I forgot to get a new Chapstick at the grocer and want to use a tube that I found in the bathroom drawer, still in the blister pack. I probably bought it 2-3 years ago.

Can't find an expiration date on the pkg. or the tube.

Anyone know it if it's still good? I can't see how it would really do any harm to try it.

It goes bad when it goes thru the washer and dryer!

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Carpriver.

I've used sticks of that stuff for years after buying them. I don't go through them fast enough to use them up in a short time. Never detected any problem with old chapstick.

Andy

I had some in an office drawer I used for 25 years....

No.. I have found them in the bottom of a Tackle Box.. Ammo Box and one in a bag attached to my Snow Blower.. all good..

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

Thanks. I'll hit chapstick.com, but they probably won't have the answer.

It's amazing what people here know!

Nearly equaling the amazing questions asked...

I've also been know to amaze with what I don't know.

Ask Suzy, she would definitely know.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Not always true. I always carry some in my pocket and have washed a tube at least a dozen different times. Sometimes the the top end is a little messed up but it's still effective. Some brands hold up better than others but they've all survived.

Back to the original question, I've used some that I know was over 5 years old. It was just fine.

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- The Federalist #46 -

I used to issue (SF Medic) and use the G.I. type and it was in an OD metal tube from who knows when. It was like using a cold candle until it warmed up a bit, then it was like using a warm candle. Never had an issue, or complaint from the Team. We all still have our lips too.

De Oppresso Liber

I would think you would immediately know if you can't use it anymore.

I would not know, I never keep one long enough to know what the bottom of the tube looks like, except after going thru the dryer. if you can afford em, Keihls makes an awesome lip balm.

Chuck

I have a tube of this I carry in my hunting pants that has been there for decades. I have carried it so long all the paint is worn off of the metal tube it is in. I am sort of proud of this and am careful not to lose it. It is sort of a badge of honor like having the bottom three inches of your grouse hunting pants worn off.

If you leave it in your car on a hot summer day it will melt. Also if you should drop it in a urinal, I would suggest a new one.

case solved !!next question !!

It really all depends on how many co-workers, neighbors, and homeless people you've allowed to use your Chapstick.

I've got a Carhartt jacket with a sticky zipper that I use Chapstick on.

Only thing that lasts longer is Velveeta.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Or Twinkies.....

The only thing that might go bad or lessen in effectiveness is if it had a SPF number..I have heard of SPF's not protecting like it should on Sun lotions out of date..

Old gent told a funny story about chapstick. Seems he and several buddies were out hunting rabbits one day, ( walking em up, and brush kicking). Over toward the end of day,several miles from the truck, one of the ole boys got, what I always heard to be galded, though I believe it to be galled. This, as far as I know only happens in our lower private regions. He inquired if any one had talc powder or any thing for relief. After they all searched through various pockets my old friend offered up his tube of Chapstick.... Galded one promptly dropped his trousers, long johns, and all else, and commenced giving everything a good smear of lip balm. When he finished up he politely turned and offered it back, as if you would ever use it for the intended purpose again.... My old friend took it as a funny incident, they were friends and hunting pals, and even though my friend has long passed, I can still here him laugh as the grand children beg him to tell the "Chapstick" story.

^

That was a good story...funny too.

One well known Pharma company gave out Chapstick six or so years ago at a national sales event.....they dont like to haul it back usually, so encourage people to "take what you want"....so..I loaded up...still have some "new" in blister pack I find around my house or my shop from time to time.

I checked their site and in the FAQ section, they say that most versions are good for three years, some for two. And they don't say which is which.

I called the maker, Pfizer, and the lady said that three years is as much as they know about, not having tested it for longer periods. She was shocked when I mentioned how long some here have used it!

I suspect that it lubricates the lips okay longer than it protects against sun. They do list SPF (?) ratings for the sunblocker effect of different flavors and versions. This is only about trademarked Chapstick products, not for other lip balms.

I did open the package that I found, and it seems normal. But it is probably within their three year limit. I'll get another tube tonight and mark the pkg. as to purchase date, but there's no way to know when it was actually made. The Pfizer lady said that she'd pass on my request to mark expiration dates.

I believe it has the same shelf life as Twinkies.

I don't think it goes bad but I do know it melts in your pocket at 100 degrees at the range!!


BW

Chapstick

So unsanitary, try this Blistex Lip Medex, very expensive .99 for a .25 oz container.

Before giving me any lip at least google it first.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson