Expired sunscreen: How to tell if it's still usable ☀️

Summer, sun, and an old tube of sunscreen from last year? Many people wonder: Can I still use it or should I throw it away? Here you'll learn how to tell if your sunscreen is still safe and why expiration date matters when it comes to sun protection.

1. What does the expiration date on sunscreen mean?

You'll find two pieces of information on every sunscreen:

• Best before date (BBD): Applies to unopened products, usually 2–3 years.

• Pot symbol (12M): Shows how long the cream will last after opening (e.g. 12 months).

💡 Tip: An unopened cream can often still be okay even after the best-before date. However, you should dispose of an opened tube after one year , even if the best-before date hasn't yet passed.

2. Why sunscreen goes bad

Sunscreen changes over time:
UV filters break down, the texture separates, and in some cases, even harmful substances are formed.

Octocrylene , a commonly used UV filter, can decompose into benzophenone , a substance considered potentially carcinogenic. The older or warmer the cream is stored, the stronger this effect.

👉 Good to know: V.SUN fundamentally avoids using octocrylene . Our formulations instead rely on modern UV filters that do not produce problematic breakdown products.

Heat and direct sunlight further accelerate the aging process. A tube that has been left in a car or in the sun for an extended period can therefore become unusable after just a few weeks.

3. How you can tell that sunscreen is bad

Your senses are your best helpers here:

• Does the cream smell rancid or chemical ?

• Has oil separated or changed the texture?

• Is the texture lumpy, discolored, or too runny ?

Then the rule is: Dispose of it immediately!
Even if the appearance and smell are normal, the UV protection may already be weakened.

4. The dangers of expired sunscreen

If you use old sunscreen, the sun protection factor can drop drastically ; SPF 50 can quickly become SPF 10 or less.
The risk: sunburn, skin irritation, or allergic reactions.

5. When you can still use them and when you can't

✅ Okay if:

• expired a maximum of 2-3 months ago,

• unopened and stored in a cool place,

• no unusual odor or change in consistency,

• octocrylene-free (like V.SUN).

🚫 Dispose of when:

• older than one year (opened),

• The texture smells, is altered, or discolored.

• The cream was exposed to heat.

• intended for children (special caution is advised here!).

6. How to store sunscreen correctly 🌿

• Cool and dark: ideally in a cupboard, not in a damp bathroom.

• Do not leave in the car or in the sun.

• Seal the tube tightly to keep out air and bacteria.

When stored in a cool, dry place, sunscreen retains its formulation for significantly longer.

7. Buying new sunscreen: what you should pay attention to

When repurchasing, it's worth taking a look at the ingredients. Modern formulations without octocrylene are more stable and safer.

V.SUN completely avoids octocrylene and relies on modern UV filters that remain stable.
Our skincare formulas with ectoin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E provide additional care for the skin.

💛 Conclusion: For you. For your skin.

Sunscreen isn't a product to use up, but one to trust. If you're unsure, it's better to throw away old products; your skin will thank you.

With V.SUN you can rely on stable, modern and octocrylene-free formulations that not only reliably protect but also care for your skin.
Our products have a shelf life of 36 months when unopened and can be safely used for six months after opening , for optimal protection and a good feeling every time you apply them.

This way, your sun protection remains as responsible as your lifestyle: conscious, safe, and with sunshine in your heart. 🌞