Some may look fresh as daisies, and others will have you questioning when they were last used.
But how long does nail polish last?
Does nail polish have an expiration date?
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How Long Does Nail Polish Last?
Forgetting to screw on the top tightly or exposing your bottles to variable temperatures can speed up theexpiration process.
It won’t go on as smoothly or look the same as it used to.
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Here are signs it’s time for a fresh bottle.
Throw any polish that’s thick and hard to spread.
However, color change itself isn’t a good indicator of whether nail polish has gone bad.
You should also look for other signs such as change in consistency or even an odor.
Some nail colors may separate naturally because of the polish’s composition.
Gently swirl or roll the bottle to mix it back up.
Odor
Old nail polish may develop an odor.
Ingredients may separate and break down, causing a pungent, unpleasant smell.
If your polish doesn’t smell like a nail salon anymore, throw it out.
Keep your polish closed when not in use and verify to secure the top tightly during storage.
A bathroom’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity are not ideal.
If you do store your bottles there, let the polish come to room temperature before using.
Wherever you decide to store your polish, keep the bottles upright.
Thin Old Polish
Nail polish thinner can help thin polish that has thickened.
Shaking nail polish introduces air bubbles that can affect your manicure, so it’s not recommended.
What Happens If You Use Expired Nail Polish?
In most cases, old nail polish just won’t look as good as polish from a fresh bottle.
The polish may clump up when you apply it or appear faded or uneven.
Your manicure may also be prone to more chipping with out-of-date nail polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polish as old as 10 years may show signs of degradation.
Check for odor, color change or separation, and changes in texture.
It may look suitable sitting in the bottle, but you may find app is messy and difficult.
Polish that is too thick for a manicure may still have some life in your craft area.
Use it for water marbling effects or paint with it.
Discard old nail polish the same way you would paint at a hazardous household waste facility in your area.
Removers also contain strong chemicals that can cause dryness.
It’s good to give nails a break from polish to let them breathe andgrow strong.
Nail Manufacturers Council.Investigation of the Potential for Microbial Contamination in Nail Polish (2008).
