What to do with expired deodorant?

**Fiammata** · 03-04-2009, 05:51 PM

Is there anything useful I can do with this? I found some that hasn't been opened so it's still 'fresh,' but with all the cancer-from-deodorant stuff I've heard over the years I won't use this on myself if it's this old. BUT in art class I was taught to use old hairspray as a cheap way to seal up a charcoal drawing, so I was wondering if there was anything at all I could use this for. Thanks in advance!

**pip** · 03-04-2009, 06:20 PM

I would probably use it, but that's just me!

**thesightofoneself** · 03-04-2009, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by pip

I would probably use it, but that's just me!

same here. i spend to much on deodorant to just throw it away. but mine is higher on the cancer scale to begin with so i've gotten use to that possibility.

**Fiammata** · 03-04-2009, 06:51 PM

Well, it was like $1 per tube and each tube can last over a month. Not bad. Just feels wasteful shoving in the trash is all.

**Rosebush3** · 03-04-2009, 07:09 PM

Perhaps you could donate the deodorant to a womens' shelter?

**Fiammata** · 03-04-2009, 07:17 PM

It's half a year too old, it's the clear gel kind from the 'Secret' brand. C'mon, I'd need a good-for-plants or artsy type use, lol.

**ladytoysdream** · 03-04-2009, 07:36 PM

I never paid attention to a deodorant if it had a expiration or not.

6 months out of code ? Me myself I would use it.
Most products use dates as sell by dates, not actual usage dates.

If you are that uncomfortable with it, donate it somewhere.

**savvymom** · 03-04-2009, 07:39 PM

I can't think of anything artsy to do with clear deodorant. I too would just use it, I didn't even know it had an expiration date.

Maybe you could try adding food coloring and using it to paint on white poster board? This is new territory for me so I'll be curious to hear everyone's ideas.

**gardening momma** · 03-04-2009, 07:41 PM

I would use it. Here's a list of shelf life of common products (scroll down for beauty products). http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/...-dates-288662/ It does seem to indicate that you should go by the expiration date for antiperspirants.

However, it's interesting to note what Arrid says about their antiperspirant-deodorants:

Q. Does ARRID® antiperspirant deodorant have an expiration date?

A. Since Arrid® products are proven to be stable for 3 years or more, an expiration date for our products is not required.

http://www.arrid.com/faq.aspx

I think the date on your Secret antiperspirant is mostly there to make sure products get proper rotation on the grocery shelves, and perhaps to get people to toss their "old" items and buy new when they're "expired".

**Fiammata** · 03-04-2009, 08:56 PM

I tried one, it burns. I know deodorants commonly have a bit of alcohol content, not the drinkable kind. What else to do with it?

**gardening momma** · 03-05-2009, 02:04 PM

Since yours is the gel-type, it may have the alcohol there so it'll dry after you apply. Have you used the gel-type before (I haven't)?

I'd probably just toss it.

**spyzvixxen** · 03-05-2009, 06:16 PM

I usually give away to family or donate it. Free deodorant is always welcome in my closet! I would think you can use it way after the expiration, as long as it doesn't appear "off".

**Debbie-cat** · 03-05-2009, 06:20 PM

When I was growing up there was never any expiration dates on HBA products. I think it is all just a gimmic so you 'refresh' your supply more often. I would use it.

**Fiammata** · 03-05-2009, 06:42 PM

Remember the part about "it burns"...

Anyway, yes, I've used this kind before (when it was fresh). The gel-types are awesome! They don't leave white flakey stuff all over that area of my shirt like ordinary solid types do.