So I was just cleaning out my bathroom and I have this big bottle of Listerine that is only half used, and in looking at it I noticed that it has an expiration date on it. Since Listerine is about 20% alcohol, is there anything in it that would go bad and make it unhealthy to swirl around in your mouth? What do you guys think?
I’m in about the same situation, actually. I only use it occasionally, but I haven’t dropped dead yet. If nothing else, it tastes the same. Wish I could be more helpful.
…Nah! too easy.
What’s the expiration date? I think your reasoning about the high alcohol content is correct. But if you’re worried, throw it out. How much can a new bottle cost? For your piece of mind.
Should be fine unless it’s several years beyond expiration. A bit of the artificial sweetener may have broken down, but it’s not going to get moldy or anything.
I’ve been wondering what happens to medications after their expiration dates and also whether beauty products ever go bad. A little search turned up this:
Listerine is classified as a drug by the FDA, so it requires an expiration date. It may have lost some of its effectiveness but probably isn’t unhealthy. The only possible problem I can see is if it’s been contaminated (say, by your spit).
[ul]
[sup]But I can’t resist![/sup]
**NO! Because it’s BAD to begin with. **[/ul]
You are assuming that we do not think that Listerine© is “Bad”?
Thanks for the info, I didn’t really think there was anything, but was curious to see if there was something I was missing. What’s with all the Listerine bashers, eh? Mine is the ‘blue’ flavor, I admitt the original is horrible.