Where Is the Batch Code on a Tube or Cream?
On tubes the batch code sits on the crimp at the sealed end; on jars and creams it's stamped on the base or lid. Here's where to look and how to read it.
3 min read · Updated July 2026
On a tube
For creams, cleansers and sunscreens in a tube, look at the crimp — the flat sealed end opposite the cap. The batch code is embossed or printed there, often together with the expiry or a factory mark.
It's a short code of letters and numbers. On soft tubes it can be pressed into the metal or plastic, so tilt it under light to read it.
On a jar or pot
For creams in a jar, the code is usually stamped on the base of the jar or on the underside of the lid — not on the paper label.
It sits near the open-jar PAO symbol (e.g. 12M), which tells you how many months the product lasts once opened.
How to read it
FAQ
What is the crimp on a tube?
The crimp is the flat, sealed end of a tube opposite the cap. Manufacturers stamp the batch code and often the expiry date into this seam.
The code on my tube rubbed off — what now?
Ink-jet codes on tubes can wear away. Check the box if you still have it; otherwise the open-jar PAO symbol is your best guide to remaining shelf life.