Does Self-Tanner Expire?
Using a self-tanner to get sun-kissed skin is a great way to achieve the color you want without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. However, not all self-tanners deliver the same results, so it’s important to choose a tanner that offers the right balance of color, application time, and formula quality. It can be tempting to use a self-tanner that’s been sitting in your cabinet for months, but self-tanning products don’t last forever. The quality of your results also depends on whether the self-tanner is still within its expiration date. Once expired, the formula may apply unevenly and look patchy or streaky.
Like most cosmetic products, self-tanners have an expiration date. The active ingredient that gives you a bronze glow, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), loses effectiveness over time. When DHA breaks down, the product stops working effectively, and can increase the risk of skin irritation.
How Do I Know if My Self-Tanner is Expired?
Here are the best ways to check if your self-tanner has expired.
PAO Symbol
Most self-tanners have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on the back of the product. It looks like a tiny open jar with a number inside like a "6M" or "12M" (i.e. 6 or 12 months). This shows how long the self-tanner stays fresh for after you open it.
Check the Color
Fresh self-tanner will have a brown or clear tint, but when DHA is past its expiration date, it often turns green. If you pump out the product and there is a green tint, don’t use it.
Smell the Product
If the self-tanner smells sour, overly pungent, or chemical-heavy, then the ingredients have spoiled.
Check the Consistency
A good-quality self-tanning lotion or mousse should feel smooth. If the product separates, turns watery, or it’s clumpy, it’s time to replace it.
What Happens if You Use Expired Self-Tanner
If you use an expired self-tanner, you’ll have uneven results (e.g., streaks, orange or dull tone, or little to no color development at all), and won’t get the natural-looking glow you want. The texture may also change, becoming watery, separated, or grainy, which makes it more difficult to apply smoothly and evenly. For the most consistent and flattering self-tanning results, always use fresh products and store it properly to maintain its quality.
How to Store Self-Tanner
You can extend the shelf life of your favorite Brown Bee self-tanner with these storage tips.
Don’t Store in the Bathroom
It would seem like the bathroom would be the best place to store self-tanner, however, the constant changes in heat and humidity from shower steam breaks down the DHA faster.
Store in a Cool & Dark Place
Exposing self-tanners to direct sunlight and heat is what breaks down the formula. Store your self-tanner in a cool, dark cabinet, or a bedroom closet.
Seal the Lid Tightly After Every Use
Oxygen rapidly degrades DHA. Also, be sure to wipe down the nozzle after you finish applying the self-tanner, and make sure the cap is on as tight as possible.
Shop Brown Bee’s Self-Tanning Products
Taking care of your self-tanner ensures you maintain a flawless, sun-kissed glow all year long. Shop all of Brown Bee’s self-tanning products.
Be sure to use our exfoliating mitt and application mitt for a seamless self-tanning routine, and check out our how-to videos for application tips.
FAQs
What happens if you use expired self-tanner?
Expired self-tanner usually causes uneven results, streaking, or a weaker color application.
Does expired self-tanner become unsafe to use?
Using expired self-tanner isn’t dangerous, but it may contain degraded ingredients or bacteria buildup if poorly stored, which can irritate sensitive skin.
How should I store self-tanner to make it last longer?
Keep self-tanning products tightly sealed, away from heat and humidity, and out of direct sunlight to help preserve its formula.