Does Sunscreen Expire? When to Toss Last Summer's Bottle
FDA rules mean your bottle should hold its SPF for three years — but a summer in a hot car can quietly cut that short.
FDA rules require sunscreens to keep their stated SPF for at least three years, so a bottle without an expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase. Because heat speeds degradation, the FDA advises keeping sunscreen out of direct sun — a bottle baked in a hot car can lose potency well before that three-year mark.
The FDA states that sunscreens are required to remain effective for at least three years and advises consumers to protect their bottles from excessive heat and direct sun, which can break down the active ingredients faster than normal aging.
Questions we get a lot
How long does sunscreen last?
The FDA requires sunscreen to retain its original strength for at least three years. If your bottle shows an expiration date, follow it; if it doesn't, treat the sunscreen as expired three years after you bought it. After that, you can no longer count on the labeled SPF.
Does heat ruin sunscreen faster?
Yes. The FDA advises keeping sunscreen out of direct sun and excessive heat because high temperatures can degrade the product faster than normal. A bottle stored in a hot car or left in direct sunlight may lose effectiveness before its printed expiration date.
What's the best way to store sunscreen?
Keep it cool and out of direct sunlight — a bag, drawer, or cabinet rather than a sunny windowsill or a car dashboard. The FDA recommends protecting sunscreen from heat to keep its active ingredients stable. When you're at the beach or pool, stash the bottle in the shade or wrap it in a towel.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Found a half-used SPF in my beach bag from two summers ago — is it still safe to rely on?'