How long does mascara last? The FDA recommends discarding mascara three months after purchase. The agency also notes that manufacturers generally recommend replacing mascara within two to four months. Replace it sooner if it dries out or you develop an eye infection while using it.
How Long Does Mascara Last After Opening?
The FDA’s three-month recommendation counts from the day you buy mascara, not the day you first open it. Many beauty guides use the opening date instead. If you open mascara the day you buy it, the distinction hardly matters. But if you keep unopened backups, those dates can be months apart.
The FDA’s purchase-based recommendation is a cautious general guideline, not an exact expiration date established for every unopened tube. If you’ve kept mascara sealed for several months, check its packaging and ask the manufacturer about its shelf life rather than assuming it will remain usable for months after opening.
Unopened mascara doesn’t last forever. US law generally doesn’t require ordinary cosmetics to carry expiration dates, and there isn’t one universal shelf life for every sealed mascara. The FDA also cautions that cosmetics purchased through resale channels or flea markets may be past their shelf life or tampered with.
Check the packaging for a printed expiration date or a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol. A printed date gives a calendar deadline, while a PAO symbol looks like an open jar and tells you how long the product is intended to be used after opening. For example, 6M means six months after opening.
These manufacturer labels may differ from the FDA’s three-month mascara recommendation. Choosing the shorter interval is a cautious approach, but a longer label recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean the packaging is wrong.
How to Tell When Mascara Has Gone Bad
Drying is the clearest warning sign. Mascara that becomes stiff, flaky or difficult to apply may have dried out. A noticeable change in color, smell or texture is another reason to stop using it.
The FDA’s shelf-life guidance explains that exposure to air, heat and sunlight can change how cosmetics look and feel. Preservatives can also break down over time, allowing microorganisms to grow.
Mascara can look and smell normal even when it’s time to replace it. Pay attention to its age, not just whether the formula still applies smoothly.
Don’t try to revive dried-out mascara. The FDA specifically warns against adding water or saliva. It doesn’t recommend eye drops, saline or oils as substitutes, so replacing the tube is the simpler precaution.
What If Mascara Irritates Your Eyes?
Stop using mascara if it causes irritation. The FDA recommends seeing a doctor if the irritation doesn’t go away.
If you develop an eye infection, stop applying eye makeup until the area has healed. The FDA also advises discarding the eye cosmetics you were using when the infection developed, not just the mascara.
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing irritation or an infection, seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than continuing to use the product.
How to Store and Handle Mascara Safely
Keep the cap tightly closed and store mascara away from excessive heat and moisture. The FDA advises against storing cosmetics above 85°F (about 29°C), as can happen inside a hot car, because heat can weaken their preservatives.
A bedroom drawer is generally a better choice than a shelf in a steamy bathroom.
Wash your hands before applying eye makeup, and don’t share mascara. The FDA also warns that store testers may be contaminated. If you try one, use a fresh, unused applicator rather than the shared wand.
Write the purchase date on the tube or save it in your phone so you don’t have to guess later.
Mascara isn’t the only eye makeup tool that needs regular care. Keeping your makeup brushes clean helps remove product buildup between uses.
If you can’t remember when you bought your mascara, replacing it is the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unopened mascara expire?
Yes. Unopened mascara doesn’t last forever, but there is no universal expiration period for every formula. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date or shelf-life guidance, especially if the tube has been stored for a long time.
How often should you replace mascara?
The FDA recommends discarding mascara three months after purchase. Replace it sooner if it dries out or if you develop an eye infection while using it.
Can you add water to dried-out mascara?
No. The FDA advises against adding water or saliva to mascara because doing so can introduce bacteria or weaken the formula’s preservatives. Replace the dried-out tube instead.
Can expired mascara cause an eye infection?
Old or contaminated mascara may increase the risk of eye irritation or infection, but not every expired tube is contaminated. Stop using mascara if it irritates your eyes, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
