Why do so many skincare companies put products in 1 to 6 ounce containers?  Why not supersize them, like some discount retailers do?

In case you’ve missed the evening news recently–and Dr. Obagi has been quoted on many of the networks–the problem is that supersized products may be false economy.  Here’s why:

1. Just about all personal cosmetic products have a shelf life.  You can see that date printed on the jar–it’s called the PAO (Period After Opening)–an illustration of a little open jar, with a number inside–like 6M, 12M, etc.  That stands for 6 months, 12 months, etc.– how long the product will stay fresh after it has been opened.   Skincare companies are not required to include the PAO on the package, but ZO does.

2.  Some products will lose their potency after repeated exposure to light or air.  Vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid and hydroquinone–curiously, they’re some of the best and most effective ingredients–all are particularly vulnerable.  Airtight, opaque packaging helps, but it’s not fail-safe.  As someone told me once, “it’s impossible to make anything fool-proof, because fools are so ingenious.”

3.  Products that are applied directly to your face–for example, lip gloss, lip balm, eyeliner and mascara, become breeding grounds for bacteria.  You’re not doing yourself any favors by keeping them long past their expiration date.  That’s why so many skincare products are sold in airtight pumps–to reduce the possibility of contamination.

4.  Cosmetics and skincare products need to be stored properly–away from direct light or heat, and with the jar firmly closed. Don’t keep them in your car–especially during the summer.

5.  Loofahs and sponges are frequently the host for bacteria.  All of those nooks and crannies, and the moist bathroom environment, are conducive to bacterial contamination. According to Dr. Obagi, the bathroom is “a fertile ground for mold, bacteria, fungus and streptococcus, and these things make you vulnerable to acne and infections.

Here’s what Dr. Obagi recommends for the useful life of skincare and cosmetics:

• Cream and gel cleansers:  One year
• Serums:  Six months
• Liquid foundation: Six months if it is in squeezable packaging, two months in any other form
• Concealer:  Three months
• Loose powder:  Two years
• Pressed powder:  18 months
• Eye shadow: Two years if powder, two months if it’s cream, unless it is in a squeezable or airtight container
• Mascara:  Three months (but discard sooner if it dries out)
• Eyeliner: Up to three years for regularly sharpened pencils, two months for cream or liquid eyeliners
• Blush:  Two years for powder, two months for cream
• Makeup sponges:  Wash after each use and throw away after two weeks
• Lipstick:  One year
• Lip gloss:  18 months
• Lip liner:  Up to three years if sharpened regularly
• Nail polish:  One year

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.