Does sunscreen expire? Yes. Every sunscreen carries a printed expiry date, and many also carry a period-after-opening symbol (an open jar with a number such as 12M). Follow whichever comes first. Past that point the SPF may no longer be reliable, and a tube that has changed in texture, smell or colour should be replaced regardless of the date. Stored cool and out of direct sunlight, an unopened tube lasts to its printed date.
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.
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. 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. The sooner of the two dates is the one to follow.
How to store sunscreen so it lasts longer
Heat is the main thing that shortens a sunscreen's life. High temperatures and repeated heat cycling can break down the formulation well before the printed expiry date, which means you might be applying something that looks and feels like sunscreen but is no longer delivering full protection.
- Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. At home, a bathroom cupboard or bedroom shelf is fine.
- At the beach or park, keep it in the shade or the day bag rather than on a towel in the sun.
- Close the cap tightly after every use to limit air exposure.
- Avoid touching the opening with sandy or dirty hands.
- Write the date you opened it on the bottom of the tube if you are unlikely to remember.
- Keep a 30g in the bag you actually take out, so the 140g stays home in a stable spot.
If you are travelling, our travel sunscreen guide covers which size to pack where.
Signs it is time to replace
You do not always need to wait for the date. There are physical signs that a sunscreen has turned:
- Change in texture: watery, lumpy or separated into layers.
- Change in smell: an unusual or rancid odour.
- Change in colour: significant discolouration, particularly yellowing.
If you notice any of these, replace the tube.
Using it up is the point
If you are getting through a tube quickly because you are applying it generously and reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming or towelling, that is exactly as it should be. Sunscreen is meant to be used, not saved.
If you would like to know more about reading sunscreen labels, our guide to checking whether a sunscreen's SPF is independently tested covers what to look for. And when it is time for a new tube, our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen is Australian made, independently tested by Eurofins Dermatest to a mean SPF of 61.0 (ISO 24444 and AS/NZS 2604:2012), and gentle enough for babies, made for the whole family. Every size and set is in our sunscreen for sensitive skin range.
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 is 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 tube.
How long does sunscreen last once opened?
Check the period-after-opening symbol on the tube; 12M means 12 months from opening. If the printed expiry date comes sooner, follow that instead.
How should I store sunscreen?
In a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, with the cap closed tightly. 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.
