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Posted by purpletigger on 06-Jun-2011 17:58 Report
How long to keep bathroom creams and powders?
Hi Everyone!

I have found some baby powder, baby creams etc in my bathroom (yep doing a clean out) that don't have use by dates or best before dates on them. So I am not sure whether I should keep them or chuck them. Giving an idea, I have had the baby powder since my son was born over 7 yrs ago, and some creams from when my second was born over 5 yrs ago.. Not sure what to do here. Help please!! Instinct tells me to chuck but I'm not sure..

I have in the pile of unsure,
sorbolene cream
baby powder
baby oil
milton's infacare baby cleansing lotion

Thanks heaps in advance!!
 
Replied by richbartim on 06-Jun-2011 18:01 (Ref 2297744) Report
I'm the same. I have been using them up since I done my big clean up a few months ago. I have only had to trow out one Elizabeth arden cream coz it had an "off" smell to it.
If you use them and your skin feels itchy then throw it away. if there is no bad affect then it is safe to use.
JMO.
Replied by pashmina on 06-Jun-2011 18:25 (Ref 2297759) Report
I'm sorry, I have to disagree!

If they are more than a year or two old, or you're just not sure ....then PLEASE throw them out!

Don't wait for your skin to get itchy...oh dear...lol

EDIT: I would like to add that my statement applies to items already OPENED.  If these products were still sealed I would extend the shelf life to approx 3 years...but definitely not beyond that.
Replied by jollyjumbuck on 06-Jun-2011 18:29 (Ref 2297760) Report
I would use the sorbolene cream, baby powder and baby oil without any worries, and unless you plan on using the cleansing lotion on a baby, I would even consider using that.

I have cleansing milks and nourishing creams, (which I hardly ever use and SHOULD), for probably 10 years and use occasionally without any bad results.
Replied by busymitts on 06-Jun-2011 20:18 (Ref 2297787) Report
Most beautician training recommend a life of 3yrs but as above post, I have stuff 10yrs+ & it still works...when I remember to use them or can be even bothered to. :)
Replied by missybbeauty on 06-Jun-2011 22:21 (Ref 2297803) Report
 The baby powder will definately be ok, the others will surely have a rancid smell starting to develop.. Definitely if the sorbolene cream is in a tub get rid of it as tub cremes just breed bacteria really quickly. Saying all that though i found a Panton (sp?) nappy rash creme which may have been a relic since my sister and I which I used once or twice on my daughter with no problems...eek
Replied by nefer_sold on 06-Jun-2011 22:22 (Ref 2297804) Report

Best by dates are just a suggestion and most items are good way beyond that date.

If the items smell off or unpleasant chuck them.

baby powder keeps for ever as does baby oil and sorbolene cream.

The miltn's cleansing lotion should b\probably be thrown out as it is more than likely contaminated if opened.



Replied by bratsnthings on 07-Jun-2011 07:28 (Ref 2297828) Report
Hi there, these things have a 12 month shelf life span and thats it. I have been a skincare consultant in pharmacy years ago and would not recommend anything thats been sitting on the shelf for more than 12 months. cheers marie
Replied by purpletigger on 07-Jun-2011 09:47 (Ref 2297843) Report

Many thanks to you all for replying..
It's great to see where one can come to when in need of some help!

Thanks everyone!!

Replied by ditas-odds-n-ends on 07-Jun-2011 19:28 (Ref 2297979) Report
Hi. Most things like bathroom notions including cosmetics have a recommended shelf life of 3 years. Anything older than that I would toss remembering we don't know how long they've been sitting on shelves in warehouses or shops. So out they go as far as I'm concerned. As for Baby products, I would not risk anything on Baby's skin older than recently purchased. Just my opinion of course. Cheers, Dita.
Replied by purpletigger on 07-Jun-2011 23:13 (Ref 2298015) Report
Thanks for that! I had actually thrown them all out. I figured my gut feeling wasn't with using them and I get bad skin irritations on some stuff as it is, so I'm just not game to try something on my skin to test them.

I am very thankful for the answers and the replies to this post, I hope it gets to help others out with this same concern. It rather baffled me why they don't have a date on them. hmmm....

Cheers
Replied by pashmina on 07-Jun-2011 23:17 (Ref 2298016) Report
Hi there Tigger...I was actually thinking of your post today.  I was emptying out my gym bag and found some body lotion.  It's been in the bag since Nov last year and was bought new at the time...so I thought it would be OK to use...LOL
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