The symbols used on cosmetic packaging are part of the recognition process of making some decision about beauty (safe or unsafe), (bad or good), and environmentally friendly or not. Cosmetic product packaging icons typically take small space on the package, but they have a big meaning, so look for them. They provide useful information to a person about safety, recycling, cruelty-free, shelf life, etc. The material below will show you some examples of representative icons on this type of packaging, what they mean, and how you can use that information to make better decisions. Regardless of whether you are a veteran consumer or new to using cosmetics, you should be able to utilize this guide to become an authority on your cosmetics.
Why Are Symbols Used on Cosmetic Packaging?
Markings on cosmetic packaging provide quick, universal indications to help consumers easily find information about a product. Marks may provide information about:
- Safety: show shelf life (i.e., PAO symbol), flammability, or allergy notice.
- Complying with a legal requirement: fulfilling legal requirements for different countries.
- Explaining ethical practices and sustainability: e.g., cruelty-free, vegan, recyclable packaging.
- Using space efficiently: using symbols to tell users the information is contained in an insert (i.e., book icon).
- Bridging cultural differences: presenting information in an easily understood manner for consumers around the world.
10 Common Symbols Used On Cosmetic Packaging
The following is the list of commonly used symbols on the cosmetic packaging:
Period After Opening (PAO) Symbol
PAO symbol is the open jar with the number along with “M” (e.g., 6M, 7M, or 12M) indicating how long the product can remain safe after opening it. This symbol is used on the products that stay on the skin and degrade over time. Air bacteria and exposure to the environment can reduce their effectiveness and even cause skin irritation.
Best Before Date (Hourglass or Date Symbol)
The hourglass symbol indicates the last safe date to use a product (this applies to unopened items as well). Cosmetics that are organic or natural have active ingredients that can lose their strength over time. Using expired products can cause breakouts, allergic reactions, or reduced SPF protection.
The Green Dot
The two green arrows forming a circle indicate to the manufacturer that this is a plastic packaging take-back and recycling. Although the symbol indicates that the brand supports recycling, it does not offer any indication of whether it is recyclable.
Mobius Loop (Recycling Symbol)
A triangle with three arrows is a known sign that the packaging is recyclable (it may also include a number relating to a type of plastic, for example, PET or HDPE). If you are concerned with the amount of waste related to plastic, you would want to endorse packaging with the accepted/recyclable symbol.
Leaping Bunny Or Cruelty-Free Bunny
A bunny that lies down or hops with its ears up has never been tested on animals, and is a Leaping Bunny, PETA, and many others. The bunny symbol is useful in giving us options in cruelty-free brands, as we are continually growing our education on animal testing and what level of cruelty that entails. Please make sure you are checking their certifying organization, and if it is an independent third-party organization, you are supporting a brand with a legitimate commitment to animal welfare.
Flame Symbol
the word “alcohol” is also printed on this flame logo and when a product has the word “alcohol” in their product name as one or a number of the flammable ingredients then that product most likely is flammable, and properly identified as a flammable product which means you do not want to bring it to flames and/or heat. You aim to keep it stored safely, and keep it stored also when traveling also or in the summertime. You are most likely to have seen this on many products like hairspray, nail polish removers, perfumes, and many other products.
E-Mark Symbol (℮)
A lowercase “e” next to the weight or volume of a product (e.g., 50 ml ℮) means the weight or volume is filled under European Union packaging regulations. The “e” allows you to compare quantities for similar products in any European Union market with certainty. It guarantees you will not receive less than what is written on the label.
Refer To Insert Or Book Symbol
A pocket book, accompanied by a hand pointing to it, indicates to the reader to look for product details in the leaflet located in the carton. Carton labels generally have less room compared to the insert. Labels generally include instructions for using the product, warnings for allergies, or even a full listing of ingredients useful for some sensitivities.
UVA In A Circle
The UVA symbol is a round of letters UVA in it. The UVA symbol in sunscreens indicates that the product offers UVA protection and shields the user to the European standards of the minimum amount of UVA protection. UVA rays penetrate very far into the skin and will result in skin wrinkling, skin cancer, damage to the skin of other types, and overall premature aging. The UVA symbol guarantees that users will receive adequate UVA protection, as the SPF guarantees protection against UVB.
Ecocert and Organic Certification Logos
Natural or organic cosmetics are something marked with the Ecocert and COSMOS logos. Naturally and organic cosmetics developed minimum requirements for origin, environmental responsibility, and organic status. They provide third-party cosmetic certification for consumers looking for “clean beauty” products.
Additional Lesser-Known Cosmetic Symbols
While the above are the most common, there are other symbols used on cosmetic packaging worth noting:
Gluten-Free Certification
The logo indicates that there is an absence of gluten and any ingredient derived from gluten. For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, and especially when using lip products that potentially can be ingested, this information is important. Products that display this symbol are tested for the purpose of conforming to gluten-free safety standards and recommendations of organizations like the GFCO Guide. Thus, you can feel at ease if you are trying to eliminate any gluten.
Vegan Logo
A vegan product contains no animal ingredients or by-products, no lanolin, no beeswax, no carmine, and many more things you would probably never see on a vegan checklist. When you see a product has been marketed as vegan, it just means that an animal has been harmed or used to provide an ingredient in the process. There are reputable third-party logos that you can see on a label, also to solidify your assurance, like Certified Vegan, The Vegan Society, etc., as well as Not Tested on Animals.
Not Tested On Animals
This symbol indicates that the product was not tested on animals. It is commonly a leaping bunny or bunny face. Trusted logos, if any, can be found from organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA. There are many “cruelty-free” claims out there, but they may not be verified on the packaging or product. Always look for a certification.
Peel Here Symbol
This symbol signifies the presence of a label that can be removed to reveal more details. When the package is too small to display comprehensive ingredient lists or instructions, this method is employed. To see what’s inside, just peel back the corner.
Batch Code Symbol
This is a code that is printed or embossed on the packaging; it typically consists of letters and numbers. For tracking purposes, it identifies the production batch. This aids in quality assurance, recalls, and authenticity or freshness checks.
Also Read: Labeling Requirements For Cosmetics
FAQs
What Does The Open Jar Symbol Mean On Cosmetics?
The open jar symbol, often labeled with “6M”, “12M”, etc., represents how long the product remains safe to use after it’s opened. “6M” means it’s good for 6 months after opening.
Are All Cruelty-Free Symbols The Same?
No, they vary by organization. Common ones include Leaping Bunny and PETA’s cruelty-free bunny. Look for certifications from recognized bodies for authenticity.
Is The Green Dot Symbol The Same As The Recycling Symbol?
No. The Green Dot shows that the brand supports recycling efforts, but it doesn’t mean the packaging is recyclable.
Can I Still Use A Cosmetic Product After The Pao Period Ends?
It’s not recommended. After the PAO period, the product may lose efficacy, grow bacteria, or cause skin irritation.
Where Can I Find All The Symbols If The Packaging Is Small?
Look for the “Refer to Insert” or “Book” symbol; it means there’s more information inside or on a peelable label.
