I knew about sunscreen losing its effectiveness after expiration, but that apparently goes the same for toothpaste and mouthwash. It isn’t really a ‘best before’ situation for these things as much as a use by date.

It can still be used after expiry. ie. toothpaste will still be a mild abrasive cleaner and mouthwash may remain antiseptic.

However the fluoride will no longer be effective or protect against cavities. (And the sunscreen will let you burn.)

Anyway. I just had the thought that as belts tighten there might be more people resorting to bulk buying or other cost effective measures, and wanted to share for others that didn’t yet know.

Generally toothpaste is good for two years from the manufacture date so buy accordingly. Or if an older tube is given to you by a friend, food pantry or shelter you might want to throw it away and buy a fresh one.

  • No1
    7·
    2 months ago

    Also, be aware that not all sunscreens are created equal. When Choice tested a bunch of 50+ sunscreens, a lot were not 50+, including some of the biggest and most popular brands.

    My favourite is the Cancer Council Active (grey, with yellow stripe). It’s not the cheapest, but not being greasy and from a brand I trust is worth it. One I haven’t tried is the Cancer Council Sport, which looks similar…

    • hitmyspot
      3·
      2 months ago

      Usually cheap sunscreen doesn’t spread well and sonyoubend up more likely to burn. As a fair skinned person in Australia, I find nivea is the best, the spray bottle that is runny. You can refill the smaller ones with the larger one. They are often on sale , so can stock up for a summer at a time.

      Cancer council one is good here too but a little too thick to spread easily.

      • No1
        3·
        2 months ago

        Spray or lotion, the most important thing that many people don’t realise is they probably aren’t using enough.

        Choice had some interesting info. A teaspoon of lotion, or spray for 10s at least for each limb, each side of your torso and your head/neck. “You need almost half a can of aerosol spray for one full-body application”

        • hitmyspot
          4·
          2 months ago

          The aerosol sprayd aren’t great. Because its not visible as you apply, you often miss areas. Not to mention the aerosol itself is worse environmentally with less applications.

          Pump spray with runny lotion. Rubs in easy and visible.

    • melbaboutownOP
      2·
      2 months ago

      Yeah there was that too! I ended up changing brands because my usual got recalled.

  • sil
    4·
    2 months ago

    That’s a good reminder to check the sunscreen before summer hits too. Thanks OP.

  • No1
    3·
    2 months ago

    The other one that got me recently was hand sanitiser.

    I assumed that because it’s mainly alcohol, that it would be fine. Alcohol doesn’t go off, right? But apparently because the container isn’t airtight, alcohol will evaporate over time making it not at the required concentration to kill off bugs.

    I ended up chucking a heap of stuff I’d stockpiled from covid days …

    Aldi’s Tricare Hand Sanitiser was easily the best value at the 250ml size. I pump this into smaller 60ml bottles to carry around, leave one in the car etc

    • melbaboutownOP
      2·
      2 months ago

      Yeah, this was prompted by me chucking a few bottles of hoarded mouthwash