When your baby is born, he or she will most likely be given a gift basket containing the items that are essential for a newborn. Some of these items will be quickly used, while others will linger on the changing table for 6, 12, or 24 months.
Does baby powder expire?
Baby powder is perishable, with the expiration date varying based on the principal ingredient and company guidelines. As a best practice, you should err on the side of caution when dealing with baby products. After opening, it is recommended to discard powder within 12 to 18 months, and unopened items within three years.

What Is Baby Powder Made Of?
To produce the powder, a higher grade of purified talc is used. Talcs are minerals that exist naturally and include oxygen, silicon, and magnesium and are chemically inert, odorless, and extremely stable.
It inhibits friction by absorbing moisture from the diaper area. Lowering friction in the nappy region, helps to avoid nappy rash.
Before being ground into non-respirable particles, talc is generally extracted in verified areas of large deposits and then finely crushed. It’s used in the manufacturing of personal care items and cosmetics.
Does Baby Powder Expire?
Every manufactured item has an expiration date, whether or not it’s mentioned on the label.
The baby powder inside the bottle is exposed to additional moisture once it’s opened.
How long does baby powder last? A baby powder bottle that has been opened will last up to 18 months. You can use it beyond that time, but you run the danger of harming your infant’s skin.
So, after 18 months, whether or not the expiration date is printed on the bottle, you must replace it.
Different brands’ expiration dates, on the other hand, might vary. The majority of talc-based baby powders have a three-year expiration date on the label.
The expiration date on deodorants is typically printed on the product’s container.
Products made with cornstarch instead of talc are less likely to expire because they last longer.
Corn starch does not spoil easily, especially when kept properly.
So why is there an expiration date?
Some manufacturers may choose to use organic components, which might impact how long you can use the product. It may be influenced by external factors. As a result, once it leaves the factory, it is difficult to trust the ingredients used in its production.
As a consequence, you will frequently encounter an expiration date on cornstarch-based goods.
However, non-organic materials are used to make talc. So, in other words, it does not have an expiration date except when mentioned on the product.
What Types Of Baby Powders Have An Expiration Date?
Cornstarch Baby Powder – How Good Is Cornstarch?
Baking soda is another name for cornstarch, which you probably have in your kitchen and has a printed expiration date on the container.
Although unopened cornstarch does not go bad, it is extremely stable and unlikely to have an expiration date stamped on the tin. Cornstarch never goes bad if stored correctly!
However, according to some sources, cornstarch-based items should be discarded after 18 months if not used.
Talc Baby Powder
Talc powder, more formally known as talcum, is a soft mineral with moisture-absorbing properties that is used in cosmetics for its smooth and soft feel.
It’s important not to breathe in any baby powder that contains talcum powder, since it can irritate the respiratory tract and cause other issues like cancer.
Johnson’s Baby Powder
Johnson’s baby powder is made with cosmetic talc/cornstarch and includes an expiration date on the label.
Despite the cornstarch’s shelf life, each of these powders will have an expiration date on the container because of the inclusion of other components.
Burt’s Bees Baby Powder
Burt’s Bees Baby Dusting Powder, like many other baby products, does not have an expiration date on the package.

What Happens When A Baby Powder Expires And How To Know If It Is Bad?
Baby powder is used to deodorize infants. I have many memories of having numerous baby powders scattered throughout the house. But does baby powder expire? How to know if it has passed its expiration date?
If your baby powder has passed its expiration date, the first thing you’ll notice is a change in the scent or an absence of it. As a result, the odor will be your first hint.
The presence of clumps as well is another indicator to look for. If your baby powder is not kept correctly and becomes exposed to dampness and oxygen, it will form lumps.
This lumpy baby powder isn’t something you want to put on your infant for it to be comfortable and move smoothly. So, if the powder begins to get lumpy, don’t use it on your child.
Because if it hadn’t been and had remained like that for a while, germs, moisture, and humid conditions may have entered the container, harming the powder’s quality.
So, make sure to tightly shut the container after each use of the baby powder and store it in a dry, not too-humid location. As a result, at least for 18 months to three years, the aforementioned indications will not appear.
Is It Safe To Use Expired Baby Powder?
Because both of the primary components of baby powder are shelf-stable, you can most likely use your expired baby powder; in particular, if it is a one-ingredient product.
It’s crucial to remember that some chemical substances may not endure as long as others, but if the baby powder still smells and hasn’t clumped, it’s probably safe to use.
How To Safely Store Baby Powder?
- When not in use, it should be tightly sealed and kept in a cool, dry location. It aids in the prevention of moisture from entering it and makes it non-sticky. If any clumps form in it, you should throw them out since bacteria can grow there as a result of dampness.
- Keep it out of the reach of children by storing it in a location where they can’t get to or in a locked storage cabinet. It may cause respiratory difficulties for your kid if they breathe it in.
- Keep your talc out of the bathroom since the humidity in there is not suitable for it, and the temperature will be damp and warm at different times. Instead, place the powder with baby wipes, diapers, or other related goods in your baby’s closet.
- You may keep unopened baby talc in the bathroom drawers since the seal is still intact.
What To Do With Expired Baby Powder?
If the powder has passed its expiration date, it is not necessary to dispose of it. You can utilize it for other purposes instead.
- Baby powder is an excellent dry shampoo if your hair is greasy and you’re in a hurry. You’ll see the baby powder absorb the moisture and return your locks to a smooth, silky appearance.
- Before applying mascara, sprinkle baby powder on your lashes to make them appear thicker. It’s a tried-and-true method that lots of people use when they wear makeup daily. Use wipes to remove the excess baby powder.
- Playing cards can become smoother when sprinkled with baby powder. Place the cards in a plastic bag, liberally sprinkle them with baby powder, seal the opening, and give it a good shake. You’ll be able to notice the difference for yourself.
- You may use baby powder to eliminate foul odor from shoes.
- The effect of baby powder on door squeakiness is well-known.
- It has low friction, so it’s easier to detangle any tangled jewelry.
- The baby powder inside your rubber gloves may make them more convenient to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to use expired baby powder?
Ans: It’s probably not a good idea to brush your baby with expired baby powder. You should not put the powder on your child’s skin if it no longer smells sweet.
Q2: What will happen if you use expired baby powder?
Ans: The expiry date on baby powder will render it useless for absorbing moisture and deodorizing the child. It’s conceivable that expired baby powder may cause a negative reaction on the skin. The infant’s skin might be irritated by it. As a result, you should avoid applying expired baby powder to your infant’s skin.
Q3: How do you know if the baby powder has expired?
Ans: Most baby powders have an expiration date of 18 months. However, an unopened bottle may remain usable for at least three years. If your baby powder has passed its expiry date, it will begin to lose its fragrance.
Q4: How long can I use a baby powder that does not have an expiry date?
Ans: You can use up to 12 months after opening baby powder that doesn’t have an expiry date or one that is unreadable. The expiration date will advance three years if you haven’t opened it yet.
Q5: What does baby powder do?
Ans: Baby powders are used to absorb moisture. One of the most frequent applications of baby powder is to keep nappy areas dry and free from discomfort. Powders, despite increasing in popularity day by day, are still the most cost-effective and easy-to-use solution available.
Q6: How long does powder take to expire?
Ans: In general, liquids and creams last between 6 months and 1 year, while powders may survive for several years if stored correctly.
Q7: Where is the expiration date on Johnson’s baby powder?
Ans: Look for the product lot number on the back, side, or bottom of the goods, or stamped on the crimped end of the tube.
Q8: Why isn’t baby powder used any longer?
Ans: The American Pediatric Association warned parents against using baby powder for the first few years because some talc products, which were once popular but have now been largely phased out, might be inhaled and harm a child’s lungs.
Q9: Is Johnson baby powder banned? Why were Johnson’s baby products banned?
Ans: After regulators discovered asbestos-like fibers in a sample taken in 2019, Johnson’s Baby Powder was immediately removed from store shelves across North America.
Q10: Do they still make baby powder with talc?
Ans: After years of denial and doubling down, J&J has finally decided to reformulate its baby powder in the United States, swapping out the talc with a safer cornstarch substitute.
Conclusion
The baby powder does have an expiry date. However, it is not necessary to replace your baby powder every time the date on the packaging runs out. The product will continue to be effective as long as you store it in a cool and dry place.
Most commercial baby powders are made from talc, which is a mineral that can absorb moisture. This makes it ideal for absorbing sweat and keeping skin dry. It also has a soft texture that makes it gentle on the skin.
Talc is generally considered safe, but there have been some concerns about its safety in recent years. Some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to talc may increase the risk of ovarian cancer and lung cancer. However, it is important to note that these studies have not shown a definitive link between talc and cancer. If you have any concerns about the product’s safety, you can always contact the manufacturer for more information.