Updated 2027.07.15. This page contains affiliate links and this site earns from qualifying purchases made through these sponsored links. 

Nail polish in the bottle has an average shelf life of 2 years. 

However, if not stored properly, nail polishes can separate, change color, and thicken well before their time.

One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the maximum lifespan out of your nail polish is simply storing them properly. 

Think of storing your nail polish the way you would think of storing skincare products, in moderate temperatures, out of direct sunlight.

In addition, below are a few more storage tips that will maximize the lifespan of your bottle of nail polish - 

1 - Make sure the cap is totally sealed

While in use, in between coats of polish, close your nail polish bottle completely, this will prevent oxidation which can thicken the product. 

When you are storing it long-term, or putting it away from use, wipe the neck with a paper towel dipped in acetone to remove any polish on the threads, and give the cap an extra twist to assure it is completely closed.

2 - Store bottles out of direct sunlight

Rays of sunlight can bleach some pigments, and discolor others. 

The heat of sunlight can also change the chemical composition of the nail polish’s ingredients.

3 - Avoid exposing bottles to extreme temperatures

If possible, keep your polish in a space that stays above freezing temperatures, and below high heat temperatures. 

For example, keep nail polish bottles out of the garage, and away from the stove or any other heating elements. 

A good place to store nail polish is a vanity closet or on a work stand out of the direct sun.

4 - Roll the polish bottles from time to time

Use your polish. Polish’s purpose is to be mixed, matched and loved. 

If you see one that’s separating, where the color pigments sink to the bottom and the solvents rise to the top, give the bottle a roll or shake, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.

Nail polish polishes with heavier particles, like chunky glitter shades can separate somewhat rapidly. The longer it sits, the more separated it becomes, the harder it typically is to re-homogenize the solution.

5 - Add a thinner

However, you want to be careful adding thinner. Add it only drop-by-drop, avoid over thinning it, which will affect the wear of the polish and the look.

6 - Store nail polish bottles in the fridge

Storing your nail polish bottles in the fridge can slow down the breakdown of pigments, which create discoloration, and the evaporation of the solvents, which creates thickening.

When you’re ready to use your polish, simply warming up the bottle by putting it in your pocket or rolling it between your hands, will help it apply nicely.

While nail polish and skincare products have a lot in common, unlike skincare products, which are sometimes stored in opaque containers to keep active ingredients from degrading in light, nail polish bottles are often in clear containers so we can admire their properties when not in use.

So if you like gazing upon your nail polish bottles, simply place them in areas that receive minimal or diffuse light where they will not be subject to direct beams of sunlight, heating and bleaching the product.

All in all, these six storage tips can extend the lifespan of your nail polish bottles. 

When it is time to discard your nail polish, and their lifespan does come full circle, thank them for their service in contributing to your happiness, and remember that in some places nail polish bottles are considered hazardous waste.

Then, consider recycling them through an exchange program like the one offered by Zoya or dropping them off during your local municipality’s spring clean up days.

To learn more about how to extend the wear time of your nail polish when it is on the hand, rather than in the bottle, follow-up with this article: How To Get A Manicure To Last Longer.

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