Symbols meaning on Cosmetic Labels

Jar Symbol: Period After Opening (PAO)

The jar symbol is one of the most common yet often overlooked symbols on skincare and beauty products. It typically appears as a small open jar icon with a number followed by the letter “M,” such as “12M” or “6M.” This number indicates the product’s Period After Opening (PAO)—essentially, how many months the product remains safe and effective after you first open it.

How to Read the Jar Symbol
When you see “12M” next to the open jar symbol, for example, this means the product should ideally be used within 12 months of opening. The “M” stands for “months,” making it easy to gauge the shelf life for optimal quality.

What the PAO Means for You
The PAO symbol helps you keep track of when a product may lose its efficacy, stability, or safety. Ingredients in skincare can degrade over time, especially when exposed to air and bacteria. As a result, using a product beyond the PAO can mean it might not work as intended—or worse, could cause skin irritation or infection.

Hand in Book Symbol: Refer to Insert

The hand in book symbol is another key icon found on skincare and cosmetic products. It typically shows a hand holding a booklet or leaflet, signaling that there’s important information about the product located in an insert or leaflet inside the packaging.

How to Read the Hand in Book Symbol
This icon indicates that the product’s packaging may not have enough space to include all the necessary details, such as ingredients, usage instructions, warnings, or specific care tips. When you see the hand in book symbol, it prompts you to check the enclosed leaflet or booklet for further information.

Why It’s Important
This symbol ensures that you don’t miss any crucial details that might be essential for safely using the product. The additional information can help clarify aspects like proper usage, specific skin concerns the product addresses, or allergy information that could be vital for sensitive skin. Always take the time to read the insert when you see this icon to fully understand how to use the product effectively and safely.

Hourglass Symbol: Best Before End Date (BBE)

The hourglass symbol on cosmetic and skincare products is a clear indicator of the product’s Best Before End (BBE) date. It’s particularly important for items that have a shorter shelf life, typically less than 30 months.

How to Read the Hourglass Symbol
This icon may be accompanied by a date or other markings, showing the time frame within which the product should be used to ensure it performs optimally. For instance, if you see an hourglass with a specific date, it’s a sign that the product should be used before this time to maintain its effectiveness, safety, and quality.

Why It Matters
Skincare and cosmetic products contain active ingredients that can degrade over time, affecting their performance and safety. The hourglass symbol ensures you know when these products are likely to lose potency. Using a product beyond its BBE may result in diminished effects, irritation, or other potential risks. Be sure to check for the hourglass symbol, especially if the product has been stored for a while, to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.

E‑Symbol: Nominal Net Content

The “e” symbol on cosmetic and skincare products signifies that the product’s quantity adheres to European Union (EU) standards on pre-packaged goods. This symbol ensures that the amount of product inside meets the required measurement standards for consistency and accuracy.

How to Read the E-Symbol
When you see a lowercase “e” on the packaging, it is often placed near the volume or weight (e.g., “200 ml” or “100 g”). This indicates that the amount of product inside meets the nominal quantity set by the EU, meaning the packaging contains the stated amount with minimal variations allowed.

Why It Matters
The “e” symbol is crucial because it guarantees that consumers are getting the correct quantity of product, as required by EU legislation. Manufacturers who comply with these standards ensure that their packaging contains the accurate amount of product stated on the label, giving buyers confidence that they are getting their money’s worth. This standard is also designed to prevent misleading packaging that could otherwise make products appear larger or more filled than they really are.

Recycled Arrows Triangle Symbol: Mobius Loop

The Mobius Loop is a well-recognized symbol made up of three arrows forming a triangle, often seen on product packaging. This symbol indicates that the packaging is recyclable, encouraging consumers to dispose of it responsibly to support sustainable environmental practices.

How to Read the Mobius Loop
When you spot the three arrows in a loop on a product’s packaging, it serves as a reminder that the material can be recycled. Sometimes, the symbol may include a percentage in the middle, indicating how much of the material is already made from recycled content.

Green Dot Symbol

The Green Dot symbol is a circular icon, usually featuring two green arrows arranged in a loop. It’s a common mark found on product packaging and signifies that the manufacturer has contributed financially to a recycling or recovery program for packaging materials.

How to Read the Green Dot
When you see the Green Dot symbol on packaging, it indicates that the company behind the product is part of an environmental recycling scheme. It doesn’t necessarily mean the packaging is recyclable itself but that the company has made an effort to support sustainable practices by participating in programs that handle packaging waste.

Leaping Bunny Symbol: Cruelty-Free

The Leaping Bunny Symbol is a well-known emblem featuring a bunny in mid-leap. This symbol is a prominent indicator that a product has been certified as cruelty-free, meaning it has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development.

How to Read the Leaping Bunny Symbol
When you spot this icon on a product, it signifies a commitment to animal welfare. It assures consumers that both the product itself and its ingredients have undergone no animal testing, making it a trusted choice for those who prioritize cruelty-free options.

USDA Organic Symbol

How to Read: The symbol features a green circle with white lettering that includes “USDA Organic” and a graphic of a plant or leaf, typically enclosed within a larger circular border.

Meaning: This symbol indicates that the product meets the United States Department of Agriculture’s strict standards for organic certification. It signifies that the product is made from ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, it ensures that livestock are raised in humane conditions and given organic feed. Products bearing this label must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, while those with at least 70% can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients.” The USDA Organic symbol helps consumers identify and choose products that align with organic farming practices, promoting environmental sustainability and consumer health.

Natural Product Association Symbol

How to Read: The symbol typically consists of the letters “NPA” in a stylized font, often accompanied by a green leaf or other natural imagery to emphasize its connection to natural products.

Meaning: This symbol signifies that the product has been certified by the Natural Products Association, a leading organization that establishes standards for natural products. To earn this certification, products must meet specific criteria, including being made with at least 95% natural ingredients derived from plant, mineral, or animal sources. Additionally, the products must avoid synthetic additives, artificial colors, and fragrances. The NPA certification assures consumers that the product is genuinely natural and aligns with sustainable and ethical practices, promoting health and environmental responsibility.

Cosme BIO Symbol

How to Read: The Cosme BIO symbol typically features the words “Cosme BIO” within a circular design, often accompanied by green colors or nature-inspired elements to emphasize its focus on organic and natural ingredients.

Meaning: The Cosme BIO certification indicates that a cosmetic product complies with strict organic and natural standards as defined by the Cosme BIO association in France. To qualify for this certification, products must contain a minimum percentage of organic ingredients (usually at least 95%) and adhere to specific guidelines regarding production and ingredient sourcing. This symbol assures consumers that the product is formulated without harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or artificial preservatives. It promotes transparency and trust, encouraging consumers to choose cosmetics that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial for skin health.

Open Flame Symbol

How to Read: The Open Flame symbol, often depicted as a flame icon, is a clear warning graphic that signals the product’s flammability.

Meaning: This symbol indicates that the product is flammable and should be kept away from flames or high heat sources at all times. It is particularly relevant for cosmetic products such as hairspray, deodorants, nail polish, and nail polish remover, which often contain ingredients like alcohol and propellant gases that contribute to their flammable nature.

When you see the Open Flame symbol on cosmetic packaging, it’s essential to adhere to safety precautions to prevent fire hazards. Always store the product in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and flames, and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe handling.