Many parents wonder does baby powder expire. There are a few ways to answer this question. Knowing when to store it will help save you money in the long run. You will also know when to empty it and replace it with a new one. Read on to learn how to gauge when your powder will expire and how to reuse it.
Baby powder should have a moisture content of not more than 10%. If the label says it has a moisture content of less than 10%, then it is not quality powder and you should not use it. Even if your baby powder has an expiry date, it should still have the date or it is not readable.
If your powder says it has a moisture content of less than 10%, it is good quality powder with no discernible cornstarch. Cornstarch makes baby powder clumpy which makes it hard for your child to absorb moisture. A moisture content of less than 10% will make it easy for the child to absorb the formula because it is not too wet or dry. The two ingredients will not mix completely, but will form a semi-thick coating instead of a paste. If you notice that the powder turns into a paste or gets sticky when you try to blend it, then you know it has gone off date and you will have to get new supplies.
You will know when to use expired baby powder by looking at the expiration date on the container. An all natural product has no expiration date. Most products have a shelf life of about three to five years from the date of purchase. So make sure you store your powder properly to maximize its shelf life.
Does talc cause diaper rash? Talc is made of finely powdered ground quartz and sometimes known as “calcium sand”. It is a natural absorbent material. Although talc is harmless when used in baby baths, it can cause a skin irritation if used in contact with the skin. Use talcum powder instead.
Is there an expiry time printed on the bottle? An expiry date is usually stamped on the bottle after it has been opened. The expiry time tells you the approximate date of expiration and you should always read this date on new bottles.
What is the shelf life of the container? This will be stamped on the container along with the brand name and the product number. All products have a specified shelf life, usually six months from the date of purchase. Powder has a shorter shelf life of fifteen days from the time of purchase. If the expiry dates are not clearly marked, the product is considered spoiled and you should throw it away.
How do I store baby powder? It is advisable to store the product in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid wrapping it in damp fabric as this may cause an unpleasant reaction. Following these simple rules will help you determine how long does baby powder expire.
Can I mix it with other products? Although pure cornstarch-based baby powders are considered ideal for sleeping, they can also be used in other ways. For example, you can mix it with juice, boiled water or milk. This will extend its shelf life and you can choose the best combination.
Why does baby powder expire if it is stored in the refrigerator? Baby powders are generally designed to keep moisture trapped inside the container so that it does not easily evaporate. If the container is left out in the open and it becomes exposed to air, moisture will begin to evaporate. This might result in a moldy smell and the powders might start to spoil.
Do you need to throw it away if you put it in the refrigerator? Although there is a recommended storage time for baby powder, it is not set in stone. You can store it in your refrigerator up to a month after the expiration date on the container. If you are using plain cornstarch-based baby powders, you should empty the container before you put it in the refrigerator. It is also important to read the package and follow the expiration date on the back of the container.
When should you re-use it? If you use pure cornstarch-based powder and you use it frequently, it might not go bad until it wears off. If you use powdered laundry detergent instead of talc, you may not have to worry about expiring either. Experts say that an ounce of powder daily is just sufficient to keep a baby happy. However, if you have infants and older children in the house, you might want to consider another product. The expiration date is a general rule, and you should also consider other factors such as the ingredients used and how often you use the product.