Does Deodorant Go Bad? The Shelf Life of Deo

PDF download Download Article
Learn if it’s safe to use expired deodorant
PDF download Download Article

You’re running low on deodorant, but you’ve just found an old stick stashed in the back of a drawer somewhere. Is it still good? Does deodorant even go bad? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—we’ll explain whether deodorant goes bad , how to know if it’s bad , and what happens if you use expired deodorant .

When does deodorant expire?

Deodorant has a shelf life of about 1–3 years. If it’s been opened, it’s best to replace it every 1–2 years, but if it’s unopened, it can potentially last 3 years or more. To tell if deodorant has gone bad, check for an unpleasant smell or changes in the color or texture.

Section 1 of 4:

Does deodorant expire?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Yes, deodorant does expire. Deodorant typically has a 1–3 year shelf life. That means that if it’s unopened, it could potentially last 3 years (or maybe even longer). [1] Once it’s been opened and used, though, it’s usually best to replace it after about 1–2 years. [2]
    • Solid, gel, and aerosol deodorants tend to have the longest shelf life. Natural deodorants and roll-ons tend to go bad more quickly.
    • Deodorant is classified as a cosmetic, so the FDA doesn’t actually require it to come with an expiration date. (Most manufacturers include one anyway.) Antiperspirants are classified as drugs, and the FDA does require manufacturers to include an expiration date on those. [3]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How do I tell if my deodorant is bad?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for changes in the smell, color, or texture. Expired deodorant might start to lose its fragrance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “bad.” But if you notice that the deodorant smells sour, spoiled, or mildewed, toss it out. Also, toss it if you notice that the color has changed or if the deodorant is dried out or crumbly.
    • Expired deodorant might not work as well as it did when it was fresh, so if you notice a change in how well it works, replace it with a new stick.
Section 3 of 4:

Can I use expired deodorant?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Using expired deodorant is probably safe. There’s not much risk of the ingredients degrading to the point of being harmful. Expired deodorant might even still work—although it may not be quite as effective as it was when it was new, and it likely won’t have as strong of a fragrance as it did originally. [4]
    • Because deodorants are anti-bacterial, there’s not much risk that they’ll harbor germs. [5] However, liquid formulas (like roll-on deodorants) may still be vulnerable to bacterial growth.
    • If you think your deodorant might be expired, test it in a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause skin irritation.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Extending the Shelf Life of Deodorant

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep your deodorant in a cool, dark, dry place. Like any other beauty product or cosmetic, store deodorant out of direct sunlight and away from high humidity—both of these can cause products to spoil more quickly. Also, avoid keeping your deodorant somewhere very warm, as this could cause it to melt. [6]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Does Makeup Have an Expiration Date? From Foundation to Lip Balm
      How to
      Tell if a Condom Is Expired & If Yours is Still Good
      How to
      Tell if Your Lipstick Has Gone Bad
      How to
      Know if Hair Dye Is Expired
      Does Protein Powder Expire? When It Goes Bad & How to Tell
      How to
      Test the Freshness of Butter
      Does Hard Alcohol Go Bad? A Brief Guide to Liquor’s Shelf Life
      How to
      Apply Stick Deodorant
      Does Soy Sauce Expire? Plus, Signs of Spoilage To Watch For
      Does Beer Go Bad? How to Tell if It’s Still Good
      How to
      Tell If Your Vape Juice Has Gone Bad (and What to Do About It)
      Does Tofu Go Bad? Signs of Spoilage to Look Out For
      How to
      Properly Apply Antiperspirant
      How to
      Store Chewing Gum
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/does-deodorant-expire/
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/makeup-expiration-dates-guide
      3. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/does-deodorant-expire/
      4. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a23878/expiration-date-shampoo-deodorant/
      5. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/does-deodorant-expire/
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/makeup-expiration-dates-guide

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement