Are you using expired hair care products and don’t even know it? Now may be the time to do some spring cleaning of that outdated shampoo and conditioner that you’ve collected from seasons past.
Didn’t know these products could expire? You’re not alone, actually. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require expiration dates on hair care products. Manufacturers who note expiration dates actually do so voluntarily.
The reason shampoo and conditioner has such a long shelf life is because of the preservatives they contain. Since one of the main ingredients of shampoo is water, the moment it gets opened it becomes exposed to air and other contaminants making it susceptible to the growth of harmful microorganisms. Therefore don’t be tempted to dilute your products with water. Over time, this will only increase the possibility of contamination and render the preservatives less effective.
How can you know when a product has gone bad if it doesn’t include an expiration date? Extremely old shampoos and conditioners typically smell funny or even acrid, and feel funny between your fingers. However, they often tend to go bad even before they start to smell strange.
Always check to see if there is an expiration date on the bottle. The expiration symbol will typically be located near the product’s UPC and will display the drawing of a little container with a number inside of it, like 6, 8, or 12. That means you have 6, 8, or 12 months of use after you open the bottle; double that if you don’t touch it. If there’s no label, a good rule of thumb is to keep unopened bottles for no more than three years and an opened bottle for no more than 18 months.
If you use “natural” versions, the rules are quite different. Regular hair care products include additives and preservatives to help extend their shelf life. Natural products don’t include these same additives and preservatives — which means you will have to keep a sharp eye (and nose) out. Kerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Gentle Aromatic Shampoo and Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental Conditioner are naturally derived, but have a long 12-month shelf life.
As for extending the life of your hair care products, remember to keep the water droplets out. The less chance oxygen and water has to get inside the products, the longer they will last. Also, store them in a cool, dark place when you’re not using them, as constant light might further the deterioration process.
Hopefully all this doesn’t scare you away from your favorite shampoos and conditioners. It just pays to know a little more about some of your beloved hair care products. Now you can be sure your hair will have the protection it needs all year long!
