When it comes to skincare, most people are conditioned to toss products as soon as they approach their expiry dates, fearing they’ll no longer work as effectively—or worse, that they could harm their skin. But Gazal Babel Kothari, the founder of Leafoberryy, a natural skincare brand, is shattering this widely held belief. According to Gazal, near-expiry skincare products might just offer more benefits than you’d expect—and they’re far from being ineffective.
“Many people assume that skincare products lose their power as they near their expiration, but that’s simply not the case,” says Gazal. “In fact, some ingredients—like Vitamin C or plant-based extracts—tend to perform at their peak as they near the end of their shelf life.” This insight flips the script on how we’ve been taught to think about the shelf lives of our beauty products.
Gazal, who has spent years delving into the science behind skincare, points out that expiration dates are more of a regulatory marker rather than a definitive signal that a product is no longer effective. “An expiry date isn’t a warning sign of failure,” she explains. “It’s more about ensuring that the product performs at its best up until that point.
But if the product is stored correctly, remains unopened, and is used hygienically, it can still perform at a high level even as it nears its expiration.”At Leafoberryy, Gazal’s commitment to natural formulations means the products are often free from harsh preservatives.
This approach, she believes, actually makes products more stable and long-lasting. “We rigorously test our products from the first month to the very last, and we’ve found that many of our serums and creams become more effective over time,” she says. “For example, our plant-based ingredients often have a chance to stabilize and deliver better results the closer they get to the end of their life cycle.”
This philosophy isn’t just about effectiveness; it’s also about challenging the culture of waste in the beauty industry. “We live in a world where sustainability matters more than ever,” Gazal says. “Consumers need to think twice before discarding near-expiry products. Using them responsibly, rather than throwing them away, is both an environmentally and economically sound choice.”
In fact, Leafoberryy has created a unique “Near-Expiry Sale Campaign,” where customers can purchase products nearing their expiry date at a discounted price, making luxury skincare more affordable and accessible. “We want to show people that premium skincare doesn't have to come with a premium price tag—and it doesn’t have to go to waste either,” says Gazal.
Gazal’s message is clear: “Don’t dismiss near-expiry products. They may be more potent than you think, and using them is a step toward a more sustainable skincare routine.” By educating consumers on the benefits of near-expiry products, she’s not just changing the way we view skincare but also empowering people to be more mindful of how they treat both their skin and the environment.
In the end, Gazal encourages us all to remember: "Respect your products, love your skin, and don't underestimate the potential of a near-expiry bottle. It could just surprise you with its magic."