Indiana State Beauty Practice Exam

How can you tell if a product is expired?

1. It comes in different packaging

2. It may have an unusual smell, change in texture, or color

3. It has a new ingredient list

4. It is discounted at the store

The correct answer is: It may have an unusual smell, change in texture, or color

Determining if a product is expired involves observing physical changes that indicate degradation. When a product develops an unusual smell, exhibits a change in texture, or shows discoloration, these signs often suggest that the product is no longer safe or effective to use. These changes occur due to various factors such as chemical breakdown, contamination, or the effects of prolonged exposure to environmental conditions. The other options do not reliably indicate expiration. For example, changes in packaging or an updated ingredient list do not imply that the product is expired; they may be part of a brand refresh or reformulation. Similarly, discounted items at the store may simply reflect a marketing strategy rather than the product's current status regarding expiration. Therefore, monitoring for unusual sensory changes in a product is a practical and reliable method for assessing its viability.