[poll results] How Do You Usually Assess Product Shelf Life?

Jan 10th, 2025

jars of cosmetic samples lids opened lined up pink background

Some companies test products by exposing samples to various temperatures and humidity levels, to see how different conditions affect the products.

Image by Inna Vlasova at Adobe Stock

Last week, we highlighted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) definition of a cosmetic product’s "shelf life," which generally means the length of time the consumer can expect it to look and act as expected, and to continue to be safe for use.

We also noted that there are currently no U.S. regulations that require cosmetics to have certain shelf lives or expiration dates on labels. Still, manufacturers must ensure products are safe.

So we asked you: How do you assess the shelf life of a product? Here's what you said.

Thanks for participating — be sure to check back for our next poll!

Poll Results

How do you assess the shelf life of a product?

Analytical testing (pH, viscosity, etc.) 67%
Organoleptic testing (smell, appearance, etc.) 31%
Consumer feedback over time 2%

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