Don't use expired sunscreen.

No. The active ingredients degrade over time, regardless of how it looks or smells. You might think you’re protected when you’re not, and that’s how you get burned — or worse.

Sunscreen’s effectiveness is tied to its chemical stabilizers. Once those break down, SPF drops significantly. A bottle that expired last summer might only give you SPF 10 when you think you’re wearing SPF 50. Your nose and eyes can’t detect that loss.

The exception? If it’s only a month past and stored in a cool, dark place, you’re probably fine. But if you can’t remember when you bought it, toss it. Sunburn is real damage, and skin cancer isn’t worth saving twelve bucks.

Getting burned is worse than buying a new bottle.