sun cream

[kentishbear]

i am going on holiday on Monday and have come across 2 unused bottles of Boots suntan lotion which i bought 2 years ago but never packed!, i didnt go on holiday last year so i am wondering can i still use it and would it still have the same screen protection factor (20).

I cannot see an expiry date on the bottle

thanks

[ChuckFickens]

http://www.nhs.uk/chq...=70&SubCategoryID=169

[4getmenot]

they dont have expiry dates but there should be a picture of a small tub with a number on. that is number of months it should be used within.

[kentishbear]

thanks for the answers, i will take one with me and get a new one to top it up with

[Old_Geezer]

When I could afford the time for holidays I used to use sun cream left over from the last year, but I'd be wary about 2 years. Maybe ok. Try it the first day when limiting the time out in the sun. If you don't go pink (or red !) then it'll probably be ok.

That's not you in your icon is it ? Is this advice too late ?

[mollykins]

Dads ceam lasts 3 years, and that factor 10, last year he used it in Cyprus!

[general714]

The active ingredient breaks down rather quickly. Ironically, heat and light cause it to break down even faster. I would certainly get a new supply every year. The manufacturers don't bother to make it last too long, as that would hurt sales, Also, dipping your hands into it or on the top/dispenser means multiple exposures to bacteria therefore unless the preservative system is great (doubtful), it's probably chock-full of nasties. Like that moistureriser cream in that bottle in the back of your bathroom cabinet which is more or less green now...