Understanding some common symbols found on cosmetic packaging.
The expiration date, calculated from the time the product is opened, for each cosmetic product is usually printed on the packaging with a specific symbol.
The icon of an open box with a number
This symbol indicates the product's expiration date after opening. M stands for Month. The number before the M specifies the product's shelf life from the date of opening.
Hourglass symbol
This symbol indicates that the product's shelf life is no more than 30 months. Manufacturers in Europe often require both the open box and hourglass symbols to be printed on cosmetic packaging.
UVA symbol
The symbol indicates that the product contains sun protection factor (SPF).
The symbol of a book and a hand.
The book and hand icon indicates that information such as the ingredient list, usage instructions, or contraindications are written on a separate sheet of paper included with the product.
Green arrow icon
This symbol signifies that the company producing the product is committed to responsibly managing waste from its cosmetic packaging in an environmentally friendly manner.
The jumping rabbit icon
The jumping rabbit icon indicates that the company producing the product you are using does not conduct animal testing and has been certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics and Cruelty Free International.
USDA ORGANIC logo
This symbol indicates that 95% of the ingredients in the product you are using are organic. This strict standard means that very few products receive this symbol on their packaging.
The letter e symbol
In European Union (EU) countries, the lowercase letter 'e' symbol indicates that the information about ingredients and net weight on the packaging has been verified according to EU law.