There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the shower and lathering up with Trader Joe’s luxurious Coconut Body Butter, but how long can you keep the product before it expires?
Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter expires similarly to all lotions and moisturizing products. However, since it has no water in the formula, it can last up to two years if stored properly.
If you can’t remember when you purchased that delightfully smelling coconut body butter from Trader Joe’s, you might not have to throw it out just yet! In this article, we’ll explain how you can tell if your body butter has expired and what you can do to prolong its shelf life.
Does Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter Expire?
Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter is the original body butter for the company. Trader Joe’s introduced it in 2012 as a winter seasonal item, but because it quickly became a customer favorite, the stores decided to keep it on their shelves year-round.
The body butter is similar to most extensive moisturizing lotions. It is a thick, smooth cream made from pure coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E extract, and aloe. It soothes and moisturizes with the best- but it also expires like the rest.
To check the current price and availability of Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
How to Tell if Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter has Expired
The best way to tell if your Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter has expired is with your senses of smell and sight. If it starts to smell funky or looks off- toss it immediately!
Keep your eye out for these three signs:
- Color: Skincare products can oxidize when exposed to air and light, which will turn the creamy white color to brown or yellow hues. It might be time to get new body butter if you notice even the slightest color change.
- Smell: If you notice that the coconut scent is not quite the same- whether it’s lost its strength or become pungent or rancid- hesitate before slathering it on yourself.
- Texture: Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter is creamy and luxurious. After some time, the oil may separate from the shea butter, resulting in a clumpy texture.
Expiration Dates on Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter Packages
The easiest way to tell if a product has expired is by checking the date on the package. However, Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter containers seldom list expiration dates.
You may sometimes find an expiration date on the bottom label, but it is rare. Most products at Trader Joe’s do not list expiration dates, including their famous coconut body butter. So how do you know the product’s shelf life without this information?
Since body butter has a thicker consistency than regular lotion, its shelf life is longer. Thinner lotions feature a water-based formula that’s more susceptible to bacteria.
However, repeated usage may result in water seeping into your coconut body butter package- despite its convenient snap-shut lid. Any water droppage will speed up the expiration process of your body butter.
Storing Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter to Prolong Its Shelf Life
When you purchase a product you love, you want it to last as long as possible. Here are our top tips for prolonging your Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter’s shelf life:
1. Keep it in a dry, cool place.
The best time to put on body butter is when your body is wet, so most people store their product in the bathroom. However, heat and humidity degrade moisturizers faster. So unless you enjoy cold, short showers, you should keep your coconut body butter away from your steamy bathroom.
Instead, store your product in a cool, dry area like your bedroom.
2. Keep the lid on securely.
One of the things most loved about Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter is its easy snap-shut lid. The lid helps you close it easier after applying the slippery lotion to your hands. It also helps prevent excess air exposure.
3. Apply with clean fingers or a spoon
Always ensure your fingers are clean and dry when opening the container. Wet fingers will introduce water into the package, which will cause bacteria to grow.
You can also opt to use a beauty spatula or a spoon- but they must be clean and dry before use.
Using Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter After Its Expiration Date
If you have stored your Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter appropriately, it will last longer. The shea butter in the product gives it a longer shelf life- potentially 24 months. For a safe estimate, you can easily use the product for a year without any concerns.
If it shows no signs of going bad, it will be fine- but it may not work as well. If it is spoiled, however, you should toss it.
Considerations for Using Expired Body Butter
While we admire your dedication and love for the product, it’s best to throw out any expired body butter. Body butter that has spoiled can cause breakouts.
Plus, the active ingredients lose their strength after time wears them down. Body butter that’s not as effective is not worth keeping. Instead, head back to Trader Joe’s and buy a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil Last?
Coconut oil has a naturally long shelf life, lasting up to two years! Trader Joe’s coconut oil will last a long time if you keep it in an airtight container.
Is Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter Discontinued?
Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter is a seasonal item that comes around every summertime. The company will release the product to shelves next summer, but until then, you can enjoy their coconut body butter.
How Long is Body Butter Good For?
Body butter can last up to two years. Because there is no water in body butter products, they don’t go bad easily. How you store and use it will impact its shelf life, so take good care of it to ensure it can keep taking good care of your skin.
Does Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter Have Parabens?
Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter is paraben free!
