No expiration date on a cosmetic: what to check

This check covers US labels. Start with the exact package and variant you have, then use the steps below. Explore more skin & hair checks.

What to look at

Check whether the product is an ordinary cosmetic or also has Drug Facts.
Look for any printed date, opening guidance and storage instructions.
Keep the product name and identifying code when asking the company.

A little practice

Read this label.

Moisturizer with an ingredient list, no printed expiration date.

Illustrative excerpt · not a real product

What it tells you

The missing date alone does not establish a labeling violation for an ordinary cosmetic. It also does not tell you how long that particular jar remains suitable to use.

Why this reading matters

Ordinary US cosmetics are not required to display expiration dates, but manufacturers remain responsible for safety. Storage and use affect shelf life; drug products, including cosmetic-drug combinations, follow different requirements. US Food and Drug Administration.

What the label cannot settle

Do not apply this ordinary-cosmetic rule to sunscreen or other drug products. A label reading cannot assess contamination, poor storage or a visibly changed product.

Put the check to work

Compare the exact words and amounts on your package with the example. If a panel is missing, a photo is unreadable or the manufacturer has not disclosed a detail, keep that detail as unknown. A different flavor, shade or formulation needs its own check.

For the full reading method, use our skin & hair label guide. The sensitive skin guide adds context for your needs.

A useful next check

Sources read and this label example reviewed on 2026-09-24. Examples are illustrative, not product tests or clinical reviews.