How long should you keep suncream?

[gleaveyweave]

I was wondering if any of you clever lot know how long you can use the same tube of suncream? I ask for two reasons, firstly, I have some high SPF cream left over from last year and not sure if it is still as effective and second, Boots have a good offer on a brand I like at the mo and if I bought some now, could I keep it to use next year?
It's for my kids, so want to make sure they are suitably protected.

[Octavius]

Most sunscreens will last about two to three years.
However, as it's for your children I would invest in some new good quality stuff.

[gleaveyweave]

Thanks Octavius, I am using a new one on them this year but as I said, it's on offer and was just wondering if I could buy it and put it away for next year, happy in the knowledge that it would be just as safe when i come to need it. Thing is, I end up with so much left over cream each year, it seems a waste to throw away if it still works as well.

[campbellking]

Under European directives now, bottles have to indicate how long the product is effective for once opened. If your sunscreen is of European origin, it should have a little bottle open symbol on it and a number of months next to that symbol. I've just looked at my stuff from Boots (Factor 50 own brand) and it says 18 months on it, so you may be O.K. The symbol is towards the bottom of the bottle at the back on this make (just looks like a lid opening).

[gleaveyweave]

Campellking, you are a star!! Thanks so much, mine do indeed have that little symbol on, cheers again!!

[chazza]

I believe that this is made up by the companies to make you buy more cream (in the same way as they tell you to shampoo hair twice).

We have had cream for five years and it has still been effective (I only burnt the small bit i missed). But maybe this only applies to certain brands