So you are in the process of cleaning out your travel kit or the bathroom cupboards and stumble upon shaving cream that has been in there for over a year. You are likely wondering if it needs to be thrown out and if shaving cream even expires.
Gillette shaving cream technically does not come with a stated expiration date however, it is recommended that shaving cream be replaced after 2-3 years if unopened and after 6 months if it has been opened. Shaving creams with a higher water content will also need to be replaced more often.
If you use Gillette shaving cream that is more than a few years old, it should not harm your skin or health however, you can monitor it for a few signs that it has gone off such as color, odor, and texture.
Does Shaving Cream in General Expire?
In general, it is recommended that shaving cream be replaced after 2-3 years if it has been unopened and after 6 months- 1 year if it has been opened. Once shaving cream has been opened, it is exposed to outside air and your bare hands which can increase the chances of bacterial growth in the cream.
Shaving cream formulas with higher water contents should also be replaced within these timelines as the evaporation or presence of water can drastically change the performance of the shaving cream and the potential for bacterial growth which could lead to skin irritation and allergies.
Does Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream Expire? 
Gillette is a trusted personal grooming brand and you will find that many of their shaving creams will last for years. Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream contains water as one of its first ingredients and for this reason, it should be replaced after 2-3 years if unopened and between 6 months-1 year if it has been opened. You might notice that after some time, the formula no longer foams well when it is dispensed and this can be a sign to replace it.
Does Gillette Fusion Expire? 
Gillette Fusion is a combination gel and foam formula. Because it contains water, it should be replaced after 2-3 years if unopened and 6 months-1 year if it has been opened. If you use shaving cream regularly, purchasing Gillette shaving cream in larger quantities like this should be completely safe even if it takes a couple of years to get through.
Does Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Shaving Gel Expire? 
Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Shaving Gel contains water as its first ingredient and should therefore be replaced 2-3 years after purchasing it if unopened or 6 months-1 year if it has been opened.
Do Shaving Creams in an Aerosol Can Last Longer?
Shaving creams in an aerosol can last longer than shaving creams in tubs due to lesser exposure to bacteria in aerosol cans. Once shaving cream is opened, it is exposed to open air and your bare hands regardless of the format however, this is more so the case for grooming products in tubs that require you to dip your fingers into it to acquire the product.
It is recommended to use a clean spoon or spatula to remove grooming products from a tub to mitigate exposure to the bacteria that is present on your hands.
Are Aerosol Shaving Creams Bad for the Environment?
If you are looking to lessen your carbon footprint, one product to assess in your home, among many, is shaving cream. Shaving creams in aerosol cans use hydrocarbon propellants which are a type of greenhouse gas when released into the air. For this reason, shaving creams in tubs or tubes tend to be more environmentally friendly overall.
Does Gillette Offer Shaving Cream in other Containers?
While Gillette is well known for its aerosol shaving creams, they do offer shaving cream in other containers. 
Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream comes in a tube format. Because creams tend to have a higher water content, they should be replaced approximately every 2 years if unopened and after 6 months if opened due to higher contact between your hands and the cream in the tube.
Gillette Planet Kind Protective Shaving Cream is perhaps Gillette’s most environmentally friendly option. It comes in a recyclable aluminum tin that can continually be recycled, it is formulated without typical preservatives such as parabens, sulfates, and alcohols, and it is accessible with free shipping on refills.
Once opened, this formula should be replaced every 6 months due to exposure to open air, your bare hands, and fewer preservatives. If it remains unopened, you should carefully inspect it, if it is older than 1 year for any changes to its smell, color, or texture as this can indicate spoiling.
Related Questions
What Happens if you Use Old Shaving Cream?
While it is recommended to replace your shaving cream, there is little chance that any harm will be done to your skin if you use old shaving cream. If you suffer from sensitive skin, using old shaving cream may cause skin irritation or allergies. For this reason, it is best to spot test old shaving cream if you are concerned.
Can Shaving Cream Get Moldy?
Shaving cream typically does not become moldy however, it is a possibility if your shaving cream has been exposed to water, open air, or your bare hands in its container. Most shaving creams already have high water content and wherever there is the presence of water, there is the opportunity for mold growth.
Shaving cream that has remained unopened is much less likely to experience bacterial growth when compared to shaving cream that has been opened. If you are unsure, check the cream from a change in scent, color, and texture as this can indicate spoiling.
Does Unopened Shaving Cream Expire?
Unopened shaving cream typically lasts for 2-3 years but can safely be used beyond that if it does not show other signs of spoiling such as changes in scent, color, and texture. You may notice that in certain formulas like foaming shaving creams, they may not foam or lather as well once this timeframe has passed indicating the need for replacement.
Final Thoughts
Most shaving creams offer long shelf lives if they remain unopened and if used beyond the expiration date, they are not likely to cause any harm to your skin or health. To remember the purchase dates of your shaving creams, it is recommended to write the purchase date on the outer packaging to ensure you are using fresh and effective shaving creams on your skin.
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Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.