Fashion

How To Tell If Your Lip Balm Is Expired

by Lindsey Rose Black

Feb. 23, 2016

Is there anything as good as reaching into your bag and discovering a long lost beauty product you were totally obsessed with before it sunk into purse oblivion? If this scenario sounds familiar and you're now asking yourself, "Does lip balm expire?" I've got the answer! It's not quite as simple as yes or no though, and will require you to do a little ingredient scanning.

Lip balm does expire, but there isn't a "one time fits all" expiration date. When it comes to lip balms containing sunscreens and skin protectants (i.e. zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), both ChapStik and Burt's Bees recommend tossing the balms after one year.

If your lip balm doesn't have any SPF or sun protectant ingredients, you'll have to play detective to determine if your balm is still safe. Anthony Youn, M.D. told Shape, "Be sure it doesn’t look or smell funny ... It's possible that bacteria and fungus can grow on old lip balm." Ew. No thank you.

In case your lip balm meets one of the descriptors above and it's time to toss it, I've pulled together some totally epic lip balms I'm totally obsessed with from indie retailers. They're all in super bright and springy flavors, and a perfect way to celebrate the upcoming warm weather!