Because people may transfer bacteria from their fingers to pots of face cream, possibly leading to the growth of micro-organisms, some dermatologists recommend discarding products one year after opening them. Because micro-organisms may also grow in mascara tubes, creating the risk of eye infection, experts recommend replacing mascara three months after opening it, according to the Web site of the Food and Drug Administration www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-207.html.The agency does not oblige cosmetics manufacturers to print expiration dates on product labels sold in the United States. But European regulations require products whose minimum durability is less than 30 months to display an icon — a graphic of a jar with an open lid — indicating a product’s shelf life after it has been opened. Some brands sold in the United States now display this icon.
