When Does Foundation Expire?
Liquid foundation lasts 6–12 months after opening. Here's how to spot separated, oxidised or spoiled foundation before it wrecks your skin.
3 min read · Updated July 2026
6–12 months after opening
Liquid and cream foundations are water-based, so they're a friendly home for bacteria once opened. Most last 6–12 months; powder foundations stretch to 18–24.
Airless pump bottles last longer than open jars or wide-neck bottles, because less air and fewer fingers reach the formula.
Signs your foundation is off
- It separates into oil and pigment that won't remix.
- The colour has oxidised darker or turned patchy.
- It smells sour or chalky.
- The texture is gluey, dry or clumpy.
Check its age
If you can't remember when you opened it, decode the batch code to find the manufacture date, then count forward using the 6–12 month window.
FAQ
Can old foundation cause breakouts?
Yes. Bacteria and degraded oils in old foundation are a common cause of clogged pores and irritation, especially on acne-prone skin.