Shopping for discounted beauty products at stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross can feel like hitting the jackpot. Luxury skincare, high-end makeup, and sought-after beauty brands at a fraction of the cost? It sounds like a dream come true. However, experts warn that some of these discounted beauty products might come with risks that could cost more than you bargained for—including the chance of serious skin infections.

---

Why Discount Beauty Deals Can Be Risky

While these retailers are known for offering premium products at discounted prices, skincare and makeup purchases require extra caution. Many of these items end up in discount stores because they are overstocked, close to expiration, or have undergone rebranding. Unlike dedicated beauty retailers, discount stores may not store these products in ideal conditions, leading to product degradation or contamination.

Storage and Shelf Life Concerns

Many skincare products contain active ingredients that require specific storage conditions. Vitamin C serums, retinoids, and sunscreens, for example, are highly sensitive to heat and light. If these products are stored improperly, their efficacy diminishes, leaving you with a product that doesn’t work as intended.

Esthetician Esther Olu explains, “Vitamin C, specifically L-ascorbic acid, is highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air and light. It breaks down into dehydroascorbic acid, which is less effective and may cause skin irritation.” Signs of degraded skincare include color changes, ingredient separation, and unusual odors.

Tampering and Contamination Risks

Another significant issue at off-price retailers is product tampering. Since these stores don’t have beauty consultants monitoring the aisles, shoppers often open sealed products to test them. This introduces bacteria and contaminants, increasing the risk of breakouts, irritation, or even serious infections.

Dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav states, “You don’t know what germs may have been introduced to the product if it’s been opened. Liquid and cream products, in particular, create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.”

Beauty Products to Avoid at Discount Retailers

Not all beauty finds at these stores are bad, but some categories are riskier than others. Here’s what experts advise skipping:

1. Opened or Unsealed Products

If a product doesn’t have a safety seal or appears to have been used, leave it on the shelf. Even a quick swatch can introduce bacteria and compromise the product’s integrity.

2. Jar Packaging Products

Face creams, body butters, and balms housed in jars are more prone to contamination since they require users to dip their fingers into the product repeatedly.

3. Wand Applicators (Mascara, Lip Gloss, Concealers)

These products have applicators that come into direct contact with the skin and are then reinserted into the tube. If the product has been tampered with, it could be harboring bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.

4. Expired or Near-Expired Skincare

Check for expiration dates. If you don’t see one, look for a small open-jar symbol with a number inside (PAO – Period After Opening). If the seal is broken, avoid it entirely.

5. Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens degrade when exposed to heat and light, making them less effective. Expired sunscreen may not provide adequate UV protection, putting your skin at risk.

Beauty Products That Are Safer to Buy

Not every beauty product at these retailers is a bad purchase. Some items are relatively low-risk:

• Powder-based makeup (blush, setting powder, eyeshadow): These are less prone to bacterial contamination and can be sanitized with alcohol sprays.
• Fragrances: Perfumes have a high alcohol content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth.
• Skincare tools (brushes, gua shas, rollers): These can be cleaned and disinfected before use.
• Aerosol products (hairsprays, dry shampoos): Since they’re in pressurized containers, they are nearly impossible to tamper with.

Q&A: What Shoppers Need to Know

---

Q: Are beauty products at TJ Maxx and Ross expired?

A: Not always, but some products are near expiration or have undergone rebranding. Always check for an expiration date or batch code before purchasing.

This Viral Retinol Cream Is Taking Years Off Shoppers’ Faces—Now Only $17!

---

Q: Is it safe to buy skincare at Ross and TJ Maxx?

A: Some skincare products are safer than others. Avoid items that contain active ingredients that degrade easily (like vitamin C and retinol) or come in open containers. Stick to powder-based products, skincare tools, and sealed items.

Q: How can I tell if a product has been tampered with?

A: Look for signs of use, such as missing safety seals, smudged product surfaces, or damaged packaging. If the texture or smell seems off, don’t buy it.

Q: Are there any brands at TJ Maxx and Ross that are safe to buy?

A: These stores often carry reputable skincare brands, but quality depends on storage and handling. If the product is sealed, within its expiration date, and stored properly, it can be safe.

Q: How do I sanitize a makeup product before using it?

A: You can lightly spray powder-based products with isopropyl alcohol and wipe off the top layer. However, liquid or cream products cannot be effectively sanitized if they have been tampered with.

6 Beauty Products Demi Moore Uses to Maintain Her Ageless Appearance

---

My Unbounded Life’s Final Thoughts

Finding high-end beauty products at a discount is exciting, but not all deals are worth the risk. When shopping at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross, inspect beauty products carefully, avoid anything that looks used or expired, and stick to safer categories like powders and sealed items. When in doubt, it’s better to pay full price than to risk an infection or an ineffective product.

---