Your beauty bag might seem like a collection of products designed to make you look and feel your best, but lurking inside could be hidden dangers. From expired products to potentially harmful tools, it’s important to know what might be causing harm to your skin or sabotaging your beauty routine. Some products harbor bacteria, while others contain ingredients that could irritate your skin or even impact your health in the long run. Here are 20 things in your beauty bag you should reconsider using—and what to do about them.
1. Expired Products
Makeup and skincare are expensive, so when you spend your hard-earned cash on an item, you want to use every last drop. But keeping expired products in your beauty bag is a big no-no. Over time, cosmetics lose their effectiveness and can also begin to harbor bacteria that can irritate your face and cause infections, breakouts, and allergies. Always check the expiration dates and replace old products regularly—even if they were expensive, it’s not worth it. According to the Mayo Clinic, using expired makeup products can clog pores, irritate skin, and increase the risk of infections.
Using expired beauty products can also lead to unexpected changes in texture and performance. That once-creamy foundation might suddenly separate, or your moisturizer could develop an odd smell. These signs indicate that the product’s formula has started to break down, making it less effective and potentially harmful. If you’re unsure how long a product lasts, look for the small jar symbol on the packaging—it tells you how many months the product is safe to use after opening.
2. Toxic Ingredients
Many beauty products contain parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and you might not even know it. These ingredients appear in many different products and can be harmful to your health. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and other health issues. Be sure to read every beauty product’s ingredients, and always try to shop for clean beauty first. According to the Environmental Working Group, many cosmetics contain potentially harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormones and pose other health risks.
Some chemicals in cosmetics have even been linked to long-term health concerns, including endocrine disruption and carcinogenic effects. While the beauty industry has improved transparency, not all brands prioritize non-toxic formulations. Look for labels that say “paraben-free” or “phthalate-free,” and consider switching to organic or dermatologist-approved products. Your skin absorbs much more than you think—so make sure what you’re putting on it is safe.
3. Clumpy Mascara
Mascara that has become clumpy and dry should be tossed immediately. Not only does it make your lashes look unappealing, but old mascara can have harmful bacteria growing inside the tube, increasing the risk of eye infections. Though it seems costly, you need to replace your mascara every three months to keep your eyes safe and your lashes looking flawless.
Pumping the wand in and out of the mascara tube exposes it to air and bacteria, which speeds up its expiration. If your mascara starts to smell off, feel dry, or flake off easily, it’s past its prime. Switch to a fresh tube and avoid sharing mascara with others, as it’s one of the easiest ways to spread eye infections. If you want longer-lasting results, use a lash primer before applying mascara to keep your lashes looking lush without excess buildup.
4. Dirty Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Using dirty makeup brushes is one of the easiest ways to transfer bacteria to your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. When brushes aren’t washed regularly, they become clogged with old product, making blending difficult and leaving makeup looking streaky or patchy. Over time, stiff, dirty bristles can even make application rough on your skin. To avoid this, wash your brushes at least once a week with a gentle cleanser to keep them soft, clean, and bacteria-free. If you’ve been dealing with unexplained breakouts, your grimy brushes may be the culprit.
Makeup sponges, like beauty blenders, are even worse when it comes to harboring bacteria, as they absorb product, oil, and dirt with every use. A dirty sponge won’t just cause breakouts—it can also make your foundation look uneven by soaking up more product than it applies. To keep your sponge clean, wash it after every use with a mild cleanser and replace it every few months. Avoid storing it in a sealed container while damp, as this can encourage mold growth. If it starts to smell, change color, or tear, it’s time for a new one.
5. Dry Powders
Powder products like foundation, blush, and eyeshadow can become dry and cakey over time, making them difficult to apply and causing your makeup to look patchy. This is particularly true if they’re expired. If your powders are drying out, it’s time to replace them with fresh ones that glide on smoothly. Dry powders will not only make your makeup look bad but are also not good for your skin.
Cracked powders are another problem—when a powder is broken, bacteria can enter the crevices, making it unsafe to use. If you absolutely must salvage a broken powder, use alcohol to press it back together, but keep in mind that this may alter its performance. Some powders, especially those with shimmer, can oxidize over time, changing color on your skin. If your favorite shade suddenly looks off, it’s time to upgrade.
6. Sharp Eyeliner Pencils
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Have you ever sharpened an eyeliner pencil and dragged it across your eyes only for it to scratch you? If you haven’t, be thankful. An eyeliner pencil that hasn’t been sharpened recently can be a real hazard to your eyes. Using a dull pencil can lead to uneven lines and even accidental scratches on your delicate eye area. Always keep your eyeliner pencils sharp for a precise application and to avoid eye injuries.
Aside from the risk of scratching, dull eyeliner pencils don’t glide smoothly, making it harder to achieve clean, crisp lines. If your liner tugs on your skin or breaks easily, it’s time for a new one. Wooden pencils, in particular, can splinter if not sharpened properly, increasing the risk of irritation or tiny cuts near your eyes. If you prefer softer application, consider switching to a gel liner, which provides precision without the rough edges.
7. Gua Sha Tools
While gua sha tools can be great for facial massage and lymphatic drainage, misusing them can damage the skin on your face and neck and cause bruising if you’re not careful. If you’re not trained in proper technique, it’s best to use these tools with caution or consult a professional for guidance to avoid harming yourself. The pressure used during gua sha should be gentle—anything too aggressive can lead to irritation or even broken capillaries.
Another concern is hygiene. Gua sha tools, like jade rollers, can collect bacteria over time if not cleaned properly, leading to breakouts or infections. After each use, wash them with soap and warm water and store them in a clean, dry place. If you notice redness, irritation, or skin sensitivity after use, you might be applying too much pressure, which can do more harm than good.
8. Overused Lip Balms
Lip balms are the one thing that feels laborious to replace. However, using the same lip balm for too long, especially if exposed to air and heat, can make it less effective and potentially introduce bacteria to your lips. Expired or contaminated lip balm can lead to chapped, irritated lips instead of the moisture boost you’re looking for. Next time you’re in a pharmacy, top up your lip balm if yours has gotten old and greasy.
Certain lip balms also contain ingredients that can make your lips drier over time. Menthol, camphor, and synthetic fragrances can cause dependency, making you feel like you need to reapply constantly. Look for balms with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and natural oils to keep your lips truly hydrated. And remember—if your lip balm smells off or has changed texture, it’s time to toss it.
9. Worn-Out Beauty Blenders
Beauty blenders used for too long and not washed properly can become breeding grounds for bacteria. These sponges should be cleaned after every use and replaced every few months to ensure they’re not transferring bacteria to your skin. If you don’t, every time you put it on your skin, you’re potentially pressing hundreds of grimy bacteria across your face. Even if it looks fine on the outside, the inside of a damp beauty blender can harbor mold.
Over time, worn-out sponges also lose their ability to blend makeup smoothly, making application uneven. If your beauty blender starts to tear or doesn’t bounce back as easily, it’s a sign it’s past its prime. To extend your sponge’s life, store it in a dry place and avoid sealing it in an airtight container while it’s still damp. A dirty sponge could be the hidden culprit behind stubborn breakouts.
10. Old And Chemical-Infused Sunscreens
Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, but using old or chemical-laden formulas can do more harm than good. Over time, sunscreen loses its effectiveness, meaning it might not shield your skin from sun damage as well as it should. Expired sunscreen can also separate, leading to an uneven application that exposes some areas to harmful radiation. If you continue to use outdated sunscreen, you’re essentially walking around with little to no sun protection, increasing your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Beyond expiration dates, many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and environmental damage. These chemicals can absorb into your bloodstream and have been found in urine, breast milk, and even amniotic fluid, raising concerns about long-term exposure. Additionally, when chemical sunscreens break down over time, they can become even more unstable, leading to increased skin sensitivity. To stay safe, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection without the risks of chemical absorption. Always check expiration dates and store sunscreen in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
11. Dirty Tweezers
Tweezers need to be cleaned regularly. If you neglect to wipe down your tweezers after every use, you could transfer bacteria to your skin, causing infections or irritation. This is especially true if you use them to pluck hairs or remove splinters. For safe hygiene, clean your tweezers with alcohol every time you use them.
Dull tweezers can also make plucking hairs painful and ineffective, often leading to ingrown hairs. If your tweezers aren’t gripping hairs properly, it’s time to replace them. High-quality stainless steel tweezers last longer and are easier to clean, so investing in a good pair is worth it. Always store them in a dry place to prevent rusting.
12. Harsh Facial Scrubs
Exfoliating is great, but harsh facial scrubs with large, rough particles can cause painful micro-tears in your skin, leading to irritation and breakouts. Avoid almond scrubs and other larger exfoliants to protect your skin from irritation. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants that scrub the skin without tearing it or disrupting the barrier.
Micro-tears in the skin can lead to inflammation, making your skin more susceptible to redness and even long-term damage. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are safer alternatives and can provide a more even, controlled exfoliation. If you love a good scrub, choose one with finely milled ingredients that gently buff the skin without damaging it.
13. Lash Glue
We all have old lash glue that floats around our makeup bags, but did you know that using old eyelash glue could seriously affect your health? Not only does eyelash glue lose its stickiness and effectiveness over time, but old glue can cause irritation or even allergic reactions. Always be careful what you put on and around your eyes—the skin is the most sensitive part of the face.
Some lash glues contain formaldehyde or latex, triggering allergies and eye irritation. If you’ve noticed red, swollen eyelids after applying false lashes, your glue could be the problem. Look for hypoallergenic options and always patch-test a new formula before applying it to your lash line. Keeping glue tightly sealed and replacing it every few months is key to keeping your eyes safe.
14. Broken Lipsticks
Bleeding lipstick is a bad look. It happens when lipstick spreads (or feathers) beyond the natural outline of your lips, creating a smudged, uneven, messy appearance. When your lipstick slips, it can settle into the fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth, making them more noticeable. Eating, drinking, not applying lip liner, or using old or broken lipstick that has lost its consistency can cause your lipstick to smudge.
A broken lipstick may seem salvageable, but once it starts crumbling, it’s time to toss it. Old lipsticks can develop a strange smell or change in texture, which means the formula is breaking down. Using expired lipstick may also increase your risk of lip irritation or bacterial contamination. If your favorite lipstick breaks and you can’t bear to part with it, consider melting and repotting it into a small container for easy application with a brush.
15. Cracked Foundation Bottles
A cracked or broken foundation bottle might not seem like a big deal, but it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Air and bacteria can enter once the bottle is compromised, contaminating the formula. Every time you dip your fingers or sponge into a cracked bottle, you risk spreading germs onto your skin, leading to acne, irritation, or infections. Not to mention, a leaky foundation bottle can make a mess in your makeup bag.
If your foundation bottle is damaged, transfer the product into a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination. Be mindful of how long you’ve been using your foundation—most liquid formulas have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months after opening. Expired foundation can oxidize, making it look orange or cakey on the skin. When in doubt, throw it out and replace it with a fresh bottle to keep your complexion flawless.
16. Out-Of-Date And Toxic Perfume
Perfume might seem like it lasts forever, but over time, the fragrance can degrade, changing its scent and potentially irritating your skin. Exposure to heat, light, and air can cause the perfume’s chemical composition to break down, making it smell sour, musty, or overly alcoholic. If your perfume doesn’t smell like it used to, it has likely expired. Spraying expired perfume on your skin can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or even rashes, especially if the formula has oxidized or turned rancid.
Beyond expiration, many perfumes contain synthetic chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and artificial musks, which have been linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity. Some of these compounds can linger in the body and even affect air quality, making them problematic for your health and the environment. Fragrances that contain high levels of alcohol and chemical preservatives can also trigger headaches or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Opt for clean, non-toxic perfumes made with essential oils and natural extracts to reduce exposure to harmful ingredients. Always store your fragrances in a cool, dark place and replace them if the scent changes or the formula appears cloudy or discolored.
17. Dried-Out Brow Products
Brow pomades, gels, and pencils can dry out over time, making them difficult to apply. A dried-out brow product will tug at the skin, making creating a natural, smooth look harder. Using an old or hardened product can result in patchy, uneven brows that don’t blend well. If you find yourself pressing too hard or struggling to get pigment, your brow product is likely past its prime.
Additionally, brow brushes and spoolies should be cleaned regularly to remove product buildup. A dirty spoolie can transfer bacteria back into your brow gel, increasing the risk of breakouts along the brow line. If you’re using a brow pencil, sharpen it regularly for precise application. When brow products become stiff, flaky, or lose their pigment, it’s time to replace them.