How To Check The Expiration Date On Your Skincare Products

Yes, your skincare expires — Here's how to tell when it's time to let go

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that half-used cream tucked in the back of your cabinet? It may be past its prime. Just like food, skincare has a shelf life, and using products beyond it can do more harm than good.

Expired formulas don’t just lose efficacy; they can also irritate skin, trigger breakouts, or in the case of sunscreen, leave you under-protected. When it comes to your skin, freshness matters.

Here’s how to decode expiration dates the editor-approved way — plus how to make the most of the products currently in rotation at BYROE.

The Shelf-Life Rule of Thumb

Most skincare products are designed to last:

Up to 30 months unopened
About 10-12 months once opened

But rather than guessing, brands are required to give you clues right on the packaging, if you know where to look.

PAO: The Symbol You Should Always Check

PAO stands for Period After Opening. You’ll recognize it as the small open-jar icon with a number inside (like 12M).

This symbol tells you how long a product stays safe and effective after you first open it.

For example, BYROE’s Avocado Renewal 2-in-1 Cleanser&Exfoliator carries a 12-month PAO, meaning it should be used within a year of opening. A simple trick editors swear by? Write the open date directly on the packaging or keep a running list in your phone. Low effort, high payoff.

Batch Codes: The Behind-the-Scenes Date Stamp

Another way to determine freshness is the production or batch code. These codes help brands track when and where a product was made and are usually printed:

On the bottom of jars
Along the sealed edge of tubes

You’ll find one on products like BYROE’s Avocado Renewal 2-in-1 Cleanser&Exfoliator. While third-party tools like CheckFresh or CheckCosmetic can help, newer brands often don’t show up yet.

The easiest solution? BYROE keeps it personal. Just email info@byroe.com with your batch code, and their team will confirm the production and expiration details for you.

Pro tip: Many BYROE products also include a printed expiration date on the bottom, typically formatted as YYYY/MM/DD.

Storage Matters More Than You Think

Expiration dates aren’t set in stone, they’re influenced by how (and where) you store your products.

To extend the life of your skincare:

Skip steamy bathrooms — heat and humidity accelerate oxidation
Store products in a cool, dark place
Keep lids tightly closed to limit air exposure

And yes, those little spatulas that come with creams and balms? They’re not just chic accessories. Using them instead of your fingers helps prevent bacteria from getting into the formula and turning it rancid before its time.

Fresh skincare isn’t about being obsessive, it’s about being informed. Checking PAO symbols, understanding batch codes, and storing products properly ensures you’re getting the full benefit of every formula you apply.

Your skin works hard for you. The least we can do is return the favor with products that are as fresh, effective, and thoughtfully cared for as they were designed to be.