At Certified Cosmetics, we offer a professional PAO (Period After Opening) test to help you determine how long your cosmetic product remains safe and effective after opening. This is an essential part of compliance with the EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, especially for products with a shelf life of more than 30 months.

What is a Period After Opening (PAO) test

Our laboratory simulates typical consumer use to assess the stability of an opened product. Based on the results, we provide a recommended PAO symbol (e.g., 6M, 12M, 24M), which you can confidently display on your packaging.

What’s included:

• Full PAO testing under controlled laboratory conditions

• Scientific assessment of product stability after opening

• Suitable for creams, serums, lotions, gels, oils, and more

• A detailed report with the recommended PAO symbol

• Support for your Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)

When do you need a PAO test?

A PAO test is mandatory for cosmetic products with a minimum shelf life of more than 30 months and no expiration date. The PAO symbol helps inform consumers how long they can safely use the product after opening.

The process:

1. Purchase the test

2. Access our secure portal to schedule the test

3. Send us your product sample

4. Our lab simulates post-opening conditions and evaluates stability

5. You will receive a comprehensive PAO report with symbol recommendations

6. Use the results in your CPSR and label design

With Certified Cosmetics, you benefit from expert testing, fast turnaround times, and full regulatory support. Whether you’re launching a new formulation or updating an existing product, our PAO test ensures you remain compliant and transparent.

What is the difference between Expiration Date and PAO?

For cosmetic products, the use-by date and the period after opening (PAO) are two different indicators of product stability and safety, which are required under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.

Expiration date (best before date)

• Used when: The product has a shelf life of less than 30 months.

• Label format: Usually displayed as “Best before [date]” or an hourglass symbol with the date.

• Meaning: Indicates the date until which the unopened product remains safe and effective under proper storage conditions.

• Example: A natural face mask without preservatives may expire within 12 months of production.

Period After Opening (PAO)

• Used when: The product has a shelf life of more than 30 months.

• Label format: A jar symbol with a number and a letter (for example, “12M” for 12 months).

• Meaning: Indicates how long the product remains safe and usable after the consumer has opened it.

• Example: A lotion that has an indefinite shelf life when unopened, but remains good for 12 months after opening.

Summary