Best Before: There Might Be Mould Hiding in Your Favourite Foundation

While most well-formulated, unopened beauty products can remain effective and stable for a couple of years (as long as they’re not exposed to extreme temperatures), the make-up that you’re using day-to-day does have an expiration date. And it might be sooner than you think.

According to Angelique Hogan, director of retail education for Sephora Southeast Asia, cream or liquid formulas (including foundation , concealer, blush and contour) have a six- to 12-month shelf life once opened, while powders are safe to use for up to 24 months.

Hogan says you should take extra caution with any products that come in contact with the eye area. “Mascara is a product that I don’t mess with,” she tells Broadsheet via email. “The performance tends to decrease after three months (gets dry, cakey and flaky) and the wet formula is particularly susceptible to bacteria growth.”

As with mascara , Hogan says you should be aware of your eyeliner’s age. “Liquid liners need to be replaced every three to six months, while pencils can extend slightly longer because you can sharpen them to reveal a new, clean surface before using.”

The rise of “clean” beauty – products made without artificial or harmful preservatives – has also led to concerns about mould lingering in your favourite foundation. A cult brand recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons, when Tiktok users started noticing an “off” smell in their Kosas Revealer Concealer. The controversy kicked off when a Reddit thread from 2022 began circulating on the platform.

Most users who suspected there was mould in their products revealed that they had purchased and been using the concealer for more than six months.

“Some ‘clean’ products can have a shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives, or because they use natural preservatives and may be less stable for long periods of time,” Hogan explains. “Most products, whether ‘clean’ or otherwise, will undergo microbial testing and indicate shelf life on their packaging – but be aware that if you’re shopping for preservative-free options, you may need to be prepared to replace them more frequently.”

And while products that are past their best before could be causing you skin irritation or inflaming issues like acne, the tools you’re using can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Hogan says that in an ideal world, brushes and beauty blenders would be cleaned daily (or after each use). An antibacterial cleaning spray can help you keep on top of your tools between deep cleans. “Once per week I use a Sigma Brush cleaning mat with Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser to give brushes and sponges a thorough clean,” she says.

If you have acne-prone skin or suffer from breakouts, be extra cautious with how you’re applying product. It’s best to avoid using your concealer wand or brush directly on affected areas, as this can cause acne to spread and contaminate the formula.

“Washing and sanitising brushes and tools in between each use would be highly recommended for acne-prone skin,” Hogan says. “For the brushes and tools you’re using in the areas where you are experiencing breakouts, you may want to consider buying a second set to rotate between washes.”