Skincare expiration calculator
That little open jar with "12M" on the back of your moisturizer is the period after opening, or PAO: how many months the product stays good once opened. Enter when you opened it and the number on the jar, and the calculator tells you when to replace it.
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Mon, Nov 8, 2027
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- Replace it sooner if the color, texture, or smell changes.
- Keep it away from heat, like a hot car, which can break down preservatives.
- Mascara is the exception to long dates: manufacturers usually recommend discarding it two to four months after purchase.
How this tool works
- Use-by date = the date you opened the product + the months on its PAO symbol.
- In the EU, products that last longer than 30 months must show this open-jar symbol instead of a best-before date.
- US law doesn’t require cosmetics to carry expiration dates, according to the FDA, so the PAO symbol is often your best guide.
- Replace a product early if its color, texture, or smell changes, as the FDA advises.
Sources: FDA: shelf life and expiration dating of cosmetics; EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, Article 19
Frequently asked questions
What does the open jar symbol on skincare mean?
It is the period after opening (PAO): the number of months the product stays safe and works as intended once opened, such as 6M for six months or 12M for twelve.
Do cosmetics have to have an expiration date?
Not in the US. The FDA says there are no US laws or regulations that require cosmetics to have specific shelf lives or expiration dates on labels. In the EU, products lasting 30 months or less need a best-before date, and longer-lasting ones need the open-jar PAO symbol.
How long does mascara last?
The FDA says manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase, because repeated use exposes it to bacteria and fungi. Throw it away if it dries out.
How can I tell if skincare has gone bad?
Look for changes in color, texture, or smell. Store products away from heat, like a hot car, which can break down preservatives.