Every cosmetic product has a shelf life, but how is this shelf life determined?

24

June, 2018

If a product has a shelf life of less than 30 months an expiry date must be clearly indicated on the product, however if a product has a shelf life longer than 30 months, an expiry date is not required but a PAO (period after opening) is. A PAO is usually in the form of bin with a number inside (often 9 or 12).

Does a PAO or expiry date really matter?  You bet it does … It is mandatory that every cosmetic product sold in the marketplace be compliant with the regulations governed in that market. There is a set of guidelines and rules to be followed in relation to everything from packaging, ingredients, materials, sustainability, label claims and strict good manufacturing practices (GMP).  Each time a new product is developed, it undergoes several forms of testing, where a shelf life is determined.

This shelf life should be adhered to the same as you would fresh food. I always make the relation between skincare and food, because basically they should be thought of as the same fuel – what you put onto your body and what you put into your body.

Now I hear some of you saying that manufactures have to put a date on the packaging by law but that certain foods can last indefinitely.  While I agree with this to a certain extent, I must tell you that these foods most definitely do not contain water!  It is the water element in a product that becomes a breeding ground for microbial growth, and with time, the preservative system will break down and become ineffective, leaving a microbial playground.  An unpreserved product is detrimental to your health.

It is not only water-based products that you should be aware of though, because even non water-based products can come into contact with water – think body scrubs and liquid soaps.

Where there is water, there is risk for contamination! So yes, your clays and powders will probably last longer than your lotions and creams, however even they have their date when they become ineffective irritants.

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