Does deodorant expire?
Yes, deodorant does expire 2-3 years after opening. According to Dr. Turner, deodorant expires after 2-3 years. In other words, it typically has a 2–3 year shelf life once opened. If it’s unopened, deodorant can potentially last 3 years or maybe even longer. “Consider purchasing a new deodorant if the current product you are using is older than 2-3 years old,” advises Dr. Turner. Dr. Turner says you can typically check the bottom of the deodorant for the month and year it expires. You might also see a lot number, which she says you can enter on the manufacturer’s website to determine the expiration date. Dr. Turner says gel deodorants typically last the longest. They have a shelf life of 2-3 years after opening. Solid and aerosol deodorants last longer than natural deodorants and roll-ons, which tend to only last about 1-2 years after opening. Antiperspirants and deodorant-antiperspirants are classified as drugs, and the FDA does require manufacturers to include an expiration date on those. Like plain deodorant, antiperspirants also have a shelf life of about 2-3 years from opening. Deodorant is classified as a cosmetic, so the FDA doesn’t actually require it to come with an expiration date. (Most manufacturers include one anyway.) How long it lasts depends on the specific formula and ingredients. Meet the wikiHow Expert Ellen Turner is a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Dermatology Office, specializing in medical, cosmetic, surgical, and laser procedures.
How do I tell if my deodorant is bad?
Bad deodorant may be crumbly, discolored, or have an “off” smell. “If a deodorant smells off or is crumbly, watery, or discolored, it is past its prime,” explains Dr. Turner. Expired deodorant might start to lose its fragrance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “bad.” But if you smell a sour, spoiled, or mildewed odor, or the color or texture has changed, it's time to toss it out. Expired deodorant might not work as well as it did when it was fresh, so if you notice a change in how well it works, replace it with a new stick.
Can I use expired deodorant?
Using expired deodorant is probably safe. According to Dr. Turner, “expired deodorant could cause irritation to the skin.” However, there’s generally not much risk of the ingredients degrading to the point of being harmful. Expired deodorant might even still work—although it may not be quite as effective as it was when it was new, and it likely won’t have as strong of a fragrance as it did originally. Because deodorants are anti-bacterial, there’s not much risk that they’ll harbor germs. However, liquid formulas (like roll-on deodorants) may still be vulnerable to bacterial growth. If you think your deodorant might be expired, test it in a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause skin irritation.
Extending the Shelf Life of Deodorant
Keep your deodorant in a cool, dark, dry place. Dr. Turner says, “All products last longer when unopened and stored in a cool, dry location.” Keep your deodorant out of direct sunlight and away from high humidity—both of these can cause products to spoil more quickly. Also, avoid keeping your deodorant somewhere very warm, as this could cause it to melt.
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