Suntan lotion date limit

[Andyvon]

I was wondering if suntan lotion becomes ineffective after a certain time?

A few months ago (about October) I noticed that my local Wilkinsons were selling bottles of SolKiss suntan lotion at a 75% reduction. Since I lost most of my hair several years ago (LOL!) I use quite a lot of sun lotion in the summer. I immediately bought 16 bottles and then left the store congratulating myself on my luck and the fact I wouldn't have to buy any sun lotion for the next 2 or 3 years!
Tonight my neighbour came round and he noticed my neat line of suntan bottles in the cupboard. When I told him why I'd bought them he pointed out that they have 'Use By' dates on them. Most are the middle of March.

Does this mean that the sun lotion loses it's effectiveness after that date? If so, there will be a rather chastened Andyvon and a lot of SolKiss in the wheelie bin!

[jb190281]

From netdoctor.co.uk


Can I use sun lotion left over from last year?
Not with safety. Sunscreens have a shelf-life of more than two and a half years. This means the manufacturer is not obliged by law to quote an expiry date.
But both heat and bacteria damage sunscreens, so you should replace your lotion each year.
If your sunscreen smells off or separates, it is either full of bacteria or has been destroyed in some other way and should be thrown out.
Keep sun lotion in a shady and cool place when not in use, ideally in the refrigerator.

[Andyvon]

Oh - Thank you JB.

I've just been thinking that some of the bottles would probably be OK for the coming year. Then I thought I had better not take the chance, especially as I didn't pay very much. That's not the real price though. My father has had 3 operations for skin cancer in his scalp caused by the sun when he worked in the airlines years ago. I don't want that so I think I'll buy new this year.

Thanks for the reply.

[Hymie]

I have seen much advice in the media about not using suntan lotion after the expiry date.

Many years ago, I had a bottle of factor 15 – that I used at least 5 years after its expiry date. It was certainly still effective at stopping me becoming sunburnt.

But having suffered serious sunburn, after not applying any to my feet – I would certainly recommend you test the efficacy of any out of date lotion (with modest sun exposure), before exposing your body to 8 hours of Mediterranean summer sun.

[TheOtherHalf]

I asked this same question last year after finding some at the back of my cupboard and was recommended not to use it so I bought some new and its does state on the new one lasts only 18 months after opening.

[joggerjayne]

... "after opening" ?

So ...