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View Full Version : How to tell if Shampoo is Expired



MeganE
May 6th, 2011, 03:40 PM
I've found the threads about how you shouldn't use shampoo past the expiration date, but I don't know what to do with a bottle of shampoo that has no expiration date.

It's Pureology nanoworks, ridiculously expensive. I bought it two or three years ago, I can't remember now. I use a very small amount of it at a time and stretch out my washes. It's one of the big bottles, so there's still a lot left.

I think it's starting to smell a little differently than it did when I first got it, but I don't know how to tell for sure. Short of buying some new product, or carrying some old product into a store to do a smell comparison.

Are there any ways to tell for sure? I was hoping for a suds test, or some sort of test on a patch of hair? Or does anyone know how long Pureology lasts?

Carolyn
May 6th, 2011, 03:49 PM
Honestly I wouldn't worry about it if it's only 2-3 years old. I'd use it and see how it works. I've read that many beauty products lose their potency with age. I don't think that's a big deal. I would however get to using it up. I've never once looked at S & C expiration dates. I know I have stuff (and use it) that is way older than 2-3 years. I've never had a problem or seen a difference in performance.

kwaniesiam
May 6th, 2011, 04:08 PM
I don't blame you for not wanting to waste Pureology. It has enough preservatives in it that it should be fine :)

spidermom
May 6th, 2011, 04:12 PM
Shampoo expires?

I wouldn't know. My policy is don't buy something new until what I have is nearly empty.

BrightEyes7
May 6th, 2011, 04:18 PM
A doctor once told me to ignore experation dates, he was referring to food and medication but I'm sure shampoo is the same.

He said as long as it has not change apperance, consistancy or smell it should be fine. And really, shampoo changing smell isn't that big of a deal... the fragrance just probably faded with time.

I'd say it's safe to use.

lapushka
May 6th, 2011, 04:31 PM
I ignore dates on beauty products too. I'm more careful with natural brands, but when the consistency is still okay, it's usually fine. I've had an Urtekram shampoo go runny and I've had an Avalon Organics shampoo go horribly off-color. I'm not so much into natural brands anymore because of that. I tend to have bottles around for a long time, and I don't want anything to go bad on me.

jojo
May 6th, 2011, 04:52 PM
Ive never checked the date but theres normally a date on the bottom of the bottle in black print, though i couldnt tell you it should say as the print is too small for my aging eyes! but many moons ago it was my job (B-O-R-I-N-G) to put vinegar through a machine which put the expiry date on, shampoo bottles have the same!

Delila
May 6th, 2011, 05:02 PM
As others have said, unless it's changed in appearance, consistency or odor, it should be fine. If the scent just seems to have faded, I'd say there's likely no issue. If it smells funky/bad, I'd be a bit more cautious.

I once found a bottle of (years old) Queen Helene Mint Julep shampoo that had solidified into some sort of peculiar gel in the bottle. Very thick. Was it still useful? I have no idea, I tossed it out just because it was impossible to remove from the container.