We recently got a new laundry machine. Because we changed from a top loader to a front loader, we needed to completely change the shelving in our bathroom. While cleaning out the shelves to take them apart and remake, I found a box that had gotten shoved to the back. It contained some bottles of lotions: the nice smelling Creative Scentsations hand/body lotions. They are probably about 4 or 5 years old. They don't seem to be separated, and they still smell okay. The lotions have not been used at all. I developed some skin sensitivities a few years back and stopped using lotions and perfumes. So, I don't think I will be using them, but would you give them away or just toss them out? Also, I have several bottles of perfume that are about 4 or 5 years old as well. I never put perfume directly on my body. I always put it on a tissue first. So, I have no worries about giving the perfumes away if they are still ok. I have a friend who loves wearing different perfumes. I was thinking about giving them to her if they are still ok. I couldn't find an expiration date on the lotions or the perfumes. What do you think ladies? I thought I would give them to my friend if they are ok. And no, it is not going to be as a Christmas present.
Thanks ladies! I already got rid of the opened lotions, but I will offer the unopened ones to my friend and tell her that they are about 4-5 years old. The perfume hasn't changed colors so I will offer her those as well. Perfumes really bother me after having my son. If at some point in the future I decide to try wearing a scent again, I will definitely remember to try the locket. Thanks for that tip!
I have never seen an expiration date on lotions or perfumes.
They should be fine. If your friend doesn't want them donate them to a women's shelter.
For mass produced perfumes, as long as they were kept in a dark area, where it's cool, dry and covered, they will keep for a long while. For lotions, again, mass produced creams and lotions will keep decently well. Let your friend know, and she can test them and keep or dispose of them with no hard feelings.
What I mean by mass produced, is general market. I make perfumed balms and perfumed oils, and buy handmade perfumes, and I let my friends know that after six months the volatile nature of the scents will change. Most hand made cosmetics are such as they are made fresh, and use no chemical preservatives.
On the subject of wearing your fave scents and not on your skin...do a google search for a scent locket. You take a bit of cotton, spritz your perfume on it, drop it into the locket, snap it shut, and wear the pretty smells without it ever touching your skin. I have one for some smells that don't work with my body chemistry or fade too quickly. When you are ready to change out the scent, clean out the locket with hot soapy water, dry, and pop in a new scent pad.
Hope this helps.
For things that are unopened, they can usually last a long time, especially if they're kept out of sunlight and away from heat. Once they're opened, the clock starts ticking, so to speak. You can probably see a small symbol somewhere on the bottle that shows a little jar with the lid off, and a number inside the jar - that is how long an opened product would last. For instance if it says 12, then it would last 12 months after opening.
If the lotions haven't separated, they are probably fine. Perfume might not be as potent if it was opened a while ago, but if it still smells nice, someone can wear it.
As long as the perfumes have not turned brown they are okay to use. Otherwise dispose of them as the perfume will be scent off.
Lotions might be a bit tricky as they have been opened and may have things growing in them even if they are not separated.
This is just my take on it.
the other S.
Body lotions or face creams with SPF expire around 2 years, but that just means the SPF factor is lower or gone. As long as the lotion hasn't turned a weird color it should be fine.
I don't think they have an expiration date, per se... BUT I have found that lotions, creams and perfumes definitely go bad smell-wise!!! I've been going thru my Mom's stuff and have found lots and lots (and LOTS) of little bottles of perfume, lotions, etc., and some of them smell terrible!!! Those are the ones I pitch. Others, I've been using because they smell just fine. BUT, I have also found that a couple of them smell fine in the bottles but as soon as it's on my skin it smells terrible. I don't know if it's because of being released to the air or reacting with my skin or what, but yuck!!!
It's the medicated lotions, etc., that I'm sure have an expiration date.
If you give them to anyone, I would just be honest and explain the situation. That way, no hard feelings if there are any issues.
Good luck!
As long as they're not separated and smell okay, they're fine to use. The oils in them can eventually go rancid, but they're stabilized in the manufacturing process, so it takes a LONG time for that to happen.
