Do Makeup Wipes Expire? When Should You Stop Using Them?

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Makeup wipes are an easy and convenient way to remove makeup without water, chemicals, and cleansers. 

Makeup wipes have been around for many years now. Still, their popularity has increased in recent years because they are more affordable and convenient than other types of makeup remover products.

In addition, women usually prefer removing makeup and dirt from the skin without using soap or water. Thus, makeup wipes are one of the trending beauty products these days. But do makeup wipes expire?

They do expire, and they can dry out and cause irritation if used too long after expiration. We’ll explain below


Contents

Types of Makeup Wipes Available in the Market

Honest Makeup Wipes

There are many different types of makeup wipes available on the market today. Most come as packages of sheets, dispensed in a similar way to the hand sanitizer wipes that we’ve all used billions of over the past few years.

Many include Micellar Water in the makeup wipe, which definitely helps with makeup removal.

But it is important to remember that these wipes do not have preservatives in them, so they will not last as long as those that come in a container.

Oil, Water, and Alcohol

The most common types of makeup wipes are oil-based, water-based, and alcohol-based.

Oil-based wipes often contain petroleum jelly as their main ingredient, but may also contain olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc. Honest Wipes  are a good example of oil-based wipes.

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Water-based wipes use ingredients like glycerin, Aloe vera extract, and vitamin E to moisturize the skin.

Burt's Bees Aloe Vera Face Wipes, Mothers Day Gifts for Mom for Sensitive Skin, Soothing Makeup Remover & Facial Cleansing Towelettes, 30 Ct. (3-Pack)
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Alcohol-based wipes are generally advertised as sanitizing wipes. They do remove waterproof mascara but can be too drying for sensitive skin. There are also pre-wetted wipes that have one side wet and the other side dry.

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What Does “Expiration Date” Mean for Beauty Products?

Expiration dates are sometimes required by law, and should be displayed on products with a shelf life less than 12 months. They are usually found on the bottom of the package or the back of the product.

It is usually in a format like “EXP: 12/12/2020”.

The expiration date does not indicate that the product will stop working immediately after that date. It just means that it may start to lose its effectiveness over time and may not be as effective as it was when it was first manufactured.

The expiration date does not indicate that the product will stop working immediately after that date. It just means that it may start to lose its effectiveness over time and may not be as effective as it was when it was first manufactured.

However, it is better not to use expired beauty products like makeup wipes on your face. 


Do Makeup Wipes Expire?

It depends on the type of makeup wipe you are using and how you store them. Makeup wipes have an expiration date, but they are not like food. Food has a clear shelf life, while makeup wipes do not.

Some makeup wipes can last up to six months after they are opened, while others can last up to one year. 

It might seem like the expiration date is just a suggestion (and an incentive for you to Consume! More!), but it is there to protect you. In the case of some makeup products like eyeshadow, you really need to take the expiration date seriously because incautious use can lead to infections.

Similarly, using makeup wipes after their expiration date can cause irritation and breakouts on your skin. That’s because expired makeup remover wipes are not as effective at removing dirt and oil from your face.

This can lead to acne or other skin problems.

Using makeup wipes after their expiration date can cause irritation and breakouts on your skin.


What if the Makeup Wipes Package Is Unopened?

If the makeup wipes are unopened and have been stored in a good environment, there’s a good chance they will be good for several months after opening, even if expired. In this case, you’ll really have to use your judgment and decide.

Keep watch for the signs your makeup wipes are going bad, as described below.


Signs That Your Makeup Wipes Are Expired

The expiry date is usually printed in a small font and can be found on the bottom or backside of the makeup wipes pack. However, it is necessary to be aware of other ways to interpret the product’s expiry if it is not printed.

The following are the signs your makeup wipes are expired:

1. Unpleasant Odor

 If you notice a smell from the makeup wipes, it could indicate that they are expired. Make sure you throw them away if this is the case. Expired makeup wipes can cause bacteria to grow and can lead to acne breakouts if you mistakenly use them.

2. Dried Out

If the makeup wipes are dried out, they may not be effective in removing all of your makeup as they should be, so it is best to replace them with fresh ones as soon as possible.

If the makeup wipes are dried out, they may not be effective in removing all of your makeup as they should be.

Therefore, If you want to avoid skin issues, only use the makeup wipes for about a month after their expiration date has passed. After that, toss them in the trash and buy new ones!

Note that if your makeup wipes have micellar water in them, the micellar water also expires. Again, toss them when it’s time.


Conclusion

Makeup wipes do expire, and it is not a great idea to use them on your face after they expire. Also, dispose of your makeup wipes in a safe manner (even if they say “flushable” don’t flush them!). Makeup wipes are made with oil and other substances that can clog drains and septic systems, so try to find a way to recycle or dispose of these properly!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).