Sunscreen myth: Why the expiration date is only a guideline and how to tell if it still protects you

During the summer, we tend to keep several types of sunscreen on hand, whether in lotion, spray, or roll-on form, making it easy to carry in a purse or backpack. In addition, more and more makeup products now include sun protection. Sunscreen can often remain effective even after its expiration date. Many people don't realize that sunscreen products from the previous year can often still be used safely. This can save both money and resources while reducing plastic waste from discarded containers. Sunscreen can often be used beyond its best-before date The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends following a simple rule, similar to the guidance used for food products that have passed their best-before date. "If the sunscreen smells bad or looks different from when it was first opened, throw it away. A change in smell may indicate that some of the ingredients have broken down or that bacteria have grown in the product," advises Berit Granum, a researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. In general, scientists and industry representatives say sunscreen has a shelf life of about 12 months after it has been opened. "This reflects the real-world conditions the product is exposed to during use, including heat, ultraviolet radiation, and repeated contact with hands or even beach sand. This period represents the time during which the product is expected to maintain its safety and effectiveness under normal storage conditions," adds Lin Greig Teigland. Related article The Sunscreen Backlash: Should You Really Skip It? She is the managing director of the Norwegian Cosmetics Association, an organization required to operate in full compliance with European Union regulations. Some loss of protection should be expected There is always a chance that last year's sunscreen may no longer provide the same level of protection. Therefore, before using it for a day at the beach or an outdoor pool, it's a good idea to test it first on a small area of skin. The SPF may no longer be the same, so it's best to test the product before relying on it. In many cases, it will still provide adequate protection. However, extra caution should be taken when using older sunscreen on children, as their skin is much more sensitive and the product may no longer offer the level of protection they need. The product's consistency can help determine whether it's still usable The chances that sunscreen is still effective are much higher if it has always been stored in a cool place. High temperatures, excessive heat, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate the breakdown of the product's chemical composition. This process changes its properties and, most importantly, reduces its effectiveness. Related article Controversy Over Science: Sunscreen Misinformation Goes Viral on TikTok Even so, researchers emphasize that using expired sunscreen is still better than using no sunscreen at all if you don't have a new product available. References Sciencenorway.no. (2026). Is it safe to use expired sunscreen? . Utopia.de. (2026). Sunscreen: Can you still use last year's sunscreen? .