Does indoor tanning lotion expire

Answer 1

Sunscreen does expire.The molecules in suntan lotion (such as homosalate and octyl salicylate) block the penetration of UV radiation by acting as filters and absorbing and reflecting high energy UV. Over time these molecules break down and lose effectiveness, kind of like expired cold medicine or vitamins. How do you know when it's expired?

There is a common belief that sunscreen is only good for one season. Some will have expiration dates printed on them. However, most sunscreens do not have expiration dates printed on them. Instead "lot numbers" can be used to determine the date the product was manufactured.

For Coppertone products, the first character of the lot code represents the year of manufacture (7=2007, etc). The second character is a bit more involved. It will tell you the month of manufacture using this code: A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, but then G=June, H=July, J=Aug, K=Sept, M=Oct, N=Nov, and P=Dec.

Per Scherring-Plough (the mfr of Coppertone) their SPF sunscreens have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture.

For Banana Boat products, the first 2 digits of the code represent the year it was made (07=2007, etc.) and the next 3 digits represent the day of the year (32=Feb 1st, 365=Dec 31st, etc). They also state a shelf life of 3 years.

Answer 2

Yes if the bottle has been opened. There should be a date on the bottle.

As with anything, products they can sometimes last longer then the expiration date written on them. I would go by the date on the bottle though since you are using it on your skin. Be sure to store your lotion in a cool place. Don't leave it in your car where it can be hot all day in the sun.

I don't know much about expiration time. However I know that it is bad to leave your tanning lotion in places where it can be exposed to extreme heat or cold (i.e vehicle).

Answer 3

My vote would be YES. I have a bottle that had snuck behind some others on my shelf and was about 4 years old. I gave it a go. Nothing bad happened like a rash etc., but it just doesn't really work. I would say it's about 20 percent as effective as it was new--not even worth using.

Answer 4

i hope not. i have 3 or 4 bottles at home. i switch on and off. i tan 3 to 4 times a week. i find i get a better tan with lotions.just bought 2 bottles on line. i go to Hollywood tans to tan, bought lotion thre for 50-60$$. got it on line for 20-35$$. go on line much cheaper. i hear there's s # on the bottom of the bottle. it's good for that # of months after u open it? i hope there right...:)

Answer 5

Yes, outdoor tanning lotions and sunblocks do expire. Be sure to check the expiration date, as expired products are less effective (or sometimes altogether ineffective).

Answer 6

Most cannot. However, some have organic oils which can acquire a bad smell over time.