Shelf life · 2 min read
Does sunscreen expire?
Quick answer: Yes. In the U.S., sunscreen has to stay stable for at least 3 years. If yours has an expiration date, toss it after that date. If it has no date, the FDA says to treat it as expired 3 years after purchase.
- Shelf life
- 3 years
- after purchase
- Risk
- Medium
- expired sunscreen may not protect you
Signs your sunscreen has gone bad
How to store it
- Keep sunscreen out of direct sun, for example wrapped in a towel or in the shade at the beach
- Don't leave it in a hot car, where it can break down faster
- Write the purchase date on bottles that have no expiration date
Why sunscreen follows drug rules
In the U.S., sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter drug. The FDA requires nonprescription drugs to carry an expiration date unless the manufacturer has shown the product stays stable for at least three years. That is where the 3-year rule comes from.
No date on the bottle?
If you can't find an expiration date, the FDA says to consider the sunscreen expired three years after you bought it. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests writing the purchase date on the bottle so you know when to replace it.
FAQ
Is expired sunscreen dangerous?
The American Academy of Dermatology says expired sunscreen may break down and cause irritated skin or an allergic reaction, and it may not protect you as expected.
Does makeup with SPF expire faster?
A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist suggests replacing makeup with SPF after about 6 months.
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
- Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed September 24, 2026.
- When to toss your makeup and sunscreen, American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed September 24, 2026.
- Skincare Expiry Dates, Shelf Life and Storage, The INKEY List. Accessed September 24, 2026.