One pertinent question some moms ask is “Does baby powder expire?”. Baby powder is one common item you will find in most homes. It can be from the pack of gifts friends and relatives presented when a new baby was born. It would help if you did not use the powder for a long time ranging from many months to a few years. The reason is, you don’t want to discard a gift item from a loved one. However, knowing the right time to put away expired products is very important as it saves your child from many issues.
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Does Baby Powder Expire?
It usually comes with an expiring date printed on the container of the product. Recent products don’t necessarily expire as they are made from cornstarch in place of talc used for most deodorants. Cornstarch doesn’t go bad easily, especially when stored properly. However, the product may have an expiring date.
What Happens When a Baby Powder Expires?
Even though you can still use your talc after it expires, you will still see some changes. You will notice the powder will no longer have much scent like before. If it is exposed to air, it might develop clumps due to moisture getting into it. But if it still maintains its typical smell, then you can continue using it. You should also know that some products can contain ingredients that will not last for a long time.
What is a Baby Powder Made of?
It is made of two components, talc which is also known as talcum powder, and cornstarch. Talc was very common in the past for powder manufacture, but now there are other available ones due to research and safety concerns in the manufacturing process.
Companies use a high grade of purified talc to produce the powder. Talc is a mineral that occurs naturally and comprises oxygen, silicon, and magnesium, and it is chemically inert, odorless, and very stable. It is suitable for reducing friction and absorbing moisture which makes it suitable for keeping the nappy area of a child dry. It helps to prevent nappy rash by reducing friction in the nappy area.
Talc is usually mined in certified areas of large deposits before being ground into large particles of non-respirable sizes. It is used for various personal care products and cosmetic products.
Cornstarch baby powder is made from large particles gotten from corn. It is used in cosmetic products to keep the skin dry and prevent moisture. It is seen by many as an excellent alternative to talc. Like talc, it is also used to prevent rash in the nappy area.
Why Exactly Does Baby Powder Expire?
For a baby powder to expire will largely depend on the ingredients the manufacturer put in the bottle of the product. Some can choose to put organic ingredients, which may determine how long you can keep using the product.
Cornstarch is produced from corn which is an organic matter. Cornstarch product doesn’t come with an expiry date because of the numerous process it undergoes during production. However, it can be affected by environmental conditions. For this reason, it isn’t easy to rely on the safety of the ingredients used in producing it once it leaves the factory. Therefore, you will often find an expiration date on the product made of cornstarch.
Talc, however, is made from non-organic materials. So basically, it doesn’t have an expiration date except stated otherwise.
How Long Does Baby Powder Last Before It Expires?
The time it takes for it to expire is determined by the manufacturer. They will have to print the date of expiration on their product which will depend on the ingredients used for the product, the guidelines for storing it once you buy it, and the environment in which the talc is used. The date of expiration is found on the downside of the bottle, and the recommendations for usage and storage at one side of the bottle. You should always follow these recommendations.
Both with or without an expiration date, the talc should not stay more than three years if you have not started using it, or it shouldn’t stay more than one year if you have opened it for usage. Also, you should note the time you got the product so you can know the right time to discard it even if it’s not finished.
Can you use expired baby powder?
It is not advised to use baby powder that has expired. Baby powder has a shelf life just like any other product, and using it over its expiration date may come with a few risks. The baby powder’s contents may lose some of their potency with time, making it less likely to have the desired effects or function as intended. To ensure the highest level of safety and effectiveness, always check the expiration dates on baby powder and other baby care products, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and use.
How Do You Safely Store Baby Powder?
This baby product is the same way, irrespective of the type of product you are using. It would help if you did the following;
- It should be tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. It helps to keep moisture from entering it and prevents it from being sticky. The presence of moisture can bring bacteria to it, so you should discard it if you see any clumps in it.
- Please keep it away from the reach of children by placing it in a height where they can’t get to or in locked closets. It can cause repository issues to your child if they inhale it.
- Do not store your talc in the bathroom as the humidity in there is not appropriate for it as the temperature will be damp and warm at different times. Instead, you can store the powder with baby diapers or other related items in your baby closet.
- You can store baby talc that is not opened in the bathroom cabinets as it won’t be affected because the seal is still intact.
- It would help if you were careful of storing it and checking the product’s storage and safety recommendations before using it.
Final Notes
Using baby powder can bring great comfort to your baby. However, knowing if the powder is still in good condition to use is very important. You should know the expiration date of the product you are using to not harm your child and the right environment to store it.
