What is the Shelf Life of IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol)?
Unopened IPA (isopropyl alcohol) containers last for long periods of time. Under ideal storage conditions, the shelf life of IPA is roughly three years from the manufacture date. As storage space for flammable liquids is generally limited, most manufacturers order IPA as needed and minimize storage quantity. Beyond three years of the manufacturing date, retesting is recommend to ensure integrity. This post will provide context manufacturer recommendations, storage conditions, retesting, and best-used-by dates for isopropyl alcohol.
Is IPA Shelf Life Different for Each Manufacturer?
Yes, there’s no definitive standard for the shelf life of isopropyl alcohol. Packaging and storage conditions are the most important factor in shelf life. In most cases, it’s best to consult the specific manufacturer for information on shelf life. In the case of an inspection, you want to know that your facilities expectation of shelf life meets the manufacturers use by date. Metal containers are available in sizes as small as 5 gallons. This prevents degradation caused by light, plastic leach, or spills/drips caused by punctures or container damage.
Because most isopropyl alcohol contains water content, it’s important that the container is always properly resealed when stored or not in use. When exposed to air, the alcohol evaporates faster than the water content. As the alcohol evaporates, water content remains, thus skewing the actual alcohol to water volume. Excess water may reduce the effectiveness as IPA as a disinfectant in 70% blends, or reduce cleaning efficacy for sensitive electronics as the solution evaporates more slowly.
We source different isopropyl alcohol grades and purities directly from manufacturers. One of these manufacturers includes Pharmco. For any of our Pharmco IPA products, their statement on IPA expiration dates is as follows:
What Is the Expiration Date of Most Solvents?
“Most solvents in their pure state have an indefinite shelf life if stored in unopened containers under proper conditions.” “…Since many industries require expiration dating as part of their protocols and since Pharmco has only carried out verification to three years, expiration dates for most common solvents are three years from the date of manufacture on the certificate of analysis. This includes almost all solvents in our catalog such as Acetone, Methanol, Reagent Alcohol, IPA (2-propanol), Ethyl Acetate etc. Only certain solvents have shorter shelf lives. Most but not all specially denatured alcohol formulations have a shelf life of up to five years.” – Pharmco Tech Library
Can I use Expired Isopropyl Alcohol?
Most, but not all isopropyl alcohol packaging includes an expiration or retest date. Assuming adequate storage conditions over the lifetime of the product, IPA is generally a very stable chemical. Use good judgment and consider the risk.
In manufacturing operations, proper labeling, inventory tracking, and use-by dates have important implications on supply chain and product outcomes. In the case that a relatively large batch of IPA is unlabeled or falls beyond the use date, retesting ensures the solution is still safe for use.
Retesting Solvents for Quality Control
“For the majority of chemicals, the “retest date” does not mean the product is no longer suitable for use or has “expired”. In most cases a CofA (certificate of analysis) with extended shelf life can be issued by our Quality Assurance Dept. and the material can be used. Retest dates follow common norms in the industry and have been determined based on over 30 years of experience with these products. Please note that there is no official “shelf life” or “stability data” for every product in every package. This is not the responsibility or obligation of the manufacturer but rather the end-user if this type of official data is required.”
Pharmco Tech Library
What is My IPA Container Doesn’t Have an Expiration Date?
Again, it’s in your best interest to contact the manufacturer. There’s no technically sound data to indicate that IPA would expire or degrade in less than three years when adequately sealed and stored appropriately. Beyond this point, refurnishing your IPA supply is recommended.
Isopropyl Alcohol Storage – IPA Storage and Upkeep
The best storage conditions for IPA are within a hazardous chemical storage area or utility closet, away from light, heat sources, and open flames.
What if An Auditor Flags a Solvent or Chemical Container that Didn’t Provide an Expiration Date?
A) The manufacturer or reseller should provide an analysis, lot code, or datasheet which will include the manufacture date.
B) Local regulators or auditors should be able to provide the exact expiration requirements specific to your industry/state/local codes
C) Your organization should identify the best practice for storage duration of IPA appropriate for your facility.
D) Storage containers should be regularly inspected and retested if necessary.
To summarize, the shelf life of IPA is indefinite (not to be confused with infinite), meaning the life span varies by storage conditions, and thus manufacturers generally provide a generalized expiration date. We recommend following manufacturer recommendation, storing chemicals under best-case conditions, and replacing/retesting IPA solutions 3-5 years from the manufacture date.
Our USP grade IPA contains lot-to-lot tracking numbers and certificates of analysis which can ease bookkeeping requirements and simplify any questions of source or manufacture date in the case of an inspection. All of our IPA products provide an MSDS sheet as required with the manufacture date. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you need any help. Ask up about discounts on bulk orders!
70% Isopropyl Alcohol
4 Gallon Bulk 70% Alcohol In Stock: Yes ☑
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
4 Gallon Bulk 99% Alcohol
In Stock: Yes ☑
Updated 8/09/2020
1 thought on “What is the Shelf Life of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)? Does it Expire?”
I have a bottle of Johnson’s Isopropyl Alcohol printed with 140602118, MFD 06-02. Has it expired?