Sunscreen doesn't last forever, and using it past its best can mean less protection than you expect. The good news is that it's easy to check. Here is how to read the expiry, store it well, and know when to replace it.
How to find the expiry
Most sunscreens carry two types of date information. The first is a standard expiry date, usually printed on the tube or box in day/month/year or month/year format. This is the date after which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the product will perform as stated. After this date, the SPF rating may have degraded and the formulation may have changed in ways that affect both safety and effectiveness.
The second is a period-after-opening symbol, which looks like a small open jar with a number followed by the letter M. "12M" means the product should be used within 12 months of first being opened. "24M" means 24 months. This symbol exists because once a product is opened and exposed to air, bacteria, and moisture, its stability begins to change regardless of the printed expiry date.
Check for both when you pick up a bottle. The sooner of the two dates is the one to follow.
Why storage matters
Heat is sunscreen's biggest enemy. High temperatures, and the repeated heat cycling that happens in a hot car, can break down the formulation well before the printed expiry date. The UV filters and other active ingredients can degrade, which means you might be applying something that looks and feels like sunscreen but is no longer delivering full protection.
Store sunscreen in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. At home, a bathroom cupboard or bedroom shelf is fine. At the beach, keep it in the shade or in a cool bag rather than leaving it baking on a towel in the sun.
If you've left a bottle in the car over a hot Australian summer, it's worth replacing it rather than carrying on to the end of the season.
Signs it is time to replace
You don't always need to wait for the date. There are physical signs that a sunscreen has turned:
- Change in texture — if it's become watery, lumpy, or has separated into layers, the formulation has broken down.
- Change in smell — an unusual or rancid odour is a clear sign it's past its best.
- Change in colour — significant discolouration, particularly yellowing, can indicate ingredient degradation.
If you notice any of these, replace the bottle. The cost of a new sunscreen is a small price compared with the cost of relying on one that isn't working properly.
Making a bottle last the season
A few simple habits help sunscreen stay effective for longer:
- Close the cap tightly after every use to limit air exposure.
- Avoid contaminating the opening by touching it with sandy or dirty hands.
- Store it somewhere cool, not in direct sunlight or in the car.
- Write the date you opened it on the bottom of the bottle if you're unlikely to remember.
And if you're getting through a bottle quickly because you're applying it generously and reapplying every 2 hours, and after swimming or towelling, that's exactly as it should be. Sunscreen is meant to be used, not saved.
If you'd like to know more about reading sunscreen labels, our guide to choosing a sunscreen you can trust covers what to look for. And when it's time for a new bottle, our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen is Australian made, independently tested, and designed for the whole family.
Frequently asked questions
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Most sunscreens carry a printed expiry date and a period-after-opening symbol. The sooner of the two is the date to follow. Using sunscreen past its expiry can mean reduced protection.
Can you use expired sunscreen?
It's not recommended. After the expiry date, the formulation may have degraded and the SPF rating may no longer be reliable. If the product has changed in texture, colour, or smell, replace it regardless of the date on the bottle.
How should I store sunscreen?
Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, as heat degrades the formulation and can reduce its effectiveness before the printed expiry date.
This post is for general information only. For personalised sun protection advice, speak with your healthcare provider.
