[Mari]

Some skin care products have an expiry date, others don't. If the product isn't opened would the shelf life start at that point? I'm asking because since there isn't a department store or good pharmacy where I live I go nutso when I hit a store with lots of products and usually buy items I think I'd like to try at some point.

 

[SusanRL]

I believe that the shelf life begins from the day that the product is bottled. Because even if it hasn't been opened, some air and bacteria would have been trapped during the bottling/packaging stage. Typically the preservatives in the cream keep the bacteria from growing, but over time, the bacteria will find a way to multiply and cause the product to go bad. The shelf life of products will most likely vary quite a bit depending on what preservatives are used and how the cream is packaged. Even if there is no expiration date, there should be some sort of batch number printed either on the bottle or box. You can always contact the manufacturer and they can tell you when your batch was created and what the shelf life is based on their tests.

 

[Mari]

Thanks Susan, just wish there was a way we had the secret to reading their code -- after all we can't tell how long the product has been in the store.

 

[Freddy]

Sometimes they put their dates on the bottles using Julian code. Search online for a Julian calendar calculator so you can see when it was made.

 

[christiecrest]

Some skin care products have an expiry date, others don't. If the product isn't opened would the shelf life start at that point? I'm asking because since there isn't a department store or good pharmacy where I live I go nutso when I hit a store with lots of products and usually buy items I think I'd like to try at some point.

well, most synthetic products have LOTS of preservatives and that way have a long shelf life, but natural ones don't last as long, but i think are better...

and if they arn't opened they don't have as much bacteria inside, but some can be closed and rot inside

.... so you can't really know...

 

[fawnie]

Sometimes they put their dates on the bottles using Julian code. Search online for a Julian calendar calculator so you can see when it was made.

Hey! Good advice! How'd you know that??!!!

 

[Freddy]

Humm...I have a nerdy side in me and I just thought it one day when I was bored. hahaha.