Summer is now coming to an end, but before putting away beach bags and sunscreen products there is a small doubt that comes back every year: what to do with the leftover sunscreen? In fact, many bottles remain half-finished, forgotten in the bathroom cabinet until the following season. But storing them is not always the best choice: many sunscreens, once opened, have an indicated shelf life of 6 or 12 months and can lose effectiveness over time.
However, this does not mean that they should end up directly in the garbage. In fact, before throwing them away, there are several ways to reuse leftover sunscreens. And if the product really needs to be eliminated, it is important to know how to dispose of it correctly.
Where to throw away expired sunscreen?
The first rule is one: never pour sunscreen down the sink or toilet. It may seem harmless, but sunscreen residue can end up in wastewater and contribute to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Some sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, have been at the center of debate due to their possible negative impact on the marine environment and coral reefs.
If the cream has expired or is no longer usable, the product remaining in the container should therefore be disposed of in the unsorted waste.
And where do you throw the sunscreen bottle? The packaging instead follows the rules of separate waste collection based on the material:
Before throwing away the container it is always best to empty it as much as possible of product residues and check the instructions of your municipality, because the methods may vary.
How to reuse it for body and hair
If the cream is still in good condition, it can be used as a moisturizing product for some particularly dry areas of the body, such as:
Its formulation, designed to protect the skin from exposure to the sun, often contains emollient ingredients also useful for nourishing the skin.
Leftover sunscreen can become the base for a homemade body scrub. Simply add a small amount of:
The mixture should be applied to the skin before showering with delicate circular movements, avoiding rubbing too much.
But not only that. Some advanced sunscreens can also be used on hair lengths. Just apply a small amount, leave to act for about 15 minutes and then proceed with normal shampoo.
The same use can apply to some tanning oils left in the bottle, such as those based on coconut or tiare: they can be applied before washing to make the hair softer.
Alternative uses of sunscreen at home
Advanced sunscreen can also be useful for cleaning around the house, for example for polishing wood and metal. Thanks to the presence of oily components, it can help revive some wooden surfaces, handles or small oxidized metal objects. Simply apply a small amount to a cloth and test on a hidden area first.
Sunscreen can also be used to treat small marks on leather accessories, such as bags and shoes. It should be applied delicately with a slightly damp cloth and then removed with a clean cloth.
Additionally, it can remove glue residue and ink stains. The oils contained in the cream can help eliminate traces left by stickers and labels. It can also be useful for removing marker or ink stains from your hands: just massage a small amount on the affected area and then rinse.
