Safety 101: The Open Jar Symbol…
Posted by Lianne on November 11, 2007 · View Comments
I have so many emails asking about the shelf life of skincare. I had one reader say she had the same face cream from 2002!! Not pretty ladies. Just like cosmetics, skincare has a shelf life…especially after it has been opened. So how are you supposed to know when to toss things out? European companies have been using the PAO symbol or “Open Jar Symbol” for quite some time now.
My friend Ben over at WeLoveBeauty has a video explaining the use of the symbol. Now…this symbol is starting to catch on in the states which is a good thing, but it’s not everywhere so here are a few good rules of thumb to go by.
- Face cream 1-2 years but seriously…if you are using it like you are supposed to – it should be gone within 8 months.
- Organics if the item in question is organic or has plant based ingredients, the shelf life is much shorter because there is a higher chance of contamination because they don’t use traditional methods of preserving so I would say 1 year at the MOST.
- Face Wash 1-2 years but again…it really should be lasting you a shorter period of time unless you buy an industrial size….LOL
- Eye Cream 1 year. Because it is a product that is near your eyes, there is a higher risk of contamination.
My last tip is always, always, ALWAYS wash your hands BEFORE you touch your products or your face. If you are touching your products with unwashed hands you are contaminating them – plain and simple. Think of it this way, whatever you touched that day is going into the product and onto your face….not pretty. So check your products and be safe!
Stay Safe & Pretty!!
What a great article! I’m also pleased that this symbol is starting to appear on cosmetics as well.
I wanted to add the shelf life for cosmetics -as a general rule- powders can last about two years and liquids and creams (except eye) about 12-18 months.
Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner, Cream Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Creme Blush, Bronzer, Concealer, Eye Shadow, Foundation: 12-18 months
Liquid Blush, Bronzer, Concealer, Eye Shadow, Foundation: 12-18 months
Powder Blush, Bronzer, Concealer, Eye Shadow, Foundation: 24 months
Lipstick: 24 months
Eye Liner / Lip Liner: 24 months
Lip Gloss: 12-18 months
These guidelines are based on a product that has just been opened, assuming that it’s been kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. If it starts to separate or smell strange, it’s past its prime.
Thanks for the extras Cheri! I have smelled old lipstick before…not pretty LOL
At Chella, we have begun using the “Open Jar” symbol as well, but I agree with your time table above. The best rule of thumb we tell our clients is that if you are using a jar where you dip your fingers into the product..three months MAX. After much research and customer feeedback, we are converting our beautiful wide mouth jars to airless pumps. They are a much more sanitary delivery system and will allow you a longer life for your products. Thanks for the great info!
At Chella, we have begun using the “Open Jar” symbol as well, but I agree with your time table above. The best rule of thumb we tell our clients is that if you are using a jar where you dip your fingers into the product..three months MAX. After much research and customer feeedback, we are converting our beautiful wide mouth jars to airless pumps. They are a much more sanitary delivery system and will allow you a longer life for your products. Thanks for the great info!
At Chella, we have begun using the “Open Jar” symbol as well, but I agree with your time table above. The best rule of thumb we tell our clients is that if you are using a jar where you dip your fingers into the product..three months MAX. After much research and customer feeedback, we are converting our beautiful wide mouth jars to airless pumps. They are a much more sanitary delivery system and will allow you a longer life for your products. Thanks for the great info!