How long would you recommend using sunscreen after it has expired or is it safe to use after expiration date?

Question

I work in a daycare and began using sunscreen on the 3yr olds and was wondering about a bottle I threw away from last year.It was pretty full but could`nt find an expiration date on it.

Answer 1

Using ANY product (especially on children) that is beyond its expiration date could be harmful. Chances are, it would not have provided the SPF to prevent sunburns. Usually, manufactures put a web site or phone number on the label which you can use to contact them if you have any questions.

Answer 2

Expired Sunscreen

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How long would you recommend using sunscreen after it has expired or is it safe to use after expiration date?
I work in a daycare and began using sunscreen on the 3yr olds and was wondering about a bottle I threw away from last year.It was pretty full but could`nt find an expiration date on it.

Answer 4

Expired sunscreen is not so much unsafe as it is that the ingredients break down and render the sunscreen less effective. Be sure to check your state's child care regulations concerning sunscreen application. I am a licensed child care provider in my home. I have to have written permission on record from the parents to apply sunscreen to the children regardless if I provide it or parents provide it. I have a 25 year old son diagnosed with melanoma at age 16 and a 22 year old daughter recently diagnosed with precancerous moles, so sunscreen application combined with hat-wearing and moving play areas to shaded spots is of great importance to me. According to my son's dermatologist, it is best to use sunscreen daily and not just on sunny days. He also recommends that every year, throw out last years sunscreen and use new.

Answer 5

It's safe to use sunscreen and such after the expiration date (unless it smells funny or such (this also applies before the expiration date)), it's just that it might not be as effective in protecting you against the sun. I'm not sure how long sunscreen is supposed to stay good, but when I was a kid we had a bottle that lasted us a few years, not sure whether it had an expiration date. I'm pretty sure it still did the job after those few years though. I'd say that sunscreen likely stays good for *at least* 1 full year. Don't worry about that one bottle though. :)

Answer 6

not exactly sure but 1 yr is expired i do know that. i remember hearing from the dermatologist that the one from last summer cant be effective the following summer

Answer 7

I throw mine out after a year, and most manufacturers will say one year, but the site below says three.