Does Body Wash Expire?

Have you ever wondered if body wash can expire? Learn more about what contributes to its expiration, as well as what you can do to prolong the shelf life of your product.

Body Wash Expiry?

Yes. Body washes and shower gels typically have a shelf life between 24-36 months (2 to 3 years). 

It isn’t required for shampoos and soaps to list a specific expiration date on their labels. However, many products have numbers on their label, which corresponds to the amount of time you can safely use a product after opening.

How Can You Tell If Body Wash Has Expired?

Look out for these signs to tell if your  product is past its shelf life.

• Odor

If you notice a body wash doesn't have a strong or fragrant scent any more, it may be a sign that it has expired. New products typically have a fresh, easy-to-detect scent, while older products have lost this vibrancy to their fragrances. 

• Texture

The product should easily come out of the bottle, so if you notice clumps or other unusual textures, this could be a sign of an expired product.

• Color

A change in color can mean the product has undergone a chemical change over time, and this can also result in the product being less effective and possibly irritating.

What Is the Shelf Life of Body Wash?

When it comes to a shelf life, whether it has been opened or not greatly affects the amount of time it can be safely used.

• If opened: good for one year
• If unopened: good for up to three years