Your Makeup May Not Be Safe, Here’s Why

Your makeup may be hiding more than blemishes. It could be harboring mold. Mold in your cosmetics can cause breakouts and skin irritation.¹ And inhaling the mold can cause restricted breathing.²

We did some research and asked Michael Rubino, an air quality expert, for tips on safe makeup practices.

“Not in the bathroom!" says Rubino. "When storing makeup, you want to place it in a cool, dry place. Bathrooms are the exact opposite of these types of environments, as we constantly bombard them with water from the shower, toilet, and sink.

Makeup and makeup tools can attract mold spores. Reducing the moisture removes the opportunity for growth and keeps those products safer and healthier for longer.

“All types of makeup can get moldy due to the ingredients within,” says Rubino. "But those that are used most frequently have a higher chance of getting moldy faster. As these products are taken out, opened, and applied to the face every day, harmful contaminants can build up within them, like bacteria and mold spores."

Use these guidelines for tossing your makeup:

• If a product has an expiration date, stick to it and get rid of expired products.
• Keep a checklist of toss-out dates so you don't forget. 
• Use your nose. If a product has a damp, musty, earthy smell or it just smells off, toss it.

Every type of makeup has a different amount of time it can be used before it goes bad.³ Use this list to help you determine when a product is past its prime:

• Mascara: 6 months
• Liquid eyeliners: 6 months
• Dry eyeliners: until they run out
• Concealers: 6 months
• Cream-to-powder foundation compacts: 6 months
• Creamy highlighter pencils: 6 months
• Cream blushes: 6 months
• Cream eye shadow: 6 months
• Powder blush and eyeshadow: 2 years
• Lipstick: 6 months
• Lip balm: 6 months

Toss makeup tools on a regular basis too. “For reusable beauty blenders/makeup sponges, for instance, it’s safest to replace them at the three-month mark. A good idea is to set a series of phone reminders to help remember when to replace each item,” says Rubino.

“The more frequently makeup tools are cleaned, the better," says Rubino. “Since these items touch your face frequently, particles such as mold spores, organic matter, and bacteria can build up. By removing these particles, the brushes are cleaner and safer to use. They’re also free from components that can allow for mold growth, like skin cells.”

Here’s Rubino’s quick guide to the best cleaning routine:

• Makeup brushes: wash them with a gentle cleanser and hydrogen peroxide at least once a week.
• Makeup sponges: wash them with a gentle cleanser and hydrogen peroxide after every use.
• Eyelash curler: clean it with hydrogen peroxide once a week.
• Pencil sharpener: clean it with hydrogen peroxide after every use.
• Tweezers: clean them with hydrogen peroxide after every use.

Once everything is clean, allow each item to dry completely before placing it back into storage. According to Rubino, a damp item is a moldable item. 

• The Truth about Black Mold—and How You Can Stay Safe
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• Complete Home Safety and Security Checklist

1. The Mayo Clinic, “The Risks of Using Expired Makeup,” December 2021. Accessed March 10, 2022.
2. The Mayo Clinic, “Mold Allergy.” Accessed March 10, 2022.
3. Cleveland Clinic, “When Should You Toss Your Makeup?” January 2021. Accessed March 10, 2022.