What are the common misunderstandings about cosmetic expiry dates?

This answer is a draft. It stays unpublished until legal review and source verification are complete.

Many cosmetics sold in Japan carry no expiry date, and visitors and residents from abroad often ask why. It is not an oversight. It is how the rules are designed.

How the rules work

Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (the country's cosmetics and drugs law) requires an expiry date only on cosmetics that could deteriorate within 3 years of manufacture. A 1980 (Shōwa 55) notice of the then Ministry of Health and Welfare names three types:

All other cosmetics are exempt from date labelling on the assumption that they keep their quality for 3 years unopened and properly stored.

[Verify] Several specialist websites present this as a summary based on Article 61 of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act and the 1980 Ministry of Health and Welfare notice. Confirm against the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association "Cosmetics Q&A" and the original legal texts.

Misunderstanding 1｜No date, so it can be used for ever

No label and no deterioration are two different things. The lot number printed on the base or back of the container is a clue to when it was made.

Misunderstanding 2｜Unopened and opened are the same

The 3-year assumption is for unopened products. Once opened, the product meets air and hands. The industry's general guidance is to use products up within a few months to a year of opening.

Misunderstanding 3｜If it looks the same, it is fine

Separation, odour and colour change are obvious signs, but change is not always visible. Do not judge by appearance alone.

Misunderstanding 4｜Refrigerating extends the life

Chilling does not extend the period after opening. The basics of storage are to avoid direct sunlight, heat and humidity. The washbasin area (洗面所, senmenjo) and bathroom are humid and unsuitable.

Misunderstanding 5｜The tools you use do not matter

A dirty sponge or brush carries contamination into the product. Think about the cleanliness of your tools as well.

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Sources

• Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) [日本化粧品工業会], "Cosmetics Q&A" [化粧品Q&A]

https://www.jcia.org/user/public/faq

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Cosmetics and quasi-drugs" web page [化粧品・医薬部外品等ホームページ] (quasi-drugs are a Japanese category between cosmetics and medicines)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/iyakuhin/keshouhin/index.html

• National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan [独立行政法人 国民生活センター]

https://www.kokusen.go.jp/

⚠️ Editorial note: the source URLs above were identified by search. Our working environment cannot reach go.jp domains, so the contents have not been checked against the text. Verify every source before publication and record who checked it and when.

About this article

What we share here are ideas and everyday practices passed down among people living in Japan, together with general information drawn from public sources. They are not official recommendations, and they are not professional instruction. Practices vary between households and regions.

This is general information. Results vary from person to person and depend on your own conditions and surroundings.

Please decide for yourself, using your own judgement, whether any of this suits your situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from following this article.

Cosmetics are not medicines and are not meant to diagnose, heal or prevent any condition. If your skin reacts, stop using the product and see a dermatologist.

Sources

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