How Often Should You Replace Your Mascara? Dermatologists Weigh In

Beauty experts and an optometrist are sounding the alarm on a habit many makeup lovers are guilty of. Their advice could save your lashes, and your eyes, from some unpleasant surprises.

Some makeup products are easy to use up quickly, but mascara isn't one of them. In fact, it tends to be one of the longest-lasting items in any beauty routine, often lingering well past its expiration date.

However, just because there's still plenty left after that date comes and goes doesn't mean it's still safe to use. After all, your eyes are the last place you'd want to introduce potentially harmful bacteria.

"Cosmetics applicators can rapidly become a breeding ground for skin germs, which can then be transferred to the cosmetics container and onto your skin, eyes, or lashes," explains Roshni Patel, BSC (Hons) MCOpto, Lenstore's expert optometrist.

So, how often should you replace your mascara? Most experts agree that six months is the firm benchmark, though it may need to go sooner in some cases.

"Mascaras have a shelf life of up to six months, and if the formula starts to appear clumpy and there is an unpleasant smell, it should be disposed of sooner than six months," says Saffron Hughes, makeup artist at falseeyelashes.co.uk.

Patel shares a similar view, adding, "You need to replace them every 3-6 months in order to avoid bacterial growth. With continuous use of old products, this is a good opportunity for styes to develop."

There are other risks to consider, too, according to Carly Cochrane, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify. "The bacteria that can build up in your cosmetics can cause irritation and in severe cases, eye infections. Even allergies can develop from dirty cosmetics," Cochrane says.

So, can mascara harm your eyelashes? It certainly can if you don't make a habit of swapping it out regularly.