Are you using an expired lipstick? It’s making you sick

Let’s be honest! We hardly ever bother to check the date of expiry of lipsticks and keep using them.

If you also do that, it's time to stop as using expired lipsticks can make you sick. Yes, you read that right.

Just like all other makeup products, lipsticks also have a shelf life.

We all missed applying lipstick during the pandemic and are super happy to get back to applying our favourite shade as we get back to the normal lifestyle.

But if you are planning to use the lipstick that you bought years ago, here's why you need to stop.

A good brand's lipstick lasts around 12-18 months. Simple ways to find out if your lipstick is not good to use.

- The simplest thing you can do is to check the expiry date.

- Notice the smell. It might smell weird if it’s too old.

- Check if it oozes moisture and glides easily on the lips or not.

If you do not notice these and use an old lipstick, this is what can happen:

Expired lipsticks can have irritants and bacteria, which can lead to itching in and around the mouth. Lipstick has lanolin, which has a complex composition and can easily cause allergic reaction like dryness, itchiness and pain.

Lanonin present in expired lipstick has a strong adsorption. It can absorb dust, bacteria, virus and heavy metals from the air, which can be absorbed by the lips.

When you eat and drink with lipstick on, these enter the body and can make you sick.

Lipsticks also have high amount of lead and cadmium. Using the expired lipsticks can lead to lead poisoning and cause renal failure, anemia, brain damage and brain neuropathy.

Preservatives and harmful substances including BHA in lipsticks are quasi carcinogens. When expired lipstick is applied it can lead to breast tumour.

Consult your derma if you feel any issue after applying an expired lipstick.