So we asked experts to weigh in on it all.

Keep reading for what they have to say.

Why would mold appear in a beauty product?

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The truth is, mold spores are just about everywhere.

Now, consider your beauty products, which are often repeatedly exposed to bacteria.

While applying makeup and skin-care products, they naturally come in contact with our fingers and skin.

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clean cosmetic chemist and founder ofKKT Consultants

What we really want to see is innovation and testing to find newer preservatives that are safer.

That makes it very difficult to monitor and control over time.

And beyond that, the best practices involved in making sure that shelf-life is as long as possible.

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(More on that later.)

How can you identify mold in cosmetics?

If a product looks or smells off, its best to toss it.

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Theyre not just a suggestion, theres real science behind them.

What are the dangers of mold in beauty products?

Long-term exposure can affect your respiratory system, causing difficulties in breathing, says Dr. Vasyukevich.

woman wearing protective glasses getting laser skin treatment by person in purple gloves

clean cosmetic chemist and founder ofKKT Consultants

Of course, toss those expired beauty products, too.

What steps can you take to avoid your exposure to mold in cosmetics?

Pay attention to expiration dates

Some beauty products expire within one year of opening.

Black hair woman wearing a grey and white bra giving herself a deep cleansing session with a face brush and Gatineau skincare face wash lotion, after her shower. Studio skincare portrait over isolated background.

you could always check the packaging, which will note the expiration timeline given each formulation is different.

them in clear bottles or tubes.

Dont share cosmetics

Remember when your mom told you to never share eye makeup?

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Shay Mitchell attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)

She said it for good reason!

Sharing cosmetics with someone can double the bacteria exposure, andspread things like pink eye or pimple-causing bacteria.

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