Summer is the season for sunshine, pool days, lake trips, ball games, backyard cookouts and plenty of time outdoors. It is also the season when sunscreen becomes one of the most important items in your bag. Sunscreen does more than help prevent a painful sunburn. When used correctly, it can help lower your risk of sun damage, early signs of aging and skin cancer. But before you reach for the half-used bottle from last summer, it is worth asking one important question:
Does sunscreen expire?
The answer is yes.
Why Expired Sunscreen Matters
Sunscreen has active ingredients that help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet, or UV, rays. Over time, those ingredients can break down. Once that happens, the sunscreen may not protect your skin the way the label promises. Using expired sunscreen can leave you more likely to experience sunburn, sun poisoning or other skin damage.
“Sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter drug and is evaluated by the FDA for stability,” said Amanda Russell, FNP, with West Tennessee Medical Group Primary Care. “Sunscreens are designed to remain at their original strength for three years, but that also depends on proper storage. And that is three years past production, not necessarily the date of purchase.”
How Long Does Sunscreen Last?
The Food and Drug Administration requires sunscreens to have an expiration date unless the manufacturer has testing that shows the product will remain stable for at least three years. That means many sunscreens can be used from one season to the next, even after opening, as long as they have not expired and have been stored properly.
If your sunscreen does not have an expiration date and you do not remember when you bought it, it is best not to take a chance. Replace it.
When buying sunscreen, check the bottle for an expiration date. If you do not see one, write the purchase date on the bottle with a permanent marker. That small step can help you know when it is time to replace it.
Some products may also have a period-after-opening symbol. This often looks like a small jar with the lid open and a number inside, such as 12M or 24M. That number shows how many months the product is expected to stay fresh after opening.
Signs Your Sunscreen May Have Gone Bad
Even if your sunscreen has not reached the expiration date, it may still go bad if it has been exposed to heat, sunlight or moisture.
Do not use sunscreen if you notice:
- A watery or separated texture
- Clumps or chunkiness
- A change in color
- A strange or sour smell
- A texture that feels different than when you bought it
“Just like food and medications, sunscreen can go bad,” Russell said. “As the ingredients start to spoil, the sun-protective qualities diminish. That can compromise the product and leave you at risk for serious sun damage.”
How to Store Sunscreen the Right Way
Proper storage helps sunscreen last longer and work better.
Keep sunscreen in a cool, dry place when possible. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, inside a hot car or in a beach bag sitting in the sun all day. Heat and sunlight can cause the active ingredients to break down faster.
If you are spending the day outside, try to keep sunscreen in the shade, wrapped in a towel or inside a cooler bag. Moisture can also affect the product, so avoid storing sunscreen in damp areas when possible.
What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Choose?
When choosing sunscreen, look for three things on the label:
Broad spectrum
This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Water resistant
Water-resistant sunscreen can stay effective for either 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, depending on the label. You still need to reapply it.
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical.
Mineral sunscreens, sometimes called physical sunscreens or sunblock, usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and help block UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat before releasing them from the skin. These formulas can break down over time, especially when exposed to heat and sunlight.
Both types can expire, so always check the label and pay attention to any changes in the product.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Expired sunscreen may not hurt you directly, but it may allow the sun to harm your skin.
If the bottle is expired, smells strange, looks different or has been sitting in extreme heat, replace it. Sunscreen is not the place to take risks.
“I say it is better to be safe than sorry,” Russell said. “I recommend purchasing new sunscreen every season because you do not want to take any risks when it comes to the sun and your skin.”
Protect Your Skin This Summer
Sunscreen is an important part of sun safety, but it should not be your only protection. You can also help protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, using sunglasses and avoiding the sun during the strongest parts of the day when possible.
If you have concerns about previous sun exposure, a changing mole or a spot on your skin that worries you, it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider. West Tennessee Medical Group Primary Care clinics have locations across the region and providers who can help you take the next step in caring for your skin and overall health. To schedule an appointment, click here.
Updated: June 24, 2026
