Spring Cleaning: Our Tips for Organizing Your Cosmetics Effectively

Do you suddenly feel like having a bathroom cabinet as tidy as Marie Kondo's? Then you've come to the right place!

It's true that organizing and sorting your cosmetics is a task we often put off, yet it's essential for your well-being and health.

With spring cleaning season upon us again, we’re sharing everything you need to know about product shelf life, organizing tips, and packaging recycling!

Do you suddenly feel the urge to have a bathroom cabinet as tidy as Marie Kondo's? Then you've come to the right place!

It's true that organizing and sorting your cosmetics is a task we often put off, yet it's essential for your well-being and health.

With spring cleaning season upon us again, we’re sharing everything you need to know about product shelf life, organizing tips, and packaging recycling!

Why is it important to sort your cosmetics?

First and foremost, sorting through your cosmetics helps you reorganize your space while adding a touch of harmony and clarity to your bathroom. A tidy environment is so much more pleasant than a cluttered mess of products!

Plus, by cutting out unnecessary and time-consuming steps, you can streamline your beauty routine and save time.

Finally, this sorting method helps you quickly identify expired beauty products that you should throw away. Using a product after its expiration date can alter its texture, reduce its effectiveness, or worse: irritate your skin…

Sort by the condition and shelf life of cosmetics

To get the most out of this spring cleaning, we spoke with Katell Breuneval, Head of Formulation and Raw Materials Regulatory Affairs at Evoluderm. In this article, she shares her expertise on the shelf life of a formula, her tips for identifying an expired beauty product, and the risks associated with using it.

How can you tell how long a cosmetic product will last?

In cosmetics, there are two ways to determine whether a product is still usable and for how long.

The first is the expiration date, which is the date you should take into account before using the product. It is determined through laboratory testing to ensure that the organoleptic characteristics (appearance, color, odor, viscosity, pH) of Evoluderm formulas will remain stable for 3 years when stored at room temperature and protected from light.

The second is the PAO (PEO)), which refers to the period during which the cosmetic product can be used after first opening. The following symbol is displayed on all our products:

Period after opening symbol — Wikipedia

This shelf life is calculated based on the stability tests used to determine the expiration date and also takes into account:

The formulation's inherent resistance to microbial contamination

The product/environment interface related to use

Expected service life

Areas of Application

The target population

How can you tell if a cosmetic product has expired, and what are the risks associated with using it?

A WORD FROM THE EXPERT

If a cosmetic product changes in appearance, color, smell, or viscosity, it’s best to throw it away. If the expiration date on your Evoluderm has passed, we cannot assess the associated risks, as our testing only covers up to 3 years of aging.

There can be many risks, and their severity can vary depending on skin type: itching, irritation, rashes, redness... Generally speaking, if a skin reaction occurs, it’s important to immediately rinse your skin with clean water to remove as much of the product as possible and minimize the damage!

💡Tip: To keep your cosmetics in the best possible condition, avoid storing them in hot, humid places or where they are exposed to sunlight.

Katell BREUNEVAL, Head of Formulation & Regulatory Affairs at Evoluderm

Sort by usefulness and frequency of use

After getting rid of all expired cosmetics that pose a risk, you can continue to optimize your space. To do this, sort your cosmetics based on their purpose and how often you use them.

Identify the products that are essential to your daily routine (moisturizer, cleanser, basic makeup) and set them aside from the ones you use more occasionally (face masks, exfoliators, special-occasion makeup).

How can you recycle your cosmetics and reuse them wisely?

A good spring cleaning is good for the planet: recycle, and don't just throw everything away!

Have you bought cosmetics that are brand-new and in good condition but you’re not using them? Did you receive cosmetics for your birthday that don’t suit you? Don’t panic! Swap them with your friends and family to discover some new gems, or donate them to a charity (if they’re in new condition). Nothing goes to waste—everything gets shared!

If your cosmetics need to be thrown away, don’t forget to recycle the empty packaging. Once it has been completely emptied (into the household trash), the packaging should be sorted by material:

Glass jars, vials, and bottles go in the designated glass recycling bin, which is green or white.

Plastic or metal bottles, tubes, jars, or containers should be placed in the yellow bin, bag, or container designated for sorting packaging.

💡Did you know? On every product page in our online store, under the “Recycling and Regulations” tab, you’ll find the information you need to recycle your product’s container.

At Evoluderm, , environmental responsibility is at the heart of our strategy. Every day, we take concrete steps to minimize excess packaging as much as possible: we don’t use plastic wrap or paper instructions, and 95% of our products come without packaging. This approach allows us to reduce our waste generation.

Now you have everything you need for a successful spring cleaning! No more excuses—it’s time to roll up your sleeves and organize your cosmetics like a pro.