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When does skincare expire? Reading the PAO symbol
Most skincare uses a period-after-opening symbol rather than a hard expiry date. Learn when its clock starts and what to record.
Most skincare shows a period after opening, or PAO, instead of a fixed expiry date. The open-jar symbol marked 6M, 12M, or 24M means the labelled period starts when you first open the product, not when you buy it. Under EU rules, cosmetics with minimum durability of 30 months or less carry a date instead. Record the opening month once, follow the label, and stop using something if its smell, colour, texture, or separation changes unexpectedly.
August 22, 2026 · 5 min read · basics