Does Body Wash Expire?

Does Body Wash Expire

Does body wash expire? Yes, it certainly does but there is a very grey line when deciding what you should throw out and what you should keep. Ok, so we have all been there. Every one of us has a cabinet full of fun new body washes, body lotions, shower gels, and soaps sitting there.

How long have they been there? Before you know it, months or maybe years go by and one day you decide to do a purge of your bath and shower products only to find most of them are expired.

We all love to smell and try new body washes. They are fun and so heavily marketed. Smooth, exfoliated skin is a want of so many consumers. If you want to keep on buying body wash and adding to your collection, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some are better to pitch when expired and others you can hold onto a while longer.

Cleaning out your body wash cabinet can be fun because it’s like finding a lost treasure. We all forget what we bought and when we put it in there but when we find it again, it’s like Christmas morning. We all love when the little things make us happy.

When Does Body Wash Expire?

Body wash has a pretty long shelf life. Most body washes will last for 12 months after they are opened. They should be marked with a POA (period after opening label) These dates and labels are generally located on the bottom of the product. You should be able to find them easily but if not, just remember they are good for at least 2 years after purchase.

If your body wash was never opened, it could last as long as 3 years from the date you purchase it. This is where the grey area comes in. You can stick to the date of expiration on the body wash or you could leave it to sit on your shelf a little while longer and open it when you decide to use it.

Is It Safe to Use Expired Body Wash?

Does Body Wash Expire

It is safe to use expired body wash. Even though it may be expired according to the label, the body wash is safe to use. It may not be as effective as if used before the expiration date but it will not cause you any harm.

Once body wash expires, it will lose the qualities you bought it for. The fragrance may become weak or non-existent and it may not lather like you thought it would. You should also check the ingredients before using an expired body wash because some homemade or natural soaps will not hold up as well on the shelf.

Natural products are known to use essential oils and fragrances meant to be used sooner than later. You may want to throw away your more naturally made products when in doubt just because they will lose their luster much faster than others.

Best Types of Body Washes

If you are the type of person that loves to stock up on body wash and tends to not use it right away, you need to buy body washes that will last long after expiration. You want to gravitate towards fragrance-free body washes and ingredients that do not contain essential oils.

A list of the top fragrance-free body washes on Amazon will show a list of many and we found the top few we like the best.

1. Aveeno Skin Relief fragrance-Free (body wash w/oats to soothe)

 

Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash with Oat to Soothe Dry Itchy Skin, Gentle, Soap-Free & Dye-Free for Sensitive Skin, 33 fl. Oz
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Aveeno skin relief body wash is fragrance-free and provides soothing relief for dry and itchy skin. It cleanses the skin thoroughly removing bacteria, dirt, and oil. It works nicely without destroying the natural skin barrier and leaves the skin feeling smooth and moisturized.

2. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash (For Sensitive Skin)

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash | Fragrance, Gluten and Sulfate Free | For Sensitive Skin | 12 Fl Oz
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Vanicream gentle body wash is free of most types of irritants and is ideal for people with sensitive skin. It works gently on the skin without drying skin. It is effective in removing dirt from the skin and works well with either hard or soft water.

3. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash (Fragrance-Free)

Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash, Fragrance Free, 16.9 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)
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Cetaphil ultra-gentle body wash hydrates and cleanses the skin at the same time. It is designed for sensitive skin and it is fragrance-free. It is formulated to maintain the skin barrier without eroding it.

4. Cerave Hydrating Body Wash (For Normal to Dry Skin)

CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin | 10 Ounce | Moisturizing Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid | Sulfate & Fragrance Free
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Cerave hydrating body wash contains essential ceramides that work to restore the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid that helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture. It is free of parabens and sulfates and it gently refreshes and cleanses the skin.

5. Nivea Nourishing Body Wash

NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash with Nourishing Serum, 20 Fl Oz
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Nivea nourishing body wash is effective for cleansing the body without drying it. It provides long-lasting moisture and leaves the skin feeling smooth and nourished. It is infused with essential lipids, plant-derived oils and vitamins.

Body wash is the greatest product to use while taking a shower or bath. We love the smell, the feel and we all want to carry that feeling all day long. The scents can be absolutely awakening and in the morning we all need them.

Is Bath and Body Works a Good Brand?

Bath and Body Works was first opened in 1991 and it has been dominating the market ever since. Their products are aimed at our emotions and the bright colors and fun scents keep us coming back for more. Bath and Body Works is a solid company with a respected reputation. They sell quality products we all love at affordable prices.

As with most other body washes, Bath and Body’s products do have a shelf life of about 2 – 3 years after the marked expiration. All this means is that the active ingredient probably is not effective anymore but you can still use the product.

Unopened Bath and Body Works products can last up to 5 years and this is great news for those of us who love to collect them. Their stores are well-known and widely popular especially during the changing of the seasons. Consumers are always eager to smell the new scents!

Body wash has an expiration date and we should always pay attention to those dates. You can read the active ingredients to see what may or may not be effective if you are opening after the expiration date. All in all, though, you can keep your body wash for a few years after the expiration date and enjoy it.

There is no need to throw away body wash. Yes, body wash does expire but we can enjoy it long after the expiry date. Lather up, jump in the shower and enjoy your product. It may not be as great if you waited a few years to open it but it will still do the job.

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