How long does deodorant last? Which ones last longer and how to find them

Deodorants are a good and cheap way of covering up your body's foul and sweaty smell with a good one. However, they make your armpits smell good and are free from rashes and bacteria. The alcohol ingredient added to most deodorants helps eliminate the bacteria due to sweating, dust, and pollution. You may use them daily, but it won't be of much help as most deodorants last 24–48 hours by default (check 5 long-lasting Native deodorants).

Get more information about the deodorants and some general tips, precautions, and don’ts associated with their use.

How to Tell If Your Deodorant Has Gone Bad

If your deodorant has expired, carefully check its smell, color, a comparison of its overall efficiency, and if the texture is the same as it was at the time of purchase. The deodorant is good to go if all these things are fine.

Otherwise, you should start with a new one and discard your old one because it may no longer be effective. However, you may continue using these deodorants for a few months, even after their expiry.

Changes in Smell

Most likely, when the deodorants have gone bad, an apparent change in their smell becomes evident. This change can cause the formula of the deodorant to deteriorate and ultimately lead to a foul or bad odor.

This smell can be possible when the deodorant has expired or is stored at a temperature below the recommendations. It could also result from a defect in that particular piece that now needs immediate replacing. However, whatever the cause may be, it needs a replacement if there is an evident change in the smell for safety and health concerns.

Changes in Textures

When deodorant is about to expire, its texture and color change. In addition, they affect your skin regarding how it feels after spraying. Therefore, you must keep checking these indications closely with the passage of their use time to find a change in their performance.

Changes in Efficiency

The different chemicals, artificial ingredients, or other bacterial agents that these deodorants mostly use start to fade. It can decrease their efficacy as these chemical-based ingredients are only there to boost their effectiveness and create a formula for deodorants. When your body repeatedly uses the same formula, it can occasionally stop responding.

If you use the same deodorant for a while, you may notice that it loses some effectiveness. Therefore, switching up your brand or items weekly is not terrible. This will expose you to new products that may help you find a more suitable product than before.

How Do You Know If Your Deodorant Has Expired

Deodorants usually have a long-lasting life of around 1-3 years before expiration. The FDA does not restrict companies from putting an expiry date over them, which many companies still do. Their antiperspirants work for many years and are safe for prolonged use.

According to some chemists, even after expiry, these deodorants are safer to use; however, the companies mostly recommend changing them after 12 months of opening to avoid any possible harm. So, deodorant can still expire with the need for replacement, and consumers should keep them under timely check after 6-12 months of first use.

Still, there are few indicators to state that these deodorants do expire with a need for replacements, and none should ignore these factors.

Has The Color Changed?

Sometimes when the deodorant has gone bad or expired, it starts to show discoloration. If alcohol levels or the aluminum quantity is higher than usual, this can change color after a while of use.

Aluminum chloride and other acidic ingredients present in deodorants and antiperspirants can cause some deodorants to change color. So, changing the color of the deodorant can mean it has expired and probably needs replacements now.

If It’s A Gel, Is It Beginning To Dry Up?

If your deodorant is made of gel that looks like a solid and creamy soap bar, it will likely dry up when it expires or is close to expiry. This dry-up mainly happens due to Aluminum being an active ingredient in their antiperspirant, which can develop large holes due to corrosion when locked up for months inside a bottle.

If It Has A Bad Odor

The foul or bad smell of deodorants indicates that they have expired and need replacements. Even though, despite these bad smells, you can continue to use them. However, it’s best to replace them considering the safety and health issues, as this may lead to possible skin reactions. Their change in smell can make them intolerable to use further due to many chemical transformations.

Storage Deodorant: Do’s And Don’ts

After purchasing a deodorant, you need to keep it in a cool and dry place as this will help keep it safe and with prolonged life.

Try keeping them away from the hot sun, as many deodorants melt at a temperature of more than 77°F. When leaving for a gym, yoga, or any other outdoor activity, keep these deodorants in a cool, dry place or at least away from hot spots or direct sun approach.

As for the Don’ts, do not open them or remove the safety packaging unless you are ready to use them.

How Frequently You Should Switch Deodorant

Even though these deodorants mostly have a life span of around 1-3 years of safe usage. Even FDA does not restrict putting up an expiry date label on them. Still, for your safety and health measurements, you should replace them every 12 months of continuous usage after opening the bottle.

Check their overall performance from time to time and notice any unusual changes in their results. Then, you can replace them to avoid any significant possible harmful accident.

How Long Does Deodorant Last If Used Every Day?

Well, this depends on the size of the bottle, amount, and purpose of usage, which varies from person to person. Most deodorants last for around 3-6 months, even in the summer, as using them quite frequently does not enhance their effect but can be a mere wastage of the product itself. Therefore, if you use it with care and without wasting, it can easily give the value of the money spent.

How to Make Deodorant Last Longer

Generally speaking, if you use anything with care and only at the time of need in an adequate amount, this can increase its effect and duration of use.

The same applies to these deodorants; if you use them with care without having them split or leak through the bottle, and in moderation, they can increase their life span and overall effect. However, if you continue using it excessively, this will not only waste it but might lose its impact on your skin.

FAQs

What Is The Harmful Effect Of Using An Expired Deodorant?

Expired deodorants are not likely to cause any severe harmful effects unless tasted, swallowed, or in case of eye contact. The most damaging effect of an expired deodorant is that it may cause rashes or a foul smell instead of a pleasant one.

How Long Does A Stick Of Deodorant Last On Average?

This again varies from person to person, but generally, a stick of deodorants should last for around 2-3 months with moderation use.

How Many Swipes Of Deodorant Should You Use?

You should use only 2-3 solid swipes or sprays of deodorant for the best result. However, if you notice residue transferring to your clothes, this probably is because you're applying too much.

Should I Put Deodorant On After Showering?

Putting on deodorant is not necessary, especially when you do not intend to go outside that again on a hot summer day. However, if you wish, you may apply it for some good personal smell as it may contribute to bringing some peace of mind and positivity to your day.

Conclusion:

Deodorants have become essential to daily usage, especially in tropical weather. Many come with fresh, clean, and cooling properties that make you smell good by covering foul smells and sweatiness (check 8 best Axe deodorants). They can keep you fully confident, like many fragrances do, by putting a temporary cover on these worrying situations.

A good deodorant should be easier to use, long-lasting and safe for your body's health; that does not expire or has harmful ingredients to cause adverse health effects. Therefore, always check the ingredients and expiry labels before buying them to avoid any inconvenience at a later stage.

We have provided general information about how the deodorants work and their effect in certain situations. We hope it will help you in buying the right deodorant for yourself.