June 11, 2025, 9:10 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Days are getting sunnier again. It’s time to have sunscreen ready at hand. But is it okay to use the bottle or tube from last year? STYLEBOOK summarizes.
Use it or toss it? This is the question facing anyone who discovers a half-empty tube of sunscreen in the bathroom cabinet during these spring days, which has been waiting to be unpacked during the winter months. But is this sunscreen still good, or should we buy a new one?
Overview
The Jar Symbol Provides Clarity
The shelf life of sunscreen is usually indicated on the packaging, according to the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW). The symbol that provides this information is an open jar with a number, such as “18 M.” In this case, the sunscreen is good for 18 months.
Important: The time starts from when the sunscreen is opened. Once opened, air reaches the product, which can affect its effectiveness over time. So, if you find a sunscreen marked “12 M” or “18 M” that was opened during last summer’s vacation, you can still use it. In rarer cases, there is also a specific expiration date on the packaging, often in conjunction with an hourglass symbol, according to the IKW.
The Trick with the Waterproof Marker
It’s rare to remember exactly when you opened the sunscreen. Ökotest suggests noting the date on the tube or bottle with a waterproof marker. By the way, unopened sunscreens generally last at least 30 months, according to Ökotest, provided they are stored correctly. Extreme heat, for example, is not good even for unopened products.
Also interesting: What Do the UV Filters in Sunscreens Really Mean?
Pay Attention to Color, Smell, or Consistency
And if you have no idea how long the sunscreen has been in use? Then it’s worth critically examining the color, smell, or consistency. If they have changed, the IKW advises against continuing to use the cream.
3 Things You Should Avoid on Flights for the Sake of Your Skin
In the Test: How Good Is a Period Bikini Really?
Darya Strelnikova on the Desire to Have Children: “The Question Is Never Asked When You’re Single”
Avoid Sunscreens with Octocrylene
Sunscreens containing the UV filter Octocrylene are a special case. A study by researchers from France and the U.S. found that over time, Octocrylene can form benzophenone, which is considered potentially carcinogenic.
If you suspect that the sunscreen with Octocrylene might be expired, it’s better to dispose of it and get fresh sun protection. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for products without Octocrylene as a precaution.