Expiration Date of Cosmetics

Shelf Life and Expiration Date of Cosmetics

The law does not require cosmetics to have an expiration date. However, manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers determining a product’s shelf life to be part of the manufacturer’s responsibility.

A cosmetic product may go bad if you store it the wrong way — for example, in a place that is too warm or too moist.  A product’s “shelf life” generally means the length of time you can expect a product to look and act as expected and to stay safe for use. This length of time varies, depending on the type of product, how it is used, and how it is stored.

Based on inspections of cosmetics manufacturers, FDA is aware that some companies test products by exposing samples to different temperatures and humidity levels, to see how different conditions affect the products. This helps determine how long a product will stay safe and usable under normal conditions. Some companies also track how long their products have been on store shelves and alert stores when it is time to discard them.

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Cosmetics

• Importing Cosmetics into the U.S.
• Cosmetics – Regulations and Enforcement by FDA
• Organic Cosmetic Products
• Shelf Life and Expiration Date of Cosmetics
• Cruelty-Free or Not Tested on Animals Labeling or Claims
• Cosmetics, Drugs, or Cosmetics and Drugs
• Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP)

The law does not require cosmetics companies to share testing and tracking information with FDA.

If you would like to know how a company tests cosmetic shelf life and keeps track of products on the market, you will need to contact the company.

Eye-area cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives than other products, which may cause eye infections that can be serious. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. That’s because each time a person uses mascara, it’s exposed to bacteria and fungi.

Over time, cosmetics start to degrade or break down for a number of reasons. Here are some common factors affect shelf life:

• Dipping fingers into a product adds microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi (mold and yeast), which need to be controlled, for example, by preservatives.
• Over time, however, preservatives can break down, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow.
• Applicators, especially mascara wands, are exposed to bacteria and fungi each time you use them.
• Emulsions, which are mixtures of water and oil, can separate. 
• Exposure to moisture, such as in a bathroom, may make it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow.
• Products can dry out, causing them to harden and crack.
• Temperature changes and exposure to sunlight and air can cause changes in color and texture and may cause the products to smell.

In-Depth Coverage: Marketing and Advertising Compliance

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Advertising Rules
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• Dietary Supplement Advertising: What is FTC's Truth-in-Advertising Law?
• USDA Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
• FTC Rules & Regulations on Food Advertisement

In-Depth Coverage: Country of Origin

• Country of Origin of Imported Merchandise
• Customs Ruling: Country of Origin
• Country of Origin: Food Products
• Country of Origin: Chemical and Pharmaceutical Products
• Country of Origin & Country of Manufacture: CBP vs. FDA
• Country of Origin: Substantial Transformation or Country of Assembly Test
• Country of Origin and Free Trade Agreement
• Country of Origin and Section 301

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Medical Device 

• Importing Medical Devices into the U.S.
• Medical Device Facility Registration and Device Listing
• Premarket Requirements for Imported Medical Devices
• Medical Device – Premarket Notification 510(k)
• Medical Device – Premarket Approval (PMA)
• Medical Device – Investigational Device Exemption (IDE)

Quick Link To U.S. Customs & Import Requirements

Customs Clearance and Import Requirements

• Entry of Imported Merchandise
• What is Section 321 Entry?
• What is Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
• What is an Automated Broker Interface (ABI)?
• Who is Ultimate Consignee?
• What is Non-Resident Importer Program?
• Country of Origin of Imported Merchandise
• What is the Country of Assembly?
• What is the FDA's Country of Manufacture?
• Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports
• What is Customs Bond?
• Reconciliation Prototype and Bond Rider
• Who Needs a Customs Broker?
• What is Customs Ruling Program?
• Classification of Imported Goods
• How is imported merchandise appraised?
• What are Import Quotas?
• What are Trade Remedy Duties?
• Antidumping Duty (AD) and Countervailing Duty (CVD)
• What is Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)?
• What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)?
• What is Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB)
• What is In-Bond Process?

In-Depth Coverage: Customs Valuation

• What is the Price Actually Paid or Payable?
• What is an assist?
• What is the First Sale Rule?
• Rebates Subsequent to Importation
• Transaction Value for Related Party Transaction
• Buying and Selling Commissions in the Transaction Value
• Valuation of Merchandise Imported on Consignment

Guidance on customs & logistics solution for traditional and e-commerce importers and exporters

Customs Clearance

All goods imported into the U.S. are required to be declared to CBP. Our customs broker will help you stay in compliance with customs laws and regulations and clear your goods quickly and efficiently with our electronic Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Single Window System.

Section 321 Entry

Section 321 entry allows importing free of duty and tax for shipments imported by one person on one day having a fair retail value in the country of shipment not more than $800. We provide our resident and non-resident clients with dedicated ACE eManifest solutions for Section 321 entry of all modes of transportation. 

Importer Security Filing (ISF)

An ISF is required when cargo (ocean only) laden on vessel at a foreign port is destined for shipment into the U.S.  Under ISF rule, some details regarding cargo must be transmitted to the CBP at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto the vessel, or at least 24 hours prior to the departure to the U.S. 

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If you want to sell your products in U.S. marketplaces, but you are a business owner located outside of the U.S., and do not have a entity or physical presence in the U.S., you need to be established as a Foreign Importer of Record before your goods can be imported into the U.S. We can help you. 

Customs Binding Ruling

Taking steps to ensure compliance is very important in order to avoid potential problems during the clearance process. The Customs binding ruling program enables importers to receive a binding ruling from CBP on the treatment of your goods when entering the U.S. 

E-Commerce

The Internet has made it easy to find and purchase items from almost anywhere in the world. Our e-commerce experts will help you find the right solution for your international transportation, customs clearance, and delivery to your final destination.  We also provide value-added repackaging, warehousing and distribution services. 

FDA-Regulated Products and Import Requirements

• What is Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)?
• Prior Notice of Imported Foods
• Food Facility Registration
• Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food
• Risk-Based Preventive Control for Animal Food
• Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
• What is Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)?
• Protect Food against Intentional Adulteration
• FDA Regulated Product in Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
• Entry Review Process for FDA Regulated Products
• Country of Origin  VS  Country of Manufacture
• Foods Regulated by FDA or USDA: What is the Difference?
• Label and Labeling Claims for Conventional Food and Dietary Supplements
• What is USDA Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)?
• Import for Export of FDA Regulated Products
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• International Mail Facility (IMF) and FDA Regulation
• Importing Biological Product Regulated by CBER
• Importing Cosmetics and Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP)
• Importing Drugs into the U.S.
• Importing OTC Drugs into the U.S.
• Importing Veterinary Drugs into the U.S.
• Importing Tobacco Products into the U.S.
• Importing Medical Devices into the U.S
• Importing Food Products into he U.S.
• Importing Radiation-Emitting Products into the U.S.