Spring is a time for renewal and growth, and that applies to more than just the flowers and trees outside. It’s also the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine by spring cleaning your skincare stash. Not only will this help you clear out expired products, but it will also provide a host of benefits for your skin.
Calypso Cavallo, a skincare expert, says cleaning your skincare stash is essential to maintaining healthy and radiant skin. “Expired products can cause irritation, breakouts, and even infections,” she explains. “By getting rid of old and expired products, you’ll be able to make room for fresh and effective ones that will benefit your skin.”

Here are some of the benefits of spring cleaning your skincare stash and tips for clearing out expired products:
Get rid of harmful ingredients
Over time, skincare products can lose their effectiveness and even become harmful. Ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C can break down and become less potent, while preservatives can lose their effectiveness and allow bacteria to grow. By spring cleaning your skincare stash, you’ll be able to identify and eliminate any products that could be harmful to your skin.
Create space for new products
Spring cleaning your skincare stash will help you dispose of old and expired products and create space for new ones. It is an excellent opportunity to try out new products that can help address any skin concerns. Calypso Cavallo recommends looking for products that contain antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which can help hydrate and protect the skin.
Prevent breakouts and irritation
Using expired skincare products can cause breakouts and irritation. Calypso Cavallo says that expired products can harbor bacteria, which can cause acne and other skin issues. Disposing of these products prevents breakouts and irritation and keeps your skin healthy.
Save money
Spring cleaning your skincare stash can also help you save money. Eliminating expired products helps to avoid wasting money on products that don’t work. Calypso Cavallo recommends checking the expiration date on products before buying them and only purchasing what you need to avoid wasting money.
Tips for Clearing Out Expired Skincare Products
Now that you know the benefits of spring cleaning your skincare stash, here are some tips for clearing out expired products:
Check expiration dates
The first step in clearing expired skincare products is to check the expiration dates. Calypso Cavallo says that most skincare products have a shelf life of six to 12 months, so check the expiration date before using any product. If the product has expired, it’s time to get rid of it.
Look for signs of expiration
In addition to checking the expiration date, look for signs of expiration. Calypso Cavallo says that products can change in texture, color, or smell when they expire. If you notice any of these changes, toss the product.
Donate or recycle products
You can donate products that are still good to a friend or family member. You can also recycle some skincare products, like glass bottles and plastic packaging. Calypso Cavallo recommends checking with your local recycling center to see what products they accept.
Simplify your skincare routine
Spring cleaning your skincare stash is also an excellent opportunity to simplify your skincare routine. Simplifying your skincare routine helps to focus on the best products for your skin.
In conclusion, spring cleaning your skincare stash is essential to maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Getting rid of old and expired products prevents breakouts and irritation, creates space for new products, and saves money. Following the tips above helps to clear out expired products and simplify your skincare routine.