Use by dates for cosmetics?

I thought this was an interesting article in relation to yesterday's topic of lead in lipstick. On the one hand, many of us are hesitant to buy lipsticks shown to have higher levels of lead (even if they are claimed to be safe.) On the other, 72% of women surveyed for the Mintel study in the article below would not throw out cosmetics and personal care products that are discolored or have off odors. Really, people?

Research shows women holding on to cosmetics too long

I admit, while I am religious about replenishing my mascara quarterly, I have plenty of products that probably should be seeing the inside of a wastebasket. At the first sign of a "funny smell" or discoloration, however, I'm done. Why in the world would I keep this product that so clearly is no longer good? I agree with Mintel - you would not eat food that has gone bad, would you?

As more and more organic and truly natural products come onto the shelves with fewer chemical preservatives, being aware of the nature of the products as related to our health will become more important. We don't want lead in our lipsticks. Do we want to use skin cream with bacteria that has grown over two years? Probably not.

Perhaps more marketing is needed, but for now I say, just use your head. Stay on the safe side.

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