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The short answer = yes, sunscreen can expire. Most sunscreens come with an expiration date, typically found on the packaging. Over time, the active ingredients in sunscreen can degrade, making the product less effective in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun Zapper products adhere to Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations which mean they have an expiry date 3 years from date of manufacture. Expiry dates are stated on the product label.

On Sun Zapper zinc sunscreen products, the expiration date is located on the product label, the back at the top of the bottles or on the bottom of the products. It’s a tiny detail that holds significant importance in ensuring the efficacy of the sunscreen.
Expired sunscreen might not provide the level of protection you need. Signs of expiration include changes in color or consistency, a strange odor, or separation of the product. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bid your sunscreen goodbye.
Yes, even if you haven’t opened your Sun Zapper sunscreen, it can still expire. Exposure to air, light, and fluctuating temperatures can lead to the degradation of the active ingredients, rendering the sunscreen ineffective.
Expiry dates on sunscreen serve as a guarantee of the product’s effectiveness. Using expired Sun Zapper products is akin to trying to surf without waves – it just doesn’t work! Using expired sunscreen not only puts your skin at risk but also diminishes the sunscreen’s ability to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Your skin deserves the best protection, and that means using sunscreen within its shelf life.

😎 By following our tips and being aware of the signs of expiration, you can ensure that your Sun Zapper sunscreen provides the protection you need, keeping your skin safe and healthy.
⚡️Stay protected with Sun Zapper, stay safe!
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your skin or a mole, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
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About Sun Zapper
Australian made zinc sunscreen since 1995. We started as a surf brand and we've been making zinc for life in the water ever since.