Does Sunscreen Expire? How to Know When It’s Time to Toss It

You just found a half-used bottle of sunscreen in the back of your bathroom cabinet, the same one you brought on that beach trip a few summers ago. You're pretty sure it still works...right?

This brings up a question we hear all the time: Does sunscreen actually expire?

If you’re in a rush, replacing an old bottle might not sound ideal. But when it comes to sun protection, expiration dates matter, and old SPF may not be effective. Ahead, we’ll walk you through how long sunscreen really lasts, what happens when it goes bad and how to keep your SPF stash in tip-top shape.

Does Sunscreen Expire?

The short answer? Yes!

In general, most sunscreens have a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years, which means that bottle from a few summers ago might not be doing its job anymore. That goes for both mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Expiration dates are usually printed directly on the bottle or on the outer packaging. If you still have the box, you might find the date printed near the bottom edge. If not, check the crimp on the tube or the label on the bottle for a small stamp.

That said, if you’re applying sunscreen the way dermatologists and suncare experts recommend (generously, evenly and daily) you probably won’t have bottles sitting around long enough to even reach their expiration date. Daily SPF habits = no leftovers.

Is It OK to Use Expired Sunscreen?

We get it. Sometimes you’re in a pinch. But if you’re serious about sun protection, it’s best to steer clear of expired SPF.

Once a sunscreen is past its prime, its active ingredients may start to break down, making it less effective at blocking UV rays. That leaves your skin more vulnerable to sun damage and premature aging. So if your sunscreen is expired, do your skin a favor and swap it out for a fresh one. Trust us, it’s worth it.

3 Tips to Keep Your Sunscreen In Super! Condition

Here’s how to keep your favorite formulas going strong:

1. Don’t Store Your Sunscreen In Hot Environments

Leaving your sunscreen in a hot car or at the bottom of your beach bag could speed up the breakdown of those active ingredients. When in doubt, bring it with you, but keep it in the shade.

2. Don’t Store It In Direct Sunlight

It may seem ironic, but sunscreen likes to stay out of the sun. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (like when it’s left on a pool chair all day) can cause the formula to separate or degrade faster.

3. Keep It In a Cool, Dry Place

Think: storage drawer, linen closet, or skincare shelf. Your sunscreen deserves a spot that'll keep it safe!

Ready to Refresh Your Sunscreen Stash?

If you suspect your sunscreen is expired, it’s time to give your suncare routine a freshen up. The good news? Supergoop! has something for everyone.

Want something super easy to wear? Try our iconic Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s 100% invisible and doubles as a makeup-gripping primer. Need SPF in a swipe? Explore our easy-to-apply sunscreen sticks. Prefer mineral formulas? We’ve got an entire collection of mineral sunscreens in finishes from natural to glowy.

Keeping tabs on your expiration dates (and giving old bottles the boot) is one easy way to make sure your skin getting the protection it deserves. Sunshine is calling, make sure your SPF is ready for it!