Continue Using Expired Retin-A?

Question

I have a (very expensive) tube of Retin-A that expired about two months ago. When I use it, I don't get any peeling or redness, but I haven't been using it long enough to see any results either. Is it okay to keep using it? Do you think there's any active ingredient in it? How long can I keep using it after this point?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Expired skin products will oxidize and breakdown into other products.  The product you test at expiration may not be the same one intended for your skin and potentially harmful.  When you have skin care products, buy only what you intend to use.  One of the reason patients will see skin care products for sale at below market cost online is they are buying expired products.  Buy only from a reputable provider not a random online distributer.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I don't think you will get any other response on this web site or from any other responsible medical professional. If a medication is expired, and especially if you have used expired meds without intended results, throw the medication away.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In compliance with the company's printed information and in light of publishing this in a public forum, it is in your best interest to discard the product and use material that is not expired.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

On products the expiry date is there for a reason. Although, in regards to cosmeceutical products the expiry relates to the active ingredients and vitamins within the product. You will not see the full benefits from the product due to the ingredients not being as fully active as they once were. I would recommend purchasing another face cream.Kind Regards

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

Although we are stringent in our office not to dispense expired samples (can you believe in Florida this is a criminal offense!), topical medications maintain their potency for at least a year. In fact, Benzoyl Peroxides increase their strength with time. Thus, I see no real problem using a cream two months past the expiration date. In fact, the samples I alluded to coming from my office: I use them on myself and family.
I would be much more fastidious with solutions, drops etc. since the preservatives in these products are not preserved and an eye infection can be serious.
As far as your not noting redness, this often does not happen with Retin A, especially if you are using a lower strength. Also, Retin A does not magically erase wrinkles and lines. What I tell my patilents is that if they use a Retinoid for the next twenty years, I can pretty much guarantee them that in twenty years they will look years younger than their cohorts who do not use Retin A (provided they wear sunscreens and do not smoke).

Continue Using Expired Retin-A?

Answers (5)

More Retin-A Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Retin-A Questions

Can Retin-A or Hydroquinone Be Used on the Eyelids?

Can Retin-A Help with Indented Scar?

Long Term Retin-A Use for Anti-Aging Effect?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS