In the UAE, where the sun is a constant presence, a bottle of tanning oil is the default amenity in the beach bag. But when did you last consider the golden liquid's shelf life? It may not have that definite "best by" on it, but that bottle of tanning oil from last summer is likely well beyond its expiration date. As a company committed to offering you the best natural tanning products for your skin, we're committed to giving you all the facts. Let's get started on tanning oil expiration, why it's important, and how to keep your skin safe and radiant.
The Clear Answer: Tanning Oil Does Expire
It is a mere fact that is too easily forgotten: any beauty product, including tanning oil, has a shelf life. The notion that the products in a sealed container will never expire is a myth. Generally, an unopened bottle of tanning oil will last you for as long as two years, but the moment you open it and the products are exposed to air and the elements, its shelf life is significantly cut short.
This is particularly true in the case of products such as our SunKiss ones, which consist of natural, plant oils. As wonderful as these are for your skin, they tend to degrade with age more than chemical-derived ingredients.
Understanding the Science of Oxidation
So why does tanning oil expire? The principal culprit is a chemical process known as oxidation. Under the effect of light, warmth, and air, the oils begin to break down. This occurs especially for unsaturated fats, which are the most natural oils. Oxidation also generates free radicals and other new chemicals, changing the oil's chemical composition.
This separation develops the subtle, and occasionally not-so-subtle, differences in your product. Your lovely, tropical fragrance can go sour. Your dazzling color can dull or become dark. Your silky, liquid texture can thicken, become gritty, or even break into layers. All of these are warnings that the oil has become rancid. This is not an immediate process but occurs over time and is very easy to miss unless you are looking out for it.
If you want to read more detailed information about what we place into our products, you can read more about how tanning oil functions and what natural ingredients we include.
How to Tell If Your Tanning Oil Is Expired
Before you decide whether or not to use that vintage bottle, you must know the signs that the tanning oil has expired. Your senses are your best tools.
- The Smell Test: This is the most conclusive test. The new product should smell good and fresh. If your tanning oil stinks like stale cooking oil, crayons, or another strong odor, it likely rancidified and isn't worth keeping. Fragrance loss is a direct consequence of the oils chemically degrading.
- The Look Test: Check the oil's appearance. Is it darker in color? Most natural oils are light or golden in color. If your bottle is dark, cloudy, and murky-looking, yellow, and dark, it's a good sign of spoilage.
- The Texture Test: The oil should have a smooth and even texture. Sticky residue, grainy texture, or lumps mean separated or broken down ingredients. That will dictate the quality of how smoothly it will go on your skin and leave you with an uneven tan.
The Risks of Using Expired Tanning Oil
You may prefer a bottle of oil that doesn't feel right, so you don't have to throw it out. But can I use expired tanning oil? The short answer is, it's not worth taking the chance.
Applying an expired product will do you more harm than good. The rancid oils will inflame, irritate, and cause you to break out. They can block pores, particularly for sensitive or acne skin. A stale product that's dried out will not give your skin the moisture and nutrients it requires, causing your tan to be less vibrant and providing less sun protection against dryness. The trick is to enjoy your skin's wellness at the last few drops in a stale bottle.
For individuals curious about how long other items last, it's also interesting to note that tanning lotions have an expiration date, so this rule applies not only to oils.
Extending the Shelf Life of Your Tanning Oil
Lengthening the shelf life of tanning oil is simpler than you suppose. A little effort on your part can allow you to enjoy a newer and improved product for longer.
- Be Aware of the Temperature: Temperature is tanning oil's worst enemy. Don't leave your bottle out in the sun, your car, or sitting next to a hot pool deck. Store it in a dark cool cupboard or cabinet instead.
- Keep It Sealed: Always tighten the cap back on tightly after use. This reduces the interface of the product with air, hence slowing down the process of oxidation.
- Check the PAO Symbol: Some products also have a "Period After Opening" (PAO) symbol on the back, which is an open jar with a number and the letter 'M' (12M). This means how many months the product is safe to use after it has been opened.
You can keep your products in good working order by following these easy natural tanning oil storage tips.
The Search for the Perfect Tanning Oil
When the time comes to start anew, selecting the proper tanning oil can differentiate between a universe of beauty and disappointment. Your skin type and how light you desire it to become are gigantic considerations. It's not so much about what assists you in becoming darkest, but about what assists you in becoming healthiest. We formulated our SunKiss line of products to be hydrating and to leave you with incredible bronze.
If you happen to be in the UAE, you're in a fantastic market for fantastic products. Your dream match is within reach by looking for the best Dubai tanning oils and learning to pick the ideal one according to your skin in our expert review.
Final Thoughts on a Healthy Glow
Then, how long does tanning oil last? It will all depend on numerous factors, but as a general rule, you can have a new one after about a year, more so if you have no idea when its tanning oil expiration date was. A brand-new product will always be the best for the best results and safety. The best long-lasting tanning oil that will last a long time is stored properly and used within the recommended time.
Ready to give your skin a fresh start on a radiant glow? Shop our SunKiss Tanning collection to find your next go-to product. With SunKiss, you can tan confidently, knowing you're using high-quality products that truly care for your skin.
