woman applying spray deodorant

Does Deodorant Expire?

What to Know About Deodorants and Their Expiration Dates

Deodorants are a cosmetic products which a large majority of individuals rely on. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, if you are in your teens or your late fifties; you have likely used at least several different kinds in your lifetime.

However, did it ever cross your mind that your deodorant may be expired? If you think about it, makeup and cosmetics have a specific shelf life, so wouldn’t your deodorant as well? Here is what you should know about deodorants and their expiration dates.

Will Your Deodorant Expire?

FDA believes that deodorants shouldn’t have expiration dates. However, many brands and companies put a label on them anyways.

Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are filled with aluminum and salts which will prevent perspiration. This is when they will fall under the FDA regulation rules and will get a specific expiration date labeled on top.

Are There Different Kinds of Deodorants?

Yes. Believe it or not, there are several different kinds of deodorant.

Aerosol Deodorant

As previously mentioned, these are spray-on deodorants which are filled with proper ingredients that prevent you from sweating. Aerosol deodorants can be provided in locker rooms, gyms, or similar places where several different people can use one product – without it touching their skin.

Gel Deodorant

This form of deodorant is very thick and liquid but then dries clear. They can mask the body odor, but they aren’t as trustworthy as an aerosol.

Roll-on Deodorant

These feel very wet and cool once they are applied. They can offer a decent amount of protection.

Invisible Solid Deodorant

These are, as the name itself says, clear, solid or white and they have a sticky powder consistency. They don’t leave stains and are the best choice if you are planning on wearing clothes with sleeves.

Related Products

Solid Deodorant

These are white and they go on top of the skin dry. However, they don’t dry down as well, and they may leave you with a slight mark on your clothing.

Crystal Deodorant

This is also an antiperspirant which is made out of mineral salts. However, these don’t have any harsh chemicals in them (unlike original antiperspirants often do) and are ideal for someone who has sensitive skin.

Deodorant Wipes

These can be purchased at a store and are disposable after each use. These are plane-friendly and are appropriate for trips or days where you can’t bring a big pack deodorant with you. These can also be shared with others.

Scented or Unscented

Usually children or younger women prefer scented deodorants. You should get yourself something which is not overpowering. On the other hand, if you usually don’t wear perfume or cologne you should purchase a scented deodorant.

How to Tell if Your Deodorant Has Expired

As previously explained, only deodorants which can control your sweat level (those which are FDA controlled and approved) should be taken care of and thrown away in less than 12 months. This is because these deodorants can control your sweat level by infusing them with aluminum salts, and these aluminum salts can expire.

On the other hand, if you are dealing with a natural deodorant, know that it doesn’t have a specific expiration date. However, you should be on a lookout:

  • If it is a solid deodorant is it starting to crumble?
  • Is the color any different?
  • If it is a gel is it starting to dry up and become crusty?
  • Does it have a weird odor?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these you may want to toss your natural deodorant and replace it with a new one.

How to Properly Store Your Deodorant

You can prolong your deodorants shell life if you place it the right way. Place it in a cool place and make sure it isn’t exposed to temperatures higher than 20 degrees Celsius. If you end up buying several different deodorants at once don’t open the new ones until you get through the first one. Keep these new deodorants at a garage or at a similar cooler, darker and dry place.

The Right Way to Use Deodorant

Apply your deodorant in the morning onto cleansed skin. However, make sure you don’t previously shave or wax since this can cause armpit irritation.

Shave either the night before or skip shaving this morning.

Carry your deodorant with you and reach for it when needed. Some women can go a whole day without the need to reapply, while others need back-up every 3-4 hours.

PS: Did you know that your body can become immune to deodorant after a while? This is why you should switch either the scent or switch to a different brand every couple of months.

What is The Best Deodorant for You?

This all pretty much depends on you and your personal preference. Women with dry skin will use liquid deodorant. If you are about to share it with someone you should use wipes or antiperspirant. If you like the scent you should use the scent-infused kind. There is no right or wrong, just make sure you store them properly and replace when overdue.