Does sunscreen expire?

Most sunscreens have an expiration date listed on their containers. The ingredients that make up sunscreen break down over time, so it’s wise not to use a sunscreen past its expiration date to make sure you’re getting enough coverage.

Not all sunscreens have an expiration date. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll never expire — the FDA allowsTrusted Source sunscreen manufacturers to avoid listing an expiration date as long as the product is proven to remain stable for more than 3 years.

So if your sunscreen doesn’t include an expiration date, write down the date you bought it and consider discarding it after 3 years so you’re not taking an unnecessary risk with less effective sunscreen.