What does the mysterious symbols on cosmetics labels mean?

I believe most of you have wondered the meanings of mysterious symbols stamped on beauty products and so have I.

Hi, girls, do not ignore these strange icons! They play quite an important role to help you get to know the cosmetics and use them in a better way.

1.Period After Opening(PAO):

The open jar symbol means the time period of the product can stay good once the package is unsealed. For example, “3M” it means that product has a shelf life of 3 months from the date you open it. “M” means months.

Thus, it’s advisable to get rid of the products and do not use it again once it over the “Period After Opening”

2. Best Before End Date(BBE):

The hourglass symbol indicates that the lifespan of products is less than 30 months. It is very similar to the PAO and both of them must be required in the European Union. The hourglass symbol can be followed by the date, or the words “Best before end of”, which can be abbreviated to “BBE” or “EXP”.

So, don’t forget to check the lifespan as better safe than sorry!

3. E- Mark:

The lowercase “e” refers to the average volume or weight of the product is same as what is listed on the label, as per European Union law. For instance, if the bottle states 200ml and within these three margins for error, the manufacturer certifies that there is 200ml in the bottle.

By the way, products with a net quantity of less than 5g or 5ml, single-use packets, and free samples aren’t required to have the e-mark.

4. Refer to Insert:

A hand pointing at a book is telling you to look for a leaflet in the packaging for more information, such as warnings, directions, and ingredients that may be of value to you.

This symbol is particularly useful for smaller cosmetic products when the packages are too small to list all the product’s information.

5. Open Flame:

This open flame is a warning to keep the products away from flames or high heat as the product is flammable, such as hairspray, deodorant, nail polish, and nail polish remover.

6. Green Dot:

The Green Dot(used in Europe) indicates that the manufacturer of the product contributes to the cost of recovery and recycling of the packaging. All companies in Europe and the UK have a legal obligation to recycle and recover packaging waste.

This positive symbol indicates that the company manages its packaging waste in an eco-friendly manner.

7. Recycling Arrows Triangle:

Similar to the “Green Dot”, the “Mobius loop” indicates that the container is recyclable. If there is a percentage next to it, it indicates how much of the packaging is made from recycled material. If there’s a number inside the triangle and letter below, it means that the particular resin used in the container’s plastic is helpful to the recycling process.

8. Ecocert:

The Ecocert Organic symbol signifies that at least 95% of its plant-based ingredients and at least 10% of all its ingredients by weight are organic. If the product has an Ecocert Natural symbol, that means at least 50% of the ingredients are plant-based, and at least 5% of all its ingredients by weight are organic.

Thus, the ‘Organic Cosmetic’ –means that 95% of the plant-based ingredients come from organic farming; ‘Natural Cosmetic’ –means that only 50% of its plant-based ingredients come from organic farming.

9. The Leaping Bunny:

This jumping bunny indicates a product is cruelty-free, which means that the ingredients and the product will not have been tested on animals.

Thus, don’t forget to check this logo if you only shop vegan products.

10. USDA Organic:

The USDA Organic symbol means that the product must contain only organically produced ingredients. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically-based farming methods.

Thus, it’s quite tough to get this label to get on beauty products.

11. UVA Symbol:

The UVA symbol means that the product contains the minimum recommended level of ultraviolet protection.

It’s very vital for you to use foundation and sunscreen with this symbol to retain your youthful glow!

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