That’s a very common question does chapstick expire?
To dig deeper we first need to analyze that every product have some ingredients because of which a product expire.
And the same goes with chapsticks as well.
If those ingredients are present in the chapstick it’ll for sure expire.
Given that, you can avoid getting chapsticks that labels the expiry date. This means there are some ingredients inside it which can’t stay in fresh condition after a long use.
So if you’re someone who uses this item on and off. Consider getting without an expiry date mentioned.
Otherwise, if you’re someone who uses a lot of chapstick day in and day out there’s no harm getting the ones that does mention an expiry date.
In Short…
Chapstick without an expiry date do not expire. So you can continue the use whenever you like it.
13 Ingredients That Cause Chapstick To Expire
Here is a list of formulations that if added in a chapstick can cause them to expire. The list includes:
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Aluminum sulfate
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Dimethicone
- Petrolatum
- White petrolatum
In short, sunscreens and skin protectant related ingredients are all the ones that expires. So your lip balm too. Next time if you’re opting for a lipbalm you can have a look at the ingredients list to find the above items. Or alternatively, you can see the expiry mentioned on the chapstick if there’s nothing printed on the product this means you’re good to go and make long use of it.
So if you find any chapstick that doesn’t mention the expiry date but have any of the items above mentioned in the ingredients list be sure to use it before 12 months after opening just to remain on the safe side and don’t hurt your lips in the process.
Wrapping It Up
Does chapstick expire? Usually not. If the expiration date is not present on the chapstick, NO.
If it does, than obviously, YES.
If the product doesn’t mention the expiry date and YET contains ingredients from the above list than again YES, it will expire even if their no mention on the product packaging.