Shelf Life, Expiration Date vs. PAO
Expiration Date — The expiration date or shelf life of a product in its “unopened” primary container when maintained under the conditions of storage indicated on the product’s label.
Period After Opening — The period-of-time that a product remains suitable for use after its primary container has been opened when maintained under the storage conditions indicated on its labelling.
If minimum shelf-life ≤ 30 months
For cosmetics with a shelf life of 30 months or less, the hourglass symbol in Annex-VII/3 of the Cosmetics Regulation should be labelled. Also, the expression “best before date” can be used with the details to be given on the packaging. If necessary, additional information is given on the conditions under which this durability of the product is guaranteed. The date is clearly stated as month and year or day, month and year respectively.
Example:
The products’ shelf-life is 24 months and the production date is 1/1/2022. The labelling symbol should be as follows:
If minimum shelf-life > 30 months and PAO if relevant
For cosmetics with a minimum shelf life of longer than 30 months , the symbol specified in Annex-VII/2 of the Cosmetics Regulation should be used. Information about this period which the cosmetic product can be used safely is indicated by writing in months and/or years in this open jar symbol.
Example:
The products’ shelf-life is 36 months and the PAO is 12 months. The labelling symbol should be as follows:
Note: For single-use products and products in aerosol dispensers, PAO symbol is not applicable to be on the label.
To ensure your cosmetic product labels are compliant, check out our Label Review service!
