Most of us have this deodorant pack that doesn’t seem to ever run out. Some of those have been on our shelves for years. The good news is, you don’t have to worry about them harming your skin.
Deodorants are classified as cosmetics by the FDA. This means that it’s not a drug that requires an expiry date. However, you can use them as long as they don’t show any signs of decay.
But does deodorant expire? In this article, we will explore this question, different types of deodorants, and how to know it’s time to throw them away.
What’s the Difference Between Deodorants and Antiperspirants?
Before we delve into the world of deodorants, let’s just clear out that they’re different from antiperspirants.
As we mentioned above, deodorants are considered beauty products. They’re intended to get rid of the armpit smell. However, it doesn’t eliminate perspiration. You can regard them more as perfumes than drugs.
When you apply deodorant to your body, it makes your armpit acidic, decreasing the possibility of attracting bacteria.
On the other hand, we have the antiperspirants. These products affect human bodies by blocking sweat pores. Therefore, they’re classified as over-the-counter drugs by the FDA. Therefore, unlike the deodorants, the antiperspirants must have an expiry date.
So, Does Deodorant Expire?
It’s true that deodorants live on for years. Using them past the expiry date is not a big deal. They’re capable of maintaining their efficacy for a long time. However, at some point, you need to get rid of them.
The Effects of Expired Antiperspirants
When it comes to antiperspirants, including an expiry date is a must. Using it past that date is not recommended.
An expired antiperspirant will not stop you from sweating for prolonged periods. The expiry date gives an indication of how long the active substance will last over your skin.
Moreover, the expired antiperspirant will feel itchy when applying it to your skin. Also, the longer you keep it, the more it crumbles.
When to Replace Your Deodorant?
To begin with, solid deodorants are the fastest to start showing signs of decay. Whenever you open an old deodorant, you will find the powder starting to lose its cohesiveness.
It’s also typical of solid deodorants that have been opened and used for a long time to change color. They’re likely to turn yellowish or greyish.
Liquid deodorants, on the other hand, show different signs. Over time, you will find that they gradually dry up and develop a layer of crust. With roll-on deodorants, you will find that it doesn’t roll on as smoothly as it used to.
Overall, and with all deodorant types, you should pay attention to the smell. The longer it stays on your shelf, the more likely the deodorant will smell differently. If it happened, you should seriously consider getting a new one.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Deodorant?
Deodorants, like any other product, will lose their value if not properly stored. That’s why it’s important to keep them in a cool, dry place.
If you find yourself stuck with several deodorants at once, make sure that you keep them all sealed except the one you’re using.
Bonus: How to Choose Your Deodorant?
One of the main reasons why people reach a point where they think they should throw out their deodorants is that they usually choose one that doesn’t work well with their skin type.
Choosing the right deodorant will prevent you from exceeding the assigned expiry date. You’ll be satisfied with how it works on your skin and, therefore, you’ll use it regularly.
Are There Different Types of Deodorants?
Yes. The shelves are crammed with all kinds of deodorants that compete with each other on how effective they’re in moisturizing and hiding the bad odor.
Roll-on Deodorant
Roll-ons are probably the most famous types of deodorants. They dispense as a liquid that you spread all over your armpit.
Solid Deodorants
These are deodorants with a solid form. They’re more like a soap with a powdery touch. They’re preferred over liquid deodorants because they don’t stain.
Deodorant Wipes
Similar to the hand wipes, deodorant wipes are disposable after a single-use. The most important feature of this type of deodorant is that they can be shared with others!
They’re also perfect for flights as they won’t spill or break like roll-ons.
Crystal Deodorants
Crystal deodorants closely resemble the antiperspirants. However, they include fewer chemicals. Instead, they’re made of mineral salts. When applied to the skin, these salts prevent the growth of odorous bacteria.
What Is the Best Type for You?
Choosing the right type of deodorant is, in fact, a matter of personal taste. However, there are some insights that we can share with you to help you decide faster.
Women with dry skin are more likely to prefer liquid deodorants over solid ones. Experience with deodorants has also shown us that if you’ll be wearing clothes with sleeves, it’s better to choose solid deodorants. They’re the least likely to stain.
And as we said before, if you’re always on-the-go, wipes may be the most suitable option for you. As for crystal deodorants, they’re suitable for people with more sensitive skin.
Things to Consider When Using Deodorants
Deodorants shouldn’t be preceded by a waxing session. This can cause inflammation in the armpit area. The shaving/waxing should take place hours before you apply the deodorant, or you can simply shave the day before.
Depending on your level of activity, you might not need to apply deodorant more than once a day. However, people who sweat more than normal might need to increase the frequency. If you’re one of those, always keep a deodorant within your reach.
It’s worth noting that some bodies become resistant to deodorants after some time. That’s why it’s recommended to switch between different brands every once in a while.
Conclusion
Theoretically, deodorants have an expiry date. However, they’re there for marketing purposes. If you have a deodorant that has been on your shelf for a while, it’s safe to use it as long as it doesn’t show signs of decay.
Also, bear in mind that your skin might respond positively to some particular deodorants. If your current deodorant is causing irritation, think about changing brands.
Finally, like all other cosmetic products, you should opt for deodorant brands that are safe and well-known for having skin-friendly components.