Pay attention to this date from now on. It’s not an ordinary expiration date…

#### **3. Personal Care Products**
– Beauty products like lotions, shampoos, and makeup can be affected by expiration dates too. These items may not necessarily become harmful after the expiration date, but their **efficacy and texture** can change. For example, lotions may separate or dry out, and cosmetics may develop an unpleasant smell or cause irritation after they pass their date.
– Check for changes in consistency or scent as well as the expiration date when evaluating these products.

#### **4. Household Items**
– **Cleaning products** and other household chemicals often have a **best-by or use-by date** for optimal performance. After this period, they might lose their effectiveness, potentially leaving your surfaces less clean or sanitized.

### **How to Safely Use Items After the Date**

Even though a product may be past its expiration or best-by date, many items can still be used safely, provided they show no signs of spoilage or degradation. Here’s how you can safely extend the life of products:

– **For Food**: If a food product is only slightly past its best-by date, give it a quick visual inspection and smell test. If it appears and smells fine, it may still be good to consume, but **always trust your instincts** when it comes to perishables.

– **For Non-Food Products**: Items like cleaning supplies or cosmetics can still be effective after the best-by date, but look for any changes in smell, consistency, or color before using them. If in doubt, it’s always safer to replace the product.

### **Conclusion: The Key to Smart Expiration Date Management**

Not all expiration dates are created equal, and they don’t always mean a product is unsafe the moment the date passes. However, paying attention to these dates, especially the **sell by** and **best by** dates, can ensure that you’re using products when they’re at their best and most effective. It’s crucial to know the difference between dates that impact safety and those that are simply guidelines for optimal freshness or quality.

Next time you’re checking the expiration date on an item, remember: **it’s not just a random number**. It’s there to guide you in using the product safely and at its peak performance, so keep an eye on those dates and use them to make informed choices about what goes in your pantry, medicine cabinet, or makeup bag.