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Skincare has a shelf life — and once opened, it's usually shorter than you think. Using expired or oxidised products isn't just less effective; it can cause irritation and breakouts. Here's how long to keep each type.
How to read your bottle
Look for the small open-jar symbol (PAO — Period After Opening) on your packaging. It shows the number of months a product stays effective and safe once opened, for example '6M' or '12M'.
Korean skincare expiry dates: MFG vs EXP
Most Korean skincare products also print a manufacturing date and an expiry date. These are usually unopened shelf-life dates, not replacements for the PAO once opened.
- MFG (제조) or 제조일 = the manufacturing date. It helps you buy the freshest batch.
- EXP (사용기한) or ...까지 = use by this date. Typically 2–3 years from manufacture if unopened.
- Korean dates are usually written year-month-day, e.g. 2027.08.15 or 20270815.
- A 6-digit number like 202708 means August 2027.
- Once opened, the PAO symbol still governs how long the product remains safe — whichever date comes first wins.
Typical shelf life after opening
- Cleansers (foam / gel / oil): 12 months.
- Toners and essences: 6–12 months.
- Serums with Vitamin C or retinoids: 3–6 months — these oxidise quickly.
- PDRN and peptide ampoules: 6–12 months (refrigerate for longer freshness).
- Moisturisers in jars: 6–9 months. In airless pumps: up to 12 months.
- Sheet masks: 12–24 months sealed; use immediately once opened.
- Sunscreens: 12 months once opened, or by the printed expiry — whichever comes first.
- Eye creams: 6–9 months.
- Sleeping masks: 9–12 months.
Signs it's time to replace, even if it's 'not expired yet'
- Colour has darkened — Vitamin C serums turn orange to brown as they oxidise.
- Smell has changed — sour, rancid or 'off'.
- Texture has separated, gone grainy or unusually watery.
- It suddenly stings or breaks you out when it never used to.
Small habits that make products last longer
- Choose airless pumps and tubes over open jars where possible.
- Wash hands before dipping into jars, or use a small spatula.
- Store products away from direct sunlight and hot bathrooms.
- Keep Vitamin C, PDRN and retinoids in a cool, dark place — the fridge is ideal.
- Close lids tightly and immediately after use.
Time to restock? Browse Litsy's freshest arrivals in cleansers, ampoules and SPF — small-batch Korean skincare, always well within date.
