How often should you replace your sunscreen?

Replace your sunscreen once a year and check it every spring, before the sunny season starts.

Old sunscreen, or sunscreen that has been open too long, protects less reliably. NIVEA writes that sunscreen keeps for 6 to 12 months after opening and that it’s best to replace it every year. Also look for the open jar symbol with, for example, 12M on the packaging.

1. When spring comes, check whether your sunscreen is still within its use-by date
2. Top up or replace it if it has expired
3. Put the cream somewhere easy to find, by the front door or in the garden cupboard
4. Repeat this check every spring

5 to 10 minutes.

• sunscreen

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This is a general public guideline, not personal medical advice. If you have symptoms or doubts, ask your doctor for advice.

Source

• NIVEA België (Beiersdorf, fabrikant) — Hoe lang is zonnebrandcrème houdbaar?

Checked on: 2026-09-24

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