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Shelf life · 2 min read

Does lipstick expire?

Quick answer: Yes. Most brands say lipstick lasts 12 to 18 months after opening, and some go up to 2 years. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist suggests 6 months, because lips carry a lot of bacteria.

By Makeup Shelf Editorial Team Updated

Reviewed by HASAN BALKI,

Shelf life
6–24 months
after opening
Risk
Medium
lips carry a lot of bacteria
Three lipsticks in nude, rose and berry, caps off, standing upright.

Signs your lipstick has gone bad

How to store it

  • Keep it capped and away from heat, which melts and separates the formula
  • Don't leave it in a hot car or in direct sun
  • Don't share lipstick, especially if someone has a cold sore

When does my lipstick expire?

An estimate based on general guidance or your label. Always follow the product's own label, and replace anything that smells, looks or feels different.

Why experts disagree on lipstick

Brands like Revlon and Rose Inc give lipstick 12 to 18 months. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist is more cautious and suggests 6 months, noting that lips have a lot of bacteria on them, so lip products get contaminated quickly. If you wear a lipstick every day, the shorter end makes sense.

Beads on your lipstick

Small drops on a lipstick bullet usually mean the oils are separating from the wax, often after heat. It does not always mean the lipstick is unsafe, but it is a sign the formula is breaking down, and it will not apply the way it used to.

Lipstick shelf lifeAFTER OPENING6–24 monthsRISKMediummakeupshelf.app · general guidance, not medical advice

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FAQ

Should I throw away lipstick after a cold sore?

It is safest to replace lip products you used while you had a cold sore to avoid spreading it again.

Does lipstick expire if unopened?

A sealed lipstick lasts longer, but oils in the formula still age. Check the packaging for a printed date.

This is general guidance compiled from the sources below. It is not medical advice. Always follow your product's label, and stop using anything that irritates your skin or eyes.

Sources

  1. When Does Your Makeup Expire?, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Accessed September 24, 2026.
  2. Does Makeup Expire? How to Know When to Replace Your Products, Revlon. Accessed September 24, 2026.
  3. Your Definitive Guide to Makeup Expiration Dates, Rose Inc. Accessed September 24, 2026.
  4. When Does Makeup Expire?, Red Apple Lipstick. Accessed September 24, 2026.
  5. How long does makeup last? Your guide to expiration, contamination and curation, MECCA. Accessed September 24, 2026.