Beyond Food: Everyday Products With Surprising Expiry Dates

Many consumers are aware that food, drinks, and medicines have expiration dates. However, a significant number of everyday products also possess a limited shelf life, beyond which they can become less effective or even pose health risks, according to consumer advice organization Which?.

Products like mascara and moisturizers can degrade within months, potentially leading to skin irritation and infections. Other items, such as batteries and motor oil, have lifespans measured in years before requiring replacement.

Which? advises consumers to always check product packaging for use-by dates and manufacturer guidance. When such information is absent or lost, general guidelines can help determine when items may need replacing.

Mascara, a staple in many makeup bags, typically expires within three to six months of opening. Sara Spary, a senior researcher at Which?, explained that the liquid formula can become a breeding ground for bacteria, posing a risk to eye health. Manufacturers often indicate this by including an open jar symbol with '3M' or '6M' on the packaging.

Insect repellent generally has a lifespan of around three years, according to Matt Stevens, a principal researcher at Which?. While the active ingredients like DEET and Picaridin are stable, other components in the spray may degrade over time. Proper storage in a cool, dry, and dark place can help maximize its shelf life. Expired repellents may still offer some protection, but their effectiveness will be reduced.

Batteries can last between ten to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. Callum Pears, a senior researcher, noted that manufacturers often print production and expiry dates on battery packaging. For long-term storage, lithium disposable batteries are recommended over alkaline options due to their longer shelf life and lower risk of chemical leakage.

Moisturizers are advised to be used within six months of opening. James Aitchison, a senior researcher, stated that skincare products typically display expiration dates and Period After Opening (PAO) symbols. Using expired moisturizer can lead to a loss of efficacy in active ingredients. In more severe cases, the preservatives may break down, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow, which can cause skin irritation, rashes, and infections, particularly with products packaged in tubs.

Motor oil has an expiration period of two to five years. Degradation can be indicated by a change in color from golden or amber to dark brown. Dino Buratti, a senior researcher, warned that using degraded motor oil can lead to engine wear, increased fuel consumption, reduced performance, and potentially expensive repairs or engine failure.

While many people use toothpaste regularly, older tubes can expire after approximately two years, with the shelf life shortening significantly after opening. Manca Virant, a senior researcher, explained that expired toothpaste, especially fluoride varieties, becomes less effective at cleaning and cavity protection. It may also develop an unpleasant taste and, depending on storage, could become contaminated.

Tea bags have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months, according to Sarah Ross, a Which? food and health editor. Tea bags should be discarded if they become damp, moldy, or develop a musty smell, as consuming mold can be particularly risky for vulnerable individuals.

Bleach, if stored for over a year, should be replaced. Jacob Compton, a Which? scientist, stated that bleach becomes less effective over time as its active ingredients break down. While not toxic, weakened bleach may not adequately disinfect surfaces, potentially allowing harmful bacteria or viruses to survive.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have a limited lifespan, typically five to ten years. After this period, the CO sensor becomes less reliable and requires replacement. Most alarms will signal the end of their life with an audible chirp or a display code.

Hand sanitiser, particularly if it's a leftover from the COVID-19 pandemic, has an expiration period of two to three years. Olivia Pratt, a Which? scientist, explained that the active sanitizing ingredient can evaporate or break down over time, reducing its effectiveness. The World Health Organization recommends an alcohol concentration of at least 60% for effective sanitization; a lower concentration can provide a false sense of security and increase the risk of infection.