Cosmetics Shelf Life and PAO Guide

A manufacture date, an explicit expiry date and a PAO period answer different questions. The manufacture date says when the lot was produced. A printed expiry date is the manufacturer's limit for that unit. The open-jar PAO symbol, such as 6M or 12M, says how long the product is intended to be used after opening.

When an expiry date is printed, follow it. Otherwise a decoded manufacture date provides context, not a guarantee that the formula remains safe or effective.

• Mascara and liquid eyeliner: commonly 3–6 months after opening.
• Liquid or cream complexion products: commonly 6–12 months.
• Cream skincare: commonly 6–12 months; follow any shorter printed period.
• Powder makeup: commonly 12–24 months if kept clean and dry.
• Lip products and nail polish: commonly 12–24 months, depending on the formula.

These are common label ranges, not universal deadlines. The symbol on the product takes priority.

Stop using a product if its smell, colour or texture changes unexpectedly, if the container is damaged or contaminated, or if it causes irritation. Do not add water or saliva to restore dried eye products.

Mascara and products used close to the eye deserve extra caution. Sharing, pumping air into the tube and using a product during an eye infection increase contamination risk.

Write the opening month on the container or keep it in a phone note. Close lids firmly, use clean hands or tools and keep products away from heat, direct sun and repeated humidity.

A batch-code result can help identify unusually old unopened stock, but it cannot account for warehouse, shipping or bathroom conditions.