When to Toss Old Beauty Products

“Most beauty products are designed to stay fresh and stable only for a limited period of time,” explains Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California and a dermatologist in private practice in Los Angeles. “After that, they start to break down, so your cream might not work as well, your makeup may streak or change color, or — worst case scenario — you could develop a terrible infection.” Here’s when to give your health and beauty arsenal a much-needed spring cleaning.