Does shampoo expire? Does conditioner expire? These are questions you may have wondered at some point—likely, while eyeing that half-empty bottle of shampoo that’s been sitting in your shower since the dawn of time. The answer is yes: haircare products can and do expire. And while it may be tempting to throw caution to the wind and squeeze every last drop out of that pricey shampoo, we’d advise against it. Using shampoo and conditioner that are past their prime can lead to haircare concerns or even (in some cases) scalp irritation. Here, we’ll give you the rundown on when to toss your old shampoos and conditioners, tips for extending the shelf life of your haircare staples, and more. Keep reading for the details.
Key Takeaways
- Takeaway #1: Shampoo and conditioner can expire, usually lasting 6-24 months, depending on the product type and ingredients.
- Takeaway #2: Expired products may be less effective, have a different texture, or develop an unpleasant smell.
- Takeaway #3: There are ways to extend the shelf life of your products through proper storage.
- Takeaway #4: Always check the product label for expiry dates or symbols indicating shelf life.
Can Shampoo and Conditioner Expire?
Yes, just like any other beauty product, shampoo and conditioner can expire. Over time, the ingredients inside the formula can break down, making your products less effective at cleansing or hydrating your hair. When expired, these products may change in texture, smell, or color. Using them past their prime won’t usually harm your hair, but it won’t help it either.
To keep your routine effective and safe, always check the label for shelf-life symbols and store your products in a cool, dry place with the lid closed. To check a product’s shelf life, look for the “Period After Opening” (PAO) symbol on the bottle—typically shown as “12M” or “24M”—which indicates how many months the formula remains fresh after opening.
How Long Does Shampoo and Conditioner Typically Last?
The shelf life of shampoo and conditioner depends on the formula and how the product is stored. Unopened products can last about two to three years when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or major temperature fluctuations. Once you open your shampoo or conditioner, you can expect it to last between six to 24 months, on average—which, for most of us, is more than enough time to get through a bottle. However, natural shampoos may have a shorter shelf life due to a lack of preservatives in the formula. Medicated shampoos, such as those for dandruff, may also have a shorter shelf life than standard cleansing formulas.
If you’re unsure how long you can use your shampoo or conditioner for, check the PAO symbol on the label. It can also be helpful to take note of the date you opened your product—just write it on the bottle with a permanent marker to keep track.
How To Tell If Shampoo or Conditioner Is Expired
Hair products don’t last forever, and using expired formulas can affect how your hair looks and feels. Here are the most common signs it’s time to toss your shampoo or conditioner:
- Texture changes: If the formula has separated, become clumpy, or feels unusually thin or watery, it may no longer be stable.
- Smell changes: A sour, musty, or unusual scent is a clear sign the product has expired.
- Color changes: If the product looks cloudy or has changed color, it’s likely past its prime.
- Loss of effectiveness: If your hair feels greasy, dry, or weighed down after washing, the product may be expired.
If you’re unsure whether something is expired or not, the best course of action is to toss and replace it. If you need a recommendation on what to snag when you restock, we’re big fans of the Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner. The gentle duo is suitable for all hair types and leaves your tresses feeling strong, soft, and healthy with regular use.
Is It Safe To Use Expired Shampoo Or Conditioner?
Using expired hair products isn't usually dangerous, but it’s not recommended, especially if you notice changes in how the product looks, smells, or performs. Generally speaking, expired hair products won’t perform as well as intended. They may be less effective at cleansing your strands or leave your hair looking greasy rather than fresh. In some cases, expired formulas can cause scalp concerns such as redness, dryness, or irritation. Buildup can also be a concern, especially if the formula contains a lot of nourishing oils or butters. If your product smells off, looks different, or feels strange on your hair, it’s best to toss it—consider it the perfect excuse to revamp your routine.
How To Extend The Life of Your Shampoo and Conditioner
To maximize the effectiveness and longevity of your haircare products, follow these tips:
- Store your products properly: Keep bottles tightly sealed and store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can break down ingredients faster.
- Avoid contamination: Help prevent water, bacteria, or other contaminants from entering the bottle by ensuring your hands are clean before handling the product.
- Check expiration dates: Regularly review your haircare products and toss anything past its expiration date to avoid using ineffective or potentially harmful products.
- Buy smaller sizes: If you struggle to finish a full-sized bottle of shampoo or conditioner before it expires, consider buying smaller sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can shampoo or conditioner make you sick when expired?
Using a shampoo or conditioner that’s past its prime is unlikely to make you sick. However, lathering up with an expired shampoo could potentially lead to scalp concerns like dryness or irritation. As such, it’s always best to toss your expired shampoos and conditioners.
Why do shampoos and conditioners expire?
Shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that can break down over time, which may cause the product to lose its effectiveness. Preservatives in the formula can also become less effective with time, which can leave the product susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth.
How do I properly dispose of expired shampoo or conditioner?
If you’ve discovered that your go-to shampoo or conditioner has expired, empty the leftover product into the garbage can. Then, rinse out the bottle and recycle it as outlined on the product packaging. You can also minimize waste by opting for refillable shampoos and conditioners or taking advantage of various retailers’ recycling programs.
Can you use expired shampoo as a cleaning agent?
It’s best to avoid using expired shampoo as a cleaning agent. Even if it smells and looks okay, shampoo is designed to clean your hair, not your countertops.
Next Up: What Is Dry Shampoo and How Do You Use It?
Need more help determining when and how to use your favorite haircare products? Use our salon locator to find a pro near you.
Header image credit: @pureology
