Self-tanning inquiry

iTalia · ‎03-09-2010

What's your opinion on using a self tanner that is probably 2+ years old. I have a bottle of St. Tropez that I used a couple of years ago but then the pandemic happened and I never bothered to self tan anymore. Now I want to get back into it and was wondering if I can still use what I have. Anything harmful by using it?

Has anyone ever used years old St. Tropez? TIA.

Bookplate · ‎08-19-2011

Not St. Tropez but I have used 2+ year old Tan Towels; they worked fine. I would totally do it; harm is unlikely. I realize that not everyone feels this way, but I am not put off by experation dates on beauty items used externally.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I doubt that it's become harmful. Try it on a spot that nobody sees, and see what happens.

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

I very much doubt it is dangerous or toxic in any way. But it might have undergone some chemical change yielding surprising results as a self tanner product. Perhaps it won't look all that tan on the skin anymore, and could produce a yellow or orange result!

Though some might advise just throwing it out, if it were my bottle of self tanner I would be willing to try applying it to a small area on my upper arm or top of my foot. If results are nice with the tan look hoped for, and nothing ugly or scary affecting that skin, I'd use it less sparingly and with more confidence elsewhere.

If those small test areas come out to be an unwanted color, they're easily covered by a sleeve or sock/shoe. Any of that on a small area will wear off or shower off quick enough and you'll know the remaining product should be disposed of.

I've used sun products a season or two after the expiration dates. They can be ineffective, but I've never had my skin react in a way I thought of as unhealthy. It's more likely you'll get unsatisfactory "tanning" than any kind of harm done to your skin. I say try a small amount in an inconspicuous area.

Have a great summer!