“I Have Day Cream Older Than You!”
A couple weeks back at a special Avon event in my area, I met a dear lady who had been selling Avon for over 50 years! What an incredible accomplishment, she’s been selling Avon longer than I’ve been alive! In fact, she made us all laugh when she boasted that she had Avon products that were older than all of us at that dinner! We all had a laugh, but really? It’s hard to believe, did she really have products over 40 years old? Have they ever been opened? And most importantly after all those years are they still good?
Putting all fun aside this is a really good question, how long do Avon Products last? Many of our Beauty2Makeup readers have been asking the very same thing, they’ve been inquiring about the longevity of Avon Products as well as how to find out when their products expire. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the answer then but now I finally have it! After months of looking into this I finally have the answers you’ve all been waiting for!
It took some doing but after some research I was able to get a response from an Avon Product Specialist who was able to give me the inside scoop about how long you can expect your Avon Skin Care, and other Avon products to last and how to find the expiration date on a product.
Below you will find all the info I was given. Keep in mind this is only a generalized recommendation. If you have a product that has major discoloration or odor I always say “If in doubt, throw it out!” Most of us have a pretty good idea when we purchase our products and if you can’t remember then maybe it’s been longer than the recommended use time. To make it easier to read I put the information in Question / Answer format. Hope this helps you all out who have been inquiring!
How Long Do Avon Products Last?
When stored properly, most Avon products have a typical shelf life of approximately 3 years. Avon products undergo extensive testing to ensure freshness during storage, shipment and use by the consumer. Naturally, shelf life can vary depending on storage conditions (e.g, temperature, humidity) and use. So, it’s best to store products in a cool, dry area.
Are Products that are unopened last longer than opened products?
According to the Avon Product Specialist, it seems regardless whether a product is opened or unopened the effectiveness and shelf life is still two to three years.
How Can I Find the Expiration Date on my Avon Product?
The packaging for each Avon skin care, personal care, cosmetic and fragrance product includes a code to indicate the exact manufacturing date. This information varies depending on where the product is manufactured.
To determine the exact date of manufacture, you can ask a Avon Product Specialist. Just call this number 1-800-445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST) and have the code located on your product available.
Should I be aware of any products that do not fall into the 3 year rule?
Yes, as mentioned above most Avon products will last up to 3 years whether it’s opened or not opened granted it is stored in a cool dry place. But there are some exceptions as shown below:
Skin Care Expiration Dates
Banishing Cream:
18 months from the manufacture date
Moisture Therapy Moisturizing Lip Treatment SPF 15:
2 years from the manufacture date
Moisture Therapy products :2 years from the manufacture date
Avon Fragrance Expiration Dates
Avon Bottled fragrances:
2 years from the manufacture date
Fragrance Samples:
1 year from the manufacture date
Avon Personal Care Expiration Dates
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Lotions: 18 months from the manufacture date
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Pump Sprays: 3 years from the manufacture date
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition aerosol: 2 years from the manufacture date
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Towelettes: 3 years from the manufacture date
Sunless tanning products:
18 months from the manufacture date. Best used within 6 months after opening
Avon Bar Soaps:
2 years from the manufacture date. Best used within 1 year after opening
Avon Cosmetics Expiration Dates:
Nail enamels:
1 year from the manufacture date (unopened). Best used within 1 year after opening
Felt Tip Eyeliner Pens:
1 year from the manufacture date (unopened). Best used within 1 year after opening.
Avon Mascara:
We suggest using immediately after purchasing. Once opened, mascara should be replaced every 3 months.
I hope this was helpful and worth the wait. As mentioned earlier, use common sense and if the product just doesn’t look or smell the way it should toss it out and order a new one from Avon.
If you have any questions about the integrity of the product or would like to know the expiration date of your product you can also call Avon’s US product line directly at this number (800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST)
This was so helpful thank you
Hello I know you have had enough of this question :/ The Batch number on the Avon Anew face cream is Z10032016 so that in England is 13th March 2016 so 18 months old. Either opened or not the 3 year rule applies. My sister bought it as a joke for my birthday yesterday but when I asked if she has been regifting as the date on the box made me think she has had it for a while. She said she had just bought it but she has some at home dating back to 2011 is that 2011 batch safe to use??
Hi Maxine, Thanks for vising! Typically Avon anti-aging creams have a 3 year shelf life. Any time there after Avon can’t guarantee the effectiveness of the product. As mentioned in the article I recommend giving Avon a call directly as I don’t have that information on hand.
Thanks for visiting, I do appreciate it.
Hi I have just ordered 6 Avon true colour superextend lengthening Máscara as Avon won’t be available in Australia soon and it’s the best Máscara I have ever used.I’m thinking of ordering more but am worried that about shelf life,can you please tell me how long this Máscara will last unopened.we are all devastated by the news as we love Avon products.
Hi Tracy, I”m sorry to hear about Avon Australia 🙁 Avon suggests using Mascaras as soon as purchased then after opening they should be replaced every 3 months to prevent growth of bacteria and eye health.
Thanks for visiting Tracy!
I have skin-so-soft in decorative containers. I wondered if it would still be good to use. I only saw the bug stuff. This is the original skin-so-soft oil.
Hi Kathryn, the list of items I have here on the page are the exception to Avon’s 3 year rule. Avon suggests using these items sooner than the typical 3 year expatriation time period. Anything not in this list has general 3 year expiration date. These are just guidelines, if your oil smells fine, is clear and the product seems to be the same as it always does, then I would give it a try.
Thanks for asking Kathryn 😉
i have purchased Avon Skin So Soft Gluthathione whitening facial cream last October 2017. Then, I just used it today and smelled differently. is this still okay to use? the MFD is 140715.
Hi Ems. In the US we don’t carry that product. I think the best bet would be to call Avon Customer Service in your country so they can help you.
Thanks for visiting!
Thank you for looking into this topic! I got an Avon product(ANEW CLINICAL LIFT AND TUCK professional body shaper) as a gift a few years ago. I can not find the expiry date or manufactured date on the bottle. It has been almost 2 years since I got this product, is it still safe to use it now?
Pls help me solve this problem the avon I have is 2007 2004.I didn’t find the exp date from the Avon pls should I use it or I should not?I got it from my mom store thanks
Hi Hamza, if the product has a discoloration, or bad order it’s best to toss it out otherwise as it’s over 3 years old it’s more than likely not as effective as if it were fresh so it’s you’re choice if you’d like to try it.
Thanks for asking
Hey Question isZ270417 expiration date just got them on Friday
Hi! I just wanna ask about my skin so soft with glutathione from avon. I bought it early this year. The manufacturing date of this lotion was on October 2016. However, I just stored it in my closet which is in our room that gets warmed up in a sunny day. Additionally, I just started using it again today, but it smells differently.. Is this still okay to use? Thanks!
Hi Ian, Yes you should be fine! If otherwise noted Avon products typically have a shelf date of about 3 years.
Thanks for asking!
I, too, have a product code of (L)MJB41S1. I’ve read responses above that suggest product codes like that were purchased overseas. I purchased my products in the US by a US rep but still have that code. ???
Hi Patti,
To determine the exact date of manufacture, you can ask a Avon Product Specialist. Just call this number 1-800-445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST) and have the code located on your product available.
Thanks
I wish to know if the Avon i bought from a store has expired. I saw this (L) MBE51 S2, UNDER THE container
Hi Nestor, you should contact the Representative from whom you purchased the product from and ask them to locate the Mfr date. It looks like you are in another country so unfortunately I wouldn’t have that info for you.
Good Luck!
Hi! I received an Imari Parfumed Skin Softener from Avon. The only code that might referr to the expiration date is (L)MHZ41 S2. I cannot figure out which is the production/ expiration of the product. Can you help?
Hi Maria,
That code doesn’t look like a US manufacturing code. You may have to contact the Avon in your country. Just visit this link and click the country you’re in and it will take you to the Avon Market in your area.
Thanks for asking though, good luck.
Hi I have advance techniques hair colour and at bottom of box it has 060416, is that the date it expired or the date it was manufactured because I’m sure I bought these after that date
Hi Michelle,
Advance Techniques Hair Color has been discounted for quite some time now so more than likely that would be the expiration date, April 6, 2016.
Thanks for asking 🙂
The code is normally the Manufacturing date ie: 20th October 2014 MFD201014
or 8th January 2011 – 080111
Thank you Ros! That make since, this is great info to know! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Hi! I have a question
I have still moisture shield tinted
Expired nov 2015
Do you think I can still use it
Pls advices!
Hi Alice,
Usually the integrity of the product starts to break down after the expiration date as with the color or texture, but if it seems to be ok give it a try! You’ll be able to tell if the quality has deteriorated or not once you use it. As far at the safety unless it’s moldy or smells funny just use your judgement maybe a spot test would be a good idea.
Good Luck!
I used to sell Avon back in like 2007.I still have stacks of products like the Avon Natural’s Body Spray, Body Lotions and Shower Gels. I also have perfumes that the color of the perfume has changed and I suspect they are expired. My question is do you suspect the Avon Naturals sets are also expired? I have tried so many times to sell it or offer it at such a discount but I haven’t had any luck. If they are expired I will just get rid of them,
Hi Rebecca,
Avon mentions, the average shelf life of an Avon product is about 3 years, but perhaps if you open a couple of your naturals products specifically a body spray & lotion you could see if the product has broken down. If it smells like alcohol after spraying it on your wrist then it’s probably time to throw out the rest of your products. When you try out the body spray & Lotion make sure you wait a couple of minutes. I mention this because just the other day I found a stray bottle of a Naturals Body Spray in the back of my linen closet, who knows how long it had been there, I would guess at least two years. So I opened it and tried it out. Immediately, it smelled very strongly like alcohol so I figured it wasn’t good anymore and was about to toss it, but after several minutes I began to smell something really nice in the air and realized it was me!! LOL! The scent just took time to warm up, but it smelled exactly like it should so I kept it and have been using it since.
If I may also make another suggestions, if the products seem to be ok and you are trying to unload your stock, my sister had a wonderful idea. Last year I had several samples of discontinued Avon fragrances and bath products. My sister asked if she could have them so her church’s Ministry for the Homeless could hand them out to the homeless. They made little bags that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and the fragrance samples. My sister said they loved having the fragrance so they could smell good 😉 So . . if you do decide to get rid of your stock, maybe you could donate the products to a homeless shelter, half-way house, or woman’s shelter etc. to bless someone. I’m sure it would be very appreciated especially during the holidays. Your donation could also be used as a tax write off. So everyone wins!
Thanks for visiting Rebecca & thanks for asking.
Dianne
Hello! i have a “avon lotion moisture blend formula” it has no date on the bottle, but i found this “MFD 201014” and “P2934 2242”. by any chance, is this the expiration date or just some codes. thank you~!
Hi Jan,
I’m not 100% certain but the MFD 201014 number may stand for Manufacturer Date 2010 Jan 4. I could be totally off though so please don’t hold me to it ;-). Avon does have a number you can call for product information as well as for help with the codes on your product. Here is the number (800) 445-2866 .
Take Care and thanks for stopping by.
Dianne
Hi there, I had purchased a shower gel sometime back (don’t remember the year though). When I checked the expiry date, could not find it. Instead I found two codes Z080111 & 08153. Please help. If you have a contact no. for U.A.E. customers to check the expiry, please share it.
Thanks & regards,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I wish I could help you out, but as an Avon Rep in the United States I only have US information. Perhaps if you contact Avon in UAE they will be able to help you.
Just click on this link to go to Avon’s UAE Contact page: http://www.avonuae.com/PRSuite/contact_us_main.page?CURR_URL=contact_us_main.page
Hope they can help you out
Dianne
Thanks Dianne
Bug spray expedition says exp2014/04.is this the actually expired date or the manufactured date.
Hi Becky,
I’m assuming since it has exp by the date it would be the expiration date. You’re welcome to call Avon’s Product Specialist at (800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST) if you want to know for sure that it is the expire date.
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Dianne
Hello,
I had bought the product ‘solutions body Cellu-Sculpt’. The code of this item is 143-26-01U . Can you tell me please when this item expire?
Thank you
Hi Eratw,
For expiration information you’ll need to contact Avon and give them the code you mentioned. They will look up the code and will be able to give you the expiration date from there. The number is (800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST). Please keep in mind, the phone number above is a US phone number.
Thanks for visiting.
Dianne
Hi!, need some help on a Avon Imari Seduction Manufacturing code on the bottom of my bottle which should tell me a date it’s was produced or even a expiry date, CHQ11 please can you help?. Thanks!
Hi “Scottish Chic”
On most Avon items the expiration date usually isn’t printed on the label or item itself but there will be a manufacturing code. If you call this number (800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST) and give them the mfg. code the Avon Product Specialist should be able to get the expiration date for you.
Please keep in mind, the phone number above is a US phone number. As I noticed you are in the UK the mfg.codes may be different than in the United States but it’s a worth a try.
Good Luck & Thanks for Visiting.
Dianne
Dianne, I appreciate your research and information. Thanks much.
Your welcome Judith! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Hello Dianne,
Thanks for your reply it came right on time. Glad to know that I can still use them. You are doing a great job there. Remain blessed
Hello Dianne. You are doing a job here. Based on quest for answers i found you here. I love what you are doing and found everything helpful. I live in Nigeria. Got a great Christmas gift pack from a friend 2years ago (avon skin care), she found out that I really love to pamper my skin a lot, we got talking and i told her how i missed my avon skin products… She confirmed avon had been her choice too and still remain what she uses. She then gave me the Avon goodies as Christmas gift. Amongst all was 12 cups of Perfumed Skin Softener,of which i have 5 cups left to be used. I even shared out some of those products with family and friends because they were much for me to just keep out of greed, yet, i still have the shimmering body powder 2 jar, and perfumed skin softener 5 cups. Please, I’ll like to know if they are ok for me to continue with the usage? They look good and smells ok. For example, one of cups carries a barcode 94000 44374 5 with a stamped code (L)MIK91. Can i still use them? My friend said she had them with her in her shop for a year plus before bringing them to me in Nigeria. Earnestly waiting for your reply thank you. -Rachel
Hi Rachel,
I’m so sorry for the delayed reply I’m just barely catching up to my blog comments. I appreciate your question and your patience. If I understand correctly the powder and skin softener you received was about 2 years ago? I would say the standard expiry date would be about 3 years from manufacturing, so if the products you have still smell good and there is no discoloration then you should still have about another year before the integrity of the product begins to diminish.
Thanks for visiting Rachel 🙂
Dianne
Can you pleae let me know if Avon products are free of
carcingens – iE cancer causing agents
other products have lots carcingens aluminium & others
Thanks
Hi Jean,
Good Question 🙂 You can read Avon’s Positions & Policies on Product Safety here.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Dianne
Hello,
I just won a beautiful gift basket from my Avon Rep. Upon bringing the basket home to check out all the goodies, I noticed that the Anew Rejuvenate day cream expired 2/2013. I read your comments about the 3yr shelf life, but how do I know if this applies before or after the expiration date?
Thanks
Mary
Hi Mary,
Congratulations on winning your prize! How fun! As far as the product in question, I am under the impression the 3 year period is based after the manufacturing date and the expiration date is just that the expiration date.
Your welcome to cal Avon Product number to verify exactly when your product expired. Here is the number: (800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST).
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Dianne
I purchased some Avon products and found a few of the creams “looking sorta funny” (this could just be my mind). when I checked for the expiration dates (they all had codes that looked like dates to me), I found codes like Z210713, Z041013,etc.
is this the expiration date or just codes ?
thank you.
Hi Bukkie,
I called Avon’s Product Specialist and gave them your codes mentioned but was told there should be another code that tracks the expiration date so I wasn’t able to get the date for you. I was hoping I could give you the expiration dates directly but it’s probably better you give Avon a call with the product on hand so the specialist can direct you where to find the code so he can pull up the expiration date for you.
Call this number to get product expiration dates(800) 445-2866 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (EST).
Sorry, I wasn’t able to help directly but by calling the above number you should be able to get the info you need.
Thanks for you question and for stopping by 🙂
Dianne
Thanks for looking into this. It was very helpful! Love your blog I come here often to see what’s going on at Avon.
Your Welcome Sandy I’m glad I was able to help you out.
Thanks for visiting 🙂
Dianne