Does Baby Powder Expire? When It’s Time To Toss It Out
Like any cosmetic product, baby powder has an expiration date. Some manufacturers put the expiration date on their packaging, while others don’t. But once you open a bottle of baby powder, it will degrade over time and eventually expire.
Most baby powders have a shelf life of 18 months. But because baby powder can be made with different ingredients, some will last longer than others. In this article, we will focus on talc-based and cornstarch-based powders.
There are many things to consider about buying and replacing your old baby powder. Most cosmetic products have an expiration date, lasting from a few months to almost three years. But can you say the same with baby powder?
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Reevaluating Baby Powder Choices in Light of Johnson & Johnson’s Controversies and Shift Away from Talc
Many people grew up using Johnson & Johnson and have put their trust in the widely-known brand. However, the beloved pharmaceutical company is no stranger to controversy and lawsuits. And in 2022, Johnson & Johnson announced that they will no longer produce talc-based baby powder from 2023 onwards.
Many people, especially women, have filed lawsuits against the talc-based Johnson’s powder. Many people suing Johnson & Johnson have developed ovarian cancer after regular use of their baby powder. This might be the perfect time to reexamine your baby powder of choice.
What is Baby Powder Made of?
Baby powder is used by billions of people around the world. While the word baby is in the name, people of every age benefit from using baby powder.
Baby powder is used to treat diaper rashes for babies. But women also use baby powder for their faces and feminine area. Baby powder is also used to provide relief for rashes around the body.
Many companies produce baby powder, but Johnson & Johnson is the most recognized. Johnson & Johnson, as well as other brands, mainly use a mineral called talcum or talc. Alternatively, companies use organic materials like cornstarch.
Which Expires Faster: Talcum or Cornstarch-based Powders?
Talcum or talc is a mineral that can effectively absorb rash-causing moisture. It has been used in many cosmetics and hygiene products, including baby powder. Talc powder is inorganic and doesn’t have an expiration date. However, the suggested shelf life of these products is limited to three years.
Meanwhile, cornstarch-based powders are organic and will eventually expire. You can keep it fresh for an extended time by storing it properly and only opening it when needed. Depending on the company, cornstarch baby powder only last 3 years or less.
What Happens if You Use Expired Baby Powder?
An expired bottle of baby powder won’t suddenly start smelling like rotten eggs and burn your skin (thankfully).
Expired baby powder will, however, lose its scent. Powder exposed to air and moisture can also clump up and be hard to use. While the main ingredients in your baby powder usually won’t expire, additives like preservatives will eventually break down.
While there are no reports of injuries or sickness caused by expired baby powder, it’s not a wise idea to use expired baby powder on your baby. It might irritate their skin or aggravate rashes.
FAQ:
Does Johnson & Johnson produce cornstarch baby powder?
Yes, Johnson & Johnson has cornstarch baby powder available on sale.
Can talc powder cause cancer?
Talc contains a substance called asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. There are studies to see the connection between cancer and talc powder, with mixed results. However, public concerns have pushed companies like Johnson & Johnson to release organic-based products.
Are there other kinds of baby powder in the market besides talcum and cornstarch?
Talc and cornstarch aren’t the only baby powder option on the market. People can purchase arrowroot starch, oat flour, or baking soda-based powders.
Conclusion
Many people grew up using baby powder on themselves and their kids. However, many of us can miss the expiration date on our bottles of baby powder.
A general rule of thumb is to replace your bottle every three years. While talc and cornstarch have a long shelf life, the additives inside baby powder will expire and can cause skin irritation.
People are more aware of the products they buy, especially for their kids. But while we worry about what’s in our baby powder, we should check how long these products can serve their purpose.
