Here's Why You Should Check That Small Number On The Back Of Your Current Beauty Products
FYI.
By Tamara Jayne
We know beauty products have expiry dates.
Although some state them clearly on the back or underneath the products, many don't print it this way.
Using expired products can cause skin irritation, pimples, or bacterial infection.
It's also important to get rid of expired makeup or skincare products as they can lose their potency and may not be as effective over time.
That lipstick that has been sitting in your makeup pouch for the past six years? Probably not the best to use on your lips anymore. That old mascara? It may cause eye infections as it collects bacteria over time.
If you look closely at your current beauty products, you might notice a small symbol of an open jar with a number and letter 'M' inside it
It's called the period-after-opening symbol (PAO) and it indicates the shelf life of your beauty product
For example, 6M means that the product is best used within six months after the package is opened. 12M means 12 months, 24M means 24 months, and so on.
Using the product after the recommended timeframe is still pretty alright, however, it may not be the best.
You can usually find this symbol on skincare, makeup, shower gels, toothpaste, and other toiletries.
