Can Beard Oil Go Bad? What To Know About Your Beard Oil

Can beard oil go bad? You might not think that something as simple as if beard oil could go bad. I mean, it’s just oil, right? WRONG. Just like any other product that you use on your hair or skin, beard oil can go bad. But don’t worry, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about how to tell if your beard oil has gone bad and what to do about it.

How Long Does Beard Oil Last?

Beard oil typically lasts for six to 12 months after opening. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used and how well the product is sealed and stored. For example, products that contain vitamin E or other antioxidants will last longer than those that don’t because they help to preserve the integrity of the oil. 

Similarly, products that are stored in dark bottles with tight-fitting lids will last longer than those that are stored in clear bottles with loose-fitting lids. This is because light and oxygen can cause the ingredients in the beard oil to degrade more quickly.

Does Beard Oil Expire?

While beard oil doesn’t technically expire, it can go bad. This is because the ingredients in the beard oil can start to break down and separate over time. As a result, the beard oil may not work as well as it did when it was first purchased.

In addition, beard oil that has gone bad may cause irritation or other skin problems. This is because the ingredients in the beard oil can become rancid and cause an allergic reaction.

Natural Pressed Carrier Oils

If the common ingredients in your beard oil include any of the following carrier oils, then it has a shorter shelf life:

• Jojoba oil: 6 months
• Grapeseed oil: 6 months
• Coconut oil: 9-12 months
• Argan oil: 9-12 months
• Olive oil: 12 months
• Sunflower oil: 6 months

These carrier oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, and fruits. They’re natural and have lots of beneficial properties for your skin and hair. However, they can also go bad more quickly than other types of carrier oils.

This is because they’re more susceptible to oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when the oils are exposed to oxygen. This causes the oils to become rancid and can cause irritation or other skin problems.

To extend the shelf life of your beard oil, be sure to store it in a dark bottle with a tight-fitting lid. You should also keep it stored in a cool, dark place.

How To Tell if Your Beard Oil is Bad

There are a few telltale signs that your beard oil has gone bad. If you’re not sure if your beard oil is too old, go through this checklist to be sure.

Smell

The first is that it will no longer have the same pleasant smell as it did when it was new. As the oil ages, it will begin to smell rancid or off. You might even notice that it smells like it’s gone bad before the expiration date. Natural oils will also begin to separate and turn cloudy.

Color

The second sign is a change in color. Fresh beard oil is typically a golden color, but as it begins to go bad, it will turn darker or even black. Of course, different types of oil will have different colors to begin with, so you’ll want to pay attention to any changes from the original color.

Texture

The third of the warning signs is a change in texture of the beard product. As beard oil ages, it will become thicker and more viscous. This is due to the breakdown of the ingredients over time. This change is especially true for products that contain carrier oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil.

Expiration Date

Of course, the best way to tell if your beard oil is bad is to check the expiration date. If it’s been more than six to 12 months since you’ve opened the bottle, chances are that it’s time to get rid of it, especially if it irritates your skin or doesn’t work on your facial hair properly anymore. Then you know it’s time to get new beard oil.

What To Do With Bad Beard Oil

If you think that your beard oil has gone bad, the best thing to do is to throw it away. You don’t want to risk using a product that might not be safe, and you certainly don’t want to put something on your face that smells bad.

Beard oil is relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a big deal to replace it every few months. In fact, we recommend that you do so to ensure that you’re always using the best possible product on your facial hair.

What Happens if I Use Expired Beard Oils?

If you use expired beard oil, chances are you won’t notice any major differences in terms of how your facial hair looks or feels. However, over time, using expired products can cause buildup and clogged pores, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Additionally, using expired products can make you more susceptible to skin infections. So while it’s not necessarily harmful to use expired beard oil, it’s not doing you any favors either.

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Beard Oil

There are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your beard oil and make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible.

Storage

First, pay attention to how you’re storing your beard oil. Make sure you’re keeping it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Additionally, be sure to tightly screw the lid on after each use to keep oxygen and light out.

Ingredients

Second, pay attention to the ingredients in your beard oil. Products that contain vitamin E or other antioxidants will last longer than those that don’t. This is because these ingredients help to preserve the integrity of the oil.

Similarly, products that are stored in dark bottles with tight-fitting lids will last longer than those that are stored in clear bottles with loose-fitting lids. This is because light and oxygen can cause the ingredients in the beard oil to degrade more quickly.

Type of Oil

Finally, pay attention to the type of oil you’re using. Carrier oils like jojoba oil and coconut oil have a longer shelf life than essential oils. This is because they’re more stable and less likely to go bad.

So, if you want your beard oil to last as long as possible, be sure to choose a product that contains mostly carrier oils and only a few essential oils.

How To Best Store Beard Oil

I mentioned earlier that it’s important to store your beard oil in a cool, dark place. But what is the best way to do this?

The best way to store your beard oil is in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will keep oxygen and light out, which will help to prolong the life of the oil. You can also store your beard oil in the fridge, which will further extend its shelf life.

If you don’t have a dark glass bottle, you can also use a dark plastic bottle. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Finally, be sure to label your beard oil with the date you opened it. This will help you keep track of how long it’s been open and when it’s time to replace it.

Should You Refrigerate Beard Oil?

While you can refrigerate beard oil to prolong its shelf life, it’s not necessary. As long as you store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, it will be fine.

However, if you live in a hot climate or your house is particularly warm, storing your beard oil in the fridge can help to keep it from going bad as quickly.

Just be sure to let the beard oil come to room temperature before using it, as applying cold oil to your skin can cause irritation.

Should You Store Beard Oil in a Cupboard?

While you can keep beard oil in a cupboard, we don’t recommend it. This is because the temperature and humidity in most cupboards is too high, which can cause the oil to degrade more quickly.

Instead, store your beard oils in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. If you live in a hot climate or your house is particularly warm, you can store it in the fridge to help prolong its shelf life.

What Other Beard Products Go Bad?

In addition to beard oils, there are a few other beard products that can go bad over time.

Beard Balm

Beard balm is one of them. Beard balm contains beeswax, which has a natural shelf life of about two years. However, if the beard balm also contains other ingredients like essential oils (think argan oil or cedarwood oil), it will have a shorter shelf life. If you make your own beard oil, be sure to keep it tightly closed it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Beard Wax

Similarly, beard wax also has a shelf life of about two years. However, if the wax contains ingredients like petroleum jelly or other oils (such as peppermint oil), it will have a shorter shelf life.

Beard Butter

Beard butter is another product that can go bad. Beard butter is typically made with a combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and carrier oils (like jojoba oil or argan oil). These ingredients all have different shelf lives, but the overall shelf life of beard butter is about one year.

Beard Combs

Finally, beard combs and brushes can also go bad over time. This is because they can collect dust, dirt, and debris, which can lead to bacteria growth. We recommend cleaning your beard comb or brush every week with soap and water to prevent this.

If you take good care of your beard products, they should last for a long time. But if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it’s time to ditch them and get new ones.

Conclusion

Not only can beard oils go bad, but using expired beard oil can actually be harmful to your skin. So, be sure to check the expiration date before using any product on your beard. Additionally, pay attention to how you’re storing your bottle of beard oil and the ingredients it contains to prolong its shelf life. As you can see, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your beard oil. But following these simple tips will help you to get the most out of your product and keep your beard looking its best.

FAQ – Can Beard Oil Go Bad?