Does Your Shaving Cream Have An Expiration Date? The Answer Might Surprise You!

There is quite a bit of false information floating around on the internet about shaving cream shelf life and whether or not your shaving cream (not to be confused with shave gel) does, in fact, expire after a certain amount of time passes.

People sometimes forget that just like many other toiletries and grooming/beauty products (for example, certain makeup, body lotion, and even face wash), shaving cream does expire eventually. Some of us actually end up keeping our shaving cream long past the ideal date to use it; others wait longer still until they are in the “no-go” zone. Just like the items in your fridge, you should evaluate the products in your bathroom every so often for whether they are still good. Certain all-natural shaving creams are made with products you might even find in your own refrigerator, so it only makes sense that they too can go bad.

If you are curious or concerned about the expiration date of your shaving cream, or you are incredulously wondering, “For real though… does shaving cream expire,” then this article is for you. We included details on how to check your shaving cream expiration date, the three signs that it has already expired, why it expires, and how to store it to extend its shelf life.

Let’s get into the details of shaving cream shelf life and the question “Do shaving creams expire?”

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How to Check Your Shaving Cream Expiration Date

The expiration date is the date you can/should use a product until. In other words, it informs you of how long a time frame you have to open the product and use it before it goes bad, or of how long you can use the product after opening it before it goes bad. For example, certain products could last two years or more if they are unopened before the expiration date, however, the very same product might only last a month after it has been opened and exposed to contamination.

Now, it is important to note that some shaving creams will not come with an expiration date. This is obviously frustrating, but if that is the case for you, keep reading here for signs that your shaving cream has expired. If your particular brand of shaving cream does come with an expiration date (before opening, after opening, or both), there may be some symbols you do not understand and need help with.

Different symbols related to manufacturing and expiration dates

• 6M, 12M, 24M: Six months, twelve months (one year), or 24 months (two years) after opening the shaving cream.
• BBE, BB: Meaning, the shaving cream would be best used before the inscribed date.
• Exp. and E: These are the symbolic representation of the expiry.

To help you keep track of what products have and have not expired, it can be helpful to either circle the expiration date or clearly re-write it on the label. That way, it should be easy for you to spot when you go to use it. If you are a highly organized person, you might want to keep a log of expiration dates in a notebook.

Three Signs That Shaving Cream That You Have Passed the Shaving Cream Expiration Date

Even though most shaving creams are made to last for a long time, they do all go bad eventually. If you continue to use your shaving cream past its expiration past, you run the risk of causing skin irritation, redness, bumps, and breakouts. Additionally, it simply will not be as effective as was made to be and it will lose its potency. But if you do not see an expiration date on your product, how do you know if it is going bad or has gone bad already?

Look for these three notable signs that your shaving cream has passed its expiration date:

• There is a change in the color: if your shaving cream has gone from its original white color to a yellowish beige or a light brown, that is an early sign that it is reaching the point of no return. These changes will start off very subtle, so pay close attention.
• The smell will not be as strong: Most shaving creams give off some sort of fragrance. If that initial scent starts to fade, then your product is likely near its expiration. This one can be tough to keep track of though as we tend to go “nose blind” to strong scents over time.
• Less foam production: if your shaving cream is not producing as much foam as it did when you first started using it, this is a really good sign that it is close to expiration or it has already expired. Without all the foam and lather, you will probably end up getting nicked by your razor more often.

So, Why Does Shaving Cream Go Bad?

You might be thinking, “So, why does shaving cream expire anyway? I thought they added chemicals to prevent that”. While there are certainly preservative chemicals used in many shaving creams to keep them “fresher” longer, that does not mean they last forever. As soon as you open up your shaving cream, the countdown to expiration begins.

Once it is open, there is an increased possibility of contamination with outside air, bacteria, and germs that eat away at and deteriorate the cream. For this reason, some people might suggest using a type of spoon or spatula to handle the shaving cream, but for the average person, this is usually not doable or preferable, so just be sure to wash your hands before use to prolong the lifespan of your shaving cream product.

How to Store Shaving Cream to Extend its Shelf Life

It is also possible that your shaving cream expired due to improper storage. Always check the packaging to determine whether your product is meant to be kept at a particular temperature. If you are keeping it much colder or warmer than it is supposed to be, it will absolutely expire faster. Additionally, avoid storing your shaving cream in a wet place. For example, try not to keep it in your shower; instead, store it safely in a cupboard or on a shelf out of direct sunlight.

Recommended Shaving Creams

Proraso Shaving Cream
This shaving cream is made in Italy and is suitable for all skin types. It contains eucalyptus oil, which helps to invigorate and refresh the skin while providing a smooth shave.

Cremo Original Shave Cream
This shaving cream has a concentrated formula that allows for a closer and more comfortable shave. It contains no artificial fragrances and is made with high-quality, natural ingredients that help to moisturize and soothe the skin.

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream
This shaving cream is made with essential oils and botanical extracts, including sandalwood oil, which provides a rich, warm, and masculine scent. It creates a luxurious lather that helps to protect the skin and provide a smooth shave.

Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
This shaving cream is a 3-in-1 product that acts as a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and skin conditioner. It contains natural ingredients such as macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint oil that help to hydrate and soothe the skin, while providing a close and comfortable shave.

Conclusion of Shaving Cream Shelf Life and “Does Shaving Cream Expire?”

Now that we have answered your question — “Does shaving cream expire?” — with a resounding, “Yes,” you know the importance of checking the expiration date, observing your product for abnormal color, scent, and texture, and engaging in proper handling and storage practices. In general, though not always, you can expect your shaving cream will go bad roughly 6 months after you open it. If for whatever reason, you do not open it but keep it properly stored, it may keep for up to a few years.

At the end of the day, using expired or almost expired shaving cream will not cause you any serious injury. But, it can lead to red, itchy, bumpy, or swollen skin. Plus, it just will not do that job it was created to do. Instead of a nice lather with good texture and moisturizing properties, it will be little more than an old bar of soap. So, it is ultimately up to you whether you pay attention to your shaving cream’s expiration date, but it’s highly recommend that you do.