formula changes over time. After a few months, you may notice smeared mascara, strange smells, or irritation when applying. These are signs to stop using it.
The warm, wet formula creates the perfect place for bacteria to grow. That’s why experts agree: opened mascara has a short life.
If you’re still using an old tube and asking, “When does mascara expire?”—the answer is soon after it’s opened. Keep track of the open date and throw it out after 3 months, even if there’s product left.
Warning Signs Mascara Has Expired
- A sour or chemical smell can mean mascara expire and bacteria has grown inside.
- If you see gross clumpy mascara, the product is likely too old to use.
- A thick, sticky, or flaky texture means the formula has changed.
- Eye redness, itching, or burning after use points to expired mascara.
- A faded or odd color suggests it’s no longer fresh.
- If it feels heavy or sticky on your lashes, it may be breaking down.
- Very thin or runny mascara can mean the ingredients have separated.
- More smudging or smeared mascara than usual is another warning sign.
- If the wand pulls out dry or clumpy, it could be a sign of mascara expire.
Safe Storage Practices
Keep It Cool and Dry
Mascara lasts longer when it’s kept in a cool, dry place—below 77°F (25°C) is ideal. Don’t store it in a bathroom, purse, or car, where heat and humidity can change the formula. Once that happens, the shelf life mascara gets shorter, and the product may not stay safe to use.
Close It Tightly After Each Use
Always twist the cap closed after using your mascara. Leaving it open, even for a short time, lets in air. That causes the formula to break down and dry out mascara, making it clumpy and unsafe faster than expected.
Avoid Sharing Mascara
It might seem harmless to share, but mascara picks up bacteria from lashes with every use. Sharing a tube spreads those germs from person to person. This raises the chance of eye infections and makes the product spoil faster.
Don’t Pump the Wand
Pumping the wand up and down forces air into the tube. More air means more bacteria and quicker drying. If you need more product, swirl the brush gently instead. That keeps the formula smooth and extends its use.
Watch the Date
Mark the day you first opened your mascara. Even if it still looks okay, mascara expire about three months after opening. Keeping track helps you know when it’s time to let it go—and protect your eyes in the process.
Interpreting Labels and Expiry Symbols
Look for the PAO Symbol
Most mascaras have a small open jar icon printed on the packaging. This is called the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol. It shows how many months the product stays safe after you open it. For example, “3M” means you should replace mascara three months after opening.
Check for a Printed Expiry Date
Some brands also include a clear expiration date. This applies to sealed products and helps track the shelf life of unopened mascara. Always check this before using a mascara that’s been sitting around.
Don’t Ignore Worn Labels
If the writing has faded or you’ve thrown away the box, follow the general rule: opened mascara lasts 3 months. Old products are risky, even if they look okay.
What Happens If You Use Expired Makeup
Using expired mascara can cause several problems, even if it looks or smells fine. Here’s what can happen:
Eye Infections
Expired mascara often carries bacteria. Every time you use the wand, it picks up germs from your lashes and puts them back into the tube. Over weeks and months, that bacteria grows. This can lead to eye infections like pink eye, styes, or swelling. Some infections clear up fast, but others may need drops or medical treatment. If you notice pain, redness, or discharge, stop using your mascara right away.
Irritation and Allergic Reactions
Old mascara doesn’t just stop working—it can mess with your skin. Ingredients start to break down, and preservatives lose strength. That can cause burning, itching, or swelling. If your skin is sensitive, you might react even sooner. Some people feel the sting right after applying. That’s a red flag the mascara expire date has passed.
Clumping and Poor Performance
Once it’s old, mascara just doesn’t work the same. It might glide on unevenly or clump up in spots. You might notice flakes under your eyes or smeared mascara after just an hour. The brush won’t coat your lashes the way it used to, and the formula may feel dry or sticky. If it stops doing what it should, toss it.
Damage to Lashes
Expired mascara can make lashes stiff, brittle, or weak. That puts them at risk of breaking or falling out. You might think you’re just losing a few lashes, but over time it adds up. If your mascara feels heavy or your lashes look thinner, the formula could be the problem.
Gross Texture and Smell
You’ll often know it’s expired just by looking or smelling. If it smells off or chemical-like, or if you see gross clumpy mascara, don’t take chances. Even one more use can put your eyes at risk.
A bottle of mascara isn’t meant to last forever. Once it’s past its safe use period, it’s time to let it go. No matter how much is left, it’s not worth the risk to your eyes or lashes. Stick to the 3-month rule and pay attention to how your mascara looks and feels. Mascara expire dates are there for a reason—and your eyes will be safer if you follow them.
Remember to Replace
Mascara doesn’t last forever, and that’s okay. It’s made to work best for a short time—and after that, it just isn’t safe to use. Once mascara expire, it won’t go on the same, and it can cause real problems for your eyes.
If you’ve had a tube for more than three months, it’s time to toss it. Even if there’s some left, it’s not worth the risk. Fresh mascara feels better, works better, and keeps your eyes safe.
It’s a small thing to keep track of, but it makes a big difference. Just mark the date you opened it, and trust your eyes if something feels off. Staying on top of it means you never have to guess—or deal with the side effects of old makeup.