UK women unclear over cosmetic use-by dates

Despite the UK’s current throwaway culture, British women are reluctant to throw out their make-up and personal care products, even when the products have passed their use-by date. A new survey by analyst Mintel found that just one in four or 28% of British women admit to binning their cosmetic products if they smell strange or become discoloured.

The research highlights the lack of information available to consumers on cosmetic sell-by dates and the period after opening symbol is still causing confusion for many British women. Confusion over sell-by dates was particularly strong when a product had been bought on impulse and it may be difficult for the consumer to remember when she bought it.

“These latest findings highlight a lack of information available on cosmetic sell-by dates,” commented Alexandra Richmond, senior beauty analyst, Mintel. “Repeated exposure to bacteria from the mouth affects lip colour cosmetics, while out-of-date mascara and eye pencils can raise the risk of infections. Natural and organic products containing fewer or no preservatives have a shorter shelf-life than conventional products and therefore potentially harbour higher levels of bacteria.”

In addition Mintel found that only 25% of women claim to frequently check the ingredients on the cosmetic products they use, with almost half (47%) not bother to read the ingredients on brands they trust. A further quarter do not think there is any need to check the ingredients list if they consider the product to be natural, and one in five women have trouble reading the lists due to the small print or the peel back labels many lists are printed on.

“As the UK’s population continues to age, there is a very real need to make it as easy as possible for all users to be able to read the ingredients if they so wish,” added Richmond.