Nail Lacquer—What's the Shelf Life?

by Victoria Stanell
Published Aug 31, 2012

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Unlike mascara’s lightening-fast turnover rate, nail polish is one of those beauty products that takes a lot longer to use up, but tends to stay in cabinets and counters for decades (seriously—we’ve spotted bottles from the last century). Contrary to powders and blushes that come with a suggested makeup expiration date—check the little icon in the back of the compact—lacquers, top and base coats, and special nail treatments don’t exactly have a mandated shelf life. So when do you toss them?

According to Schoon Scientific president Doug Schoon (who formerly served as CND’s VP of Science and Technology), the FDA does not designate the shelf life of nail polish, so it’s up to the manufacturer to determine the appropriate date. “Unopened and properly stored polish will last at least 18 months, possibly 24 months depending on storage conditions,” says Doug. Real talk—two years is a little early to ditch that half-used splurge, so it’s more important to look for signs of a spoiled bottle instead of relying on the date.

SPOTTING AN EXPIRED NAIL POLISH

Texture is a dead giveaway for varnish gone wrong. Older bottles typically feel thick, clumpy, and are troublesome to apply an even coat compared to newer, runnier textures. “Over time, some ingredients begin to clump together, making it difficult to remix them,” clarifies Doug.

HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR NAIL POLISH

But like all beauty products, a long shelf life begins with a little TLC. “Your nail polish should last forever, as long as you store it properly,” asserts Essie Cosmetics founder Essie Weingarten, whose famous lacquered lineup includes over 250 cult-loved shades we probably own over half of. As long as the polish is stored out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark setting—”the light and heat can break down the drying time,” she explains—and the bottle of the neck is kept clean with acetone, there’s no reason why you can’t keep the nail renaissance going and going.

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Dec 08, 2012

Bonni H.

I've got nail polish that I know is at least fifteen years old, based on the brand (can only get it in the States, and I moved to Australia in 1999!), and it's perfectly fine (wore some of it just a couple weeks ago, in fact). I'd never throw out a bottle of polish just because it's over a certain age. So long as it's still usable and gets the job done, I'm keeping it, and using it! And if polish does get too thick or clumpy, a bit of polish thinner (not acetone!) will usually fix it up so it's perfectly fine again. Only people trying to sell you more nail polish would tell you to throw it out when it's still usable.

Sep 28, 2012

Simply G.

That's really helpful!

Sep 17, 2012

Audrey E.

I have mine in a box under my bed, I didn't plan it , was in a hurry one day and just kept it there. I give mine to my sister and niece when I tire of a shade

Sep 08, 2012

iLuvUrNailz J.

The only Nail Polish I throw away is an empty bottle, there is always nail polish thinners to use if it becomes to thick. I have a couple polishes that are well over 10 years old and they are perfectly fine. Make up has experation dates for diffrent reasons than nail polish- nail polish is self sanitizing and that I learned in Beauty School

Sep 06, 2012

JOhn J.

I've grown too attached to my polishes. So preserving my nail polish collection is key.

Sep 01, 2012

Rachel T.

I throw away polishes strictly based on texture or color changes. I have polishes from over ten years ago that are in perfect condition! For as much as I invest in polish, I wouldn't dare throw mine away every two years.

Aug 31, 2012

Stephanie v.

No way I'm going to throw away a polish after 24 months. That's just crazy. Essie says that your nail polish should last forever.. and that's the way I see it too. I still have many varnishes that are 15 years old and the polish and texture is still in good condition. Just store them the right way, be carefull with them, make sure the bottle is always clean and the plastic top should never stick to the bottle when you store them.

Sep 01, 2012

Mary S.

I agree! Nail polish can last forever if you take care of it. Plus even when the texture changes, you can just add some polish thinner (not polish remover), and it'll bring even the worst dried-out polishes back to their brand-new consistency. I can't imagine anyone throwing away polish after just 2 years! *Gasp*

Sep 02, 2012

Yewande S.

I second that! Love all my polishes too much to get rid of them :-)

Aug 31, 2012

Katie B.

I've notice certain brands get crusty and chunky and others stay nice for awhile :)

Aug 31, 2012

Emelie J.

A nail polish only lasting 18-24 months?! That's ridiculous, listen to Essie instead. My oldest OPI polishes are over 4 years old and the formula is just as good as it was when I got them. Maybe CND polishes last only 18 months, or the spokesman doesn't quite know how to store them properly?