What does the 12M label on sunscreen mean?

The 12M label means the manufacturer guarantees the product's stability for 12 months after first opening, provided it is stored properly.

Can last year's sunscreen be used?

Yes, if it hasn't expired, was well sealed, and stored in a cooler place away from high temperatures. Otherwise, it's safer to buy a new one.

How can you tell if sunscreen has gone bad?

If the cream has separated into oil and water layers, changed color, has an unpleasant odor, or an unusual texture, it should be thrown away.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

Experts recommend reapplying every two hours, as well as after swimming or heavy sweating.

Health

Last Year's Sunscreen: Check If It Still Protects

Z.D. · Prije 4h | 3 min

Looking at the expiration date isn't enough-storage conditions and signs of spoilage are key to safe skin protection.

Summary

The 12M or 24M label on the packaging indicates how many months after opening the product guarantees stability.
High temperatures accelerate the breakdown of UV filters, so sunscreen stored in the sun or in a hot car loses its protective power.
Changes in color, smell, texture, or separation of ingredients are signs that the sunscreen should be thrown away.
For reliable protection, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming.

With the arrival of summer heat, many people reach for last year's bottle of sunscreen. Although it may look fine at first glance, the question arises whether it still provides the declared protection. According to advice from Glas Istre, protective filters can lose some of their effectiveness over time, especially if the product was not stored properly.

What Does the Open Jar Symbol Mean?

Most cosmetic products, including sunscreens, feature an open jar symbol with a label such as 12M or 24M. This label indicates how many months the product is intended for safe use after first opening. For example, the 12M label means the manufacturer guarantees the product's stability for one year from the moment you first opened it, but only if it was stored correctly.

Heat Is the Enemy of SPF

Storage conditions significantly affect the shelf life. Sunscreens are best kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you regularly left the bottle on the beach, in a hot car, or on the balcony, high temperatures could have accelerated the breakdown of UV filters. In that case, the cream may no longer provide the level of protection stated on the label, warns Glas Istre.

How to Tell If the Sunscreen Should Be Thrown Away

There are several clear signs that indicate the product is no longer effective. If you notice that the cream has separated into oil and water layers, changed color, developed an unpleasant odor, or has an unusual texture, it's best to discard it. Such changes are a clear signal that the formula is no longer stable and cannot guarantee protection.

Is It Wise to Keep Last Year's Sunscreen?

If the expiration date hasn't passed and the product was properly sealed and stored at a lower temperature, it can often be used in the following season. However, with sun protection products, it's not worth taking risks. If you're unsure about the cream's age or it was frequently exposed to high temperatures during the summer, it's better to get a new one.

Proper Application Is Half the Protection

Even the best and freshest sunscreen won't provide adequate protection if not used correctly. Experts recommend reapplying the cream every two hours, as well as after swimming or heavy sweating. Applying too little product also significantly reduces the protective effect.

In conclusion, the shelf life of sunscreen depends not only on the date printed on the packaging but also on how it's stored. Before the first use this year, carefully check the product's condition and don't use any cream that shows signs of deterioration.