Can last year’s solar panel be used? Expiration and storage
Natali Profumeria · 1 min read · November 1, 2026
At the beginning of summer, almost all of us find last year's half-full bottle in a drawer. Can you use it? It depends on when you opened it and how you stored it.
The open jar symbol
On the packaging, you'll find a small jar with an open lid and a number, for example "12M". This indicates how many months the product remains effective after opening. For sunscreens, it is almost always 6 or 12 months.
Heat ruins it
Sunscreen filters can lose their effectiveness with heat. A bottle left in the sun under the umbrella, in a bag on the sand, or on the car dashboard ages much faster. At the beach, keep it in the shade, wrapped in a towel or in a cooler bag; at home, in a cool, dry place.
When to throw it away
If the period indicated by the jar symbol has passed, if it has changed color, smell, or consistency, if it has separated into water and oil: it's better not to risk it. Protection that doesn't work is more dangerous than no protection at all, because it makes us feel safe.
The best way not to waste it
Use the right amount. If you apply enough sunscreen, a 200 ml bottle will last only a few days at the beach and the problem won't arise.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use last year's sunscreen?
Only if it is still within the period indicated by the open jar symbol (usually 6 or 12 months), has been stored in a cool place, and has not changed color, smell, or consistency.
Does heat ruin sunscreen?
Yes: heat can reduce the effectiveness of the filters. At the beach, keep it in the shade and never on the car dashboard.
What does 12M mean on sunscreen?
That the product, once opened, remains effective for 12 months.