Hey, Let it out! I got a bottle of castor oil in my cupboard that I haven't used in ages. How can I tell if it's expired or not?
Oh, we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty, I see. Well, first off you can check the expiration date on the bottle. They're usually good for two to three years.
I've already checked and unhappily, the date label is faded.
Oh buddy! I’ve had a lot of disappointments, but a faded expiration date is straight up there! Anyway, you can also check the appearance. If it's cloudy or there are particles floating around, it's expired. Safe bet would be to toss and buy a new one.
Okay, I guess that makes sense. But is there any other way too?
Yes, indeed, Sherlock! The smell test. Castor oil usually has a mild or faint odor that is a bit nutty or earthy. If it smells strong, rancid, or off-putting, it's probably expired. Now you're armed with the knowledge, get to detecting!