According to Dermalogica skin care experts, yes!
OK, so why don't a lot of skin care products have expiration dates? That's because, in the USA, expiration dates are only required on over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, i.e., acne treatments or sunscreens. (For our European friends: Products deemed OTC drugs in the USA may only be considered "cosmetics" in the European Union.) Also, expiration dates only indicate when the active ingredients in the formula are likely to expire; the product might still perform otherwise.
"If a sunscreen expires, there is a chance it is still good for another year," says Dr. Diana Howard, Vice President of Research and Development for Dermalogica. "But just like prescription drugs, a pharmacist would tell you to toss them. Once you reach that date there is no guarantee that the level of activity is still present. The only way to truly know whether your product is still guaranteed effective for its intended use is to test it in a lab."
Of course, you probably don't have a lab at your disposal, which is why we put together this handy guide for Dermalogica products. Use it to go through your skin care regimen annually, toss formulas that no longer guaranteed effective and replenish your favorites. To extend the life of your products for as long as possible, store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight and heat.
