Eli5: How come hand sanitizer has an expiration date? What exactly happens once it goes past it?

Question

Eli5: How come hand sanitizer has an expiration date? What exactly happens once it goes past it?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Also worth noting that even if it “theoretically” could last decades, centuries or forever most companies will still slap an expiration on.

Because its just hard to prove it lasts that long, but it’s easier to prove a few years. (Similar to killing 99.99% rather than 100% on antibacterial stuff)

Another reason could just be profit, if your not charging a premium for the long life then just chuck an expiration on so people replace it.