The first and foremost rule of skincare is to know your products well. By well, we mean really well, like what ingredients they have, what their shelf life is, and any other detail that makes them effective as a skincare routine. The world of beauty treatments is now so diverse that there is a nearly unlimited number of products out there. One of them is the Micellar water. This particular product is gaining popularity because of how effective it is for skin cleansing.
However, like all the items, Micellar water is not something with an infinite shelf life. Today, we will be answering the big question, โโDoes Micellar water expire?โโ so, without wasting any more of your precious time, letโs get started
What Is Micellar Water?
Before we start knowing the expiration of Micellar water, letโs understand the product itself. Micellar water is a type of cleansing solution that originates from the land of beauty, France. It is named Micellar because of all the micelles inside it. Micelles are oil molecules that act like magnets for dirt, oil, and even makeup from the skin. These molecules remain suspended in the water without ever truly rising.
Does Micellar Water Actually Expire?
Like all good things come to an end, Micellar water too expires just like all the other skincare products. The shelf life of any Micellar water product is written on its packaging, either with a specific date or a symbol showing the time until which it is usable after opening the seal. In the latter case, the bottle will have a number like 12M or 6M, an indicator for 12 months or 6 months.
Factors That Cause Expiry Of Micellar Water
There are many contributing factors that cause the expiry of your Micellar water. We have listed down the common ones.
Ingredients
As per the experts, the formulation of the product is responsible for its shelf life. Any product with fewer preservatives will have an early expiry date compared to the ones with more preservatives.
Packaging
Packaging is crucial in maintaining the freshness of your Micellar water. An opaque container is the best choice, as it protects the contents inside from direct light & air exposure.
Storage
Another contributing factor that affects the productโs shelf life is how well it is stored. When stored in a damp dark space without any sunlight exposure, it gives it an increased shelf life.
How To Know If Micellar Water Has Expired?
The use of expired Micellar water can be detrimental for your skin. There are many signs that you can look out for to know if your Micellar water has expired or not. Some of the key ones include:
- Foul Odor: If you sniff the water and it gives off an unpleasant smell, this is a clear sign of its expiry.
- Altered Texture: When the liquid looks cloudy and has particles floating in it, throw away that bottle.
- Skin Reactions: If by bad luck you happen to experience irritations like redness, itching, or acne breakouts after using Micellar water, this is a major sign of expiry.
What Happens When You Use Expired Micellar Water?
Using an expired skincare product can never be a healthy practice. In the case of Micellar water, more so, because it can result in consequences like:
- An expired product loses its cleansing ability to remove any skin impurities or makeup.
- The expired ingredients inside can cause allergic skin reactions like breakouts & irritation.
- Preservatives inside the Micellar water keep bacterial growth under check. When expired, it can lead to bacterial contamination.
How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Your Micellar Water?
There is no denying the fact that Micellar water expires. The question is, if there is something you can do to extend its shelf life? The short answer is yes. There are some tips to help extend the life of your Micellar water.
- Store the bottle of Micellar water properly in a cool, dry, and dark place; away from direct sunlight exposure. Also, do not place it in the bathroom with other skincare products due to high humidity levels inside.
- Always ensure that the cap of the bottle is shut tightly to reduce its exposure to air & other contaminants.
- If you happen to pour Micellar water into another container or are using tools for applying it on the skin, make sure that all the things are clean to limit bacterial growth.
- If your use of Micellar water is little each day or you are using it occasionally, our recommendation is to buy smaller packaging so you can use it before it expires.
Expert Insights On Micellar Water
Dr. Emily Davis, a well-known expert in the field of cosmetics says, โโMicellar Water has surfactants, preservatives and water in it. These surfactants create those micelles which cleanse your skin. But these surfactants, over time tend to degrade, reducing the overall efficacy of the product.โโ
Dr Sara Thompson, a certified dermatologist sheds light on the proper storage of Micellar water, โโThe direct exposure to sunlight, heat and air causes rapid degradation of Micellar waterโs active ingredients. Always ensure the storage in cool and dry spaces. also, never store it in the bathroom because humidity levels inside bathrooms fluctuate highly.โโ
Dr. Laura Jenkins, another well-known skincare specialist talks on the telltale signs of Micellar waterโs expiry, โโAn off-putting smell or sour odor is the sign of microbial growth in your Micellar water. Any change in texture like cloudiness indicates that the compound is compromised.โโ
Dr Alex Reed, a board-certified dermatologist says, โโEven if your Micellar water is expired, you can use it for alternative purposes like cleaning your makeup brushes or wiping down on your dressing table surface. But beware to not use it on skin or it could be highly detrimental.โโ
Our Final Thoughts
Micellar Water is one of the widely accepted and used skincare products for skin cleansing. It has become a type of staple for skincare routines. The product has its own shelf life but by paying attention to the factors that cause its expiry, you can maintain a healthy & safe skincare routine. Skin health is important and use of fresh products is the key to having vibrant skin.
