Does Sunscreen Expire? Shelf Life, PA/SPF and Safety

Most chemical sunscreens perform best within 12 months after opening; unopened bottles are often fine for up to 3 years if stored cool and d

Step 1

Find the PAO symbol (e.g., 12M after opening)

Step 2

Store cool and away from sun; close the cap tightly

Step 3

After high-heat trips, try to finish within 6 months

Step 4

Check signs: separation, off-odor, or color change — discard

Step 5

Sensitive skin: prefer mineral formulas and check dates

Step 6

For short indoor exposure, rely more on sleeves/shade

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