Every woman or girl has in her arsenal a wide range of cosmetics: creams and lotions, lipstick and eye shadow, varnishes and masks. And when buying another jar or bottle, she, of course, needs to find out how long all the funds mentioned will be safe. This is the basic information that interests the buyer after studying the composition of the product. Usually some inscriptions and numbers come across on the packaging of cosmetic products. What can they say?
What does the inscription EXP on cosmetics packaging mean?
When you carefully examine the box or label on the jar, you can find the inscription EXP. Let's see what does EXP mean on cosmetics packaging?
Let's try to decipher this abbreviation. It represents the first three letters of the English expirations date , therefore the EXP on the packaging when translated from English means "expiration date".
It is indicated in the format exp.MM.YYYY or exp.HHMMYY, where:
- HH - number;
- MM - month;
- YY (YYYY) - year.
For example, the entry exp.08.2018 means that the shelf life of cosmetics is until August 2019. Another example: exp.060617 . Such an exp notation on the packaging means that cosmetics can be used until June 6, 2017. Its use after the specified date is not recommended, as it may be unsafe, which is fraught with the possible appearance of skin irritation or allergies.
Such information is indicated for cosmetics whose shelf life does not exceed 30 months.
If the product has a longer shelf life, then the packaging or jar indicates the period of use from the moment of opening. To do this, use the jar icon with an open lid and numbers. If M12 is indicated on the jar of cream, then this informs that since opening the jar the cream can be used for twelve months.
Why is it important to know the expiration date?
The expiration date on the packaging with a cosmetic product is subject to legal requirements. By applying this designation, the manufacturer assumes responsibility for the quality and guarantees the preservation of the useful properties of the products until the expiration date.
Shelf life is influenced by several factors:
- the presence of preservatives that inhibits the development of microorganisms;
- the presence of active components that reduce the properties and quality of products;
- moisture that can provoke the growth of bacteria;
- packaging features (dispensers and pumps) that protect the contents of the container from oxygen and microbes.
If the expiration date has already expired, cosmetics may change the chemical composition:
- the acidic environment of the product changes (pH value);
- active substances and components of a cosmetic product are destroyed;
- separation of the emulsion occurs.
EXP on the packaging means the period until which the cosmetic product can be safely used. If the expiration date has expired, and cosmetics looks good and does not have any external changes, this does not guarantee that it has retained all its useful properties. Therefore, you should not use such cosmetics.
Where on the packaging to find information about the expiration date?
EXP on the packaging means the expiration date of cosmetics, so this information must be found. There are no specific requirements for applying expiration dates. Such an inscription can be located anywhere:
- at the bottom of the jar;
- on the lid;
- on a label that can be glued anywhere;
- on the seam of the tube.
Do not buy a jar of cosmetics if several months are left before the expiration date. Choosing products with a long shelf life, it will be possible to ensure the long-term effect of useful active substances and obtain the visible effect of the purchased cosmetics.
If expired
If the expiration date of cosmetics has expired, then it must be discarded! Such cosmetics will not be able to provide beauty and care, but there is a chance of causing possible harm.
Due to the presence of moisture, oxidation by air, exposure to sunlight, preservatives and active substances are destroyed, which provokes the intensive development of microbes.
It is necessary to stop using the cosmetic product in the following cases of the appearance of external signs of cosmetics deterioration:
- separation of components is observed;
- product color has changed;
- smell;
- consistency.
It will be great if buyers will be attentive to the information on the labels with cosmetics and in no case will not use expired cosmetic products.