We’ve all done it. You’re searching through your first aid kit for something to treat a cut or scrape, and you find a tube of antibiotic ointment—only to realize it’s past its expiration date. So, can you use expired first aid ointment, or is it better to toss it and find a fresh tube?
As a first aid supply manufacturer, we get this question a lot. And let’s be honest: everyone has that family member who swears expiration dates are a government conspiracy to make you buy more. Trust us—my own mother once tried to hand me a tube of ointment that expired in 1992… in the year 2018. You can guess how that went.
All jokes aside, when it comes to first aid and medications, we’re in what Google and medical professionals call the “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) space. That means our advice impacts your health and safety, so we take it seriously. Here’s what you really need to know.
What Is First Aid Ointment and How Does It Work?
First aid ointments are used to prevent infection and promote healing in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Most common formulations contain antibiotics like:
- Bacitracin
- Neomycin
- Polymyxin B
These ingredients work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface. Many over-the-counter products like triple antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin) combine all three for broad-spectrum protection.
What Happens When First Aid Ointment Expires?
Like most medications, first aid ointments come with an expiration date. This date indicates how long the product is guaranteed to maintain full potency and sterility under proper storage conditions. After this date:
- The active ingredients may degrade, making the ointment less effective at preventing infection.
- The texture and color may change, potentially separating or drying out.
- Contamination risk increases, especially in tubes that have been opened and used previously.
While expired ointment isn’t guaranteed to be harmful, it may not provide the level of protection you expect—and that matters when you’re trying to avoid infection.
Bacitracin Ointment is a First Aid Antibiotic used to prevent minor skin infections caused by Burns, Scrapes, and Cuts. It achieves this by stopping the growth of certain types of bacteria.
Is It Safe to Use Expired First Aid Ointment?
The short answer is: it depends on how expired it is, but caution is always advised.
- If it’s just a few months past expiration, and the tube was sealed, stored properly, and looks/smells normal, it’s probably not dangerous—but it may be less effective.
- If it’s been years, the risks increase. The ingredients may have broken down, and the ointment might be contaminated, especially if it’s been opened.
Here’s our official guidance:
- When in doubt, replace it. Fresh ointment is inexpensive and effective.
- If you’re considering using a recently expired product, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor during your next visit how long they consider a topical antibiotic safe after its expiration date. Some physicians may say a few months is fine, but few would give a green light for anything expired by years.
The FDA does not recommend using expired medications. While the risk may be low in some cases, especially for minor wounds, it’s not worth taking unnecessary chances—especially when treating vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly.
Best Practices: Storing First Aid Ointments for Maximum Shelf Life
Proper storage can extend the usable life of your ointments:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat
- Make sure the cap is sealed tightly after each use
- Avoid touching the tip to wounds or fingers to reduce contamination
Even unopened tubes can degrade over time, but storing them well can preserve their potency for close to or even beyond the printed expiration date. However, opened tubes should generally be discarded within a year, regardless of the stamped date.
What to Do If You Used Expired Ointment
If you accidentally used expired ointment on a minor wound, monitor for signs of infection, such as:
- Increased redness or swelling
- Pus or yellow discharge
- Pain or warmth around the area
- Fever or chills in more serious cases
If any of these symptoms occur, clean the wound and contact a healthcare provider. When in doubt, it’s always safer to re-clean and apply a fresh antibiotic ointment.
Triple antibiotic ointments help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It provides three-in-one strength first-aid antibiotic properties and promotes fast healing.
Why You Should Regularly Check and Restock Your First Aid Kit
Expired ointments are just one of many reasons to do a regular check-up on your first aid supplies. Gauze, bandages, gloves, and even adhesive tape can degrade over time.
We recommend reviewing your kit at least once a year. At eFirstAidSupplies, we offer refill packs and replacement ointments so you can stay stocked with safe, effective supplies.
Keeping your first aid kit current isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring you and your family are protected when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Can you use expired first aid ointment? You can in a pinch—especially if it’s just slightly past the date and shows no signs of spoilage—but you probably shouldn’t. The risks of reduced effectiveness and contamination make it worth the small cost of replacing it.
When it comes to wound care, using trusted, unexpired products is a simple but important way to promote healing and prevent complications. Check your kit today—and if you need a restock, shop our selection of first aid supplies to keep your kit ready for anything.
