How Long Should I Keep My Skincare Products?
You can conveniently find our PAO (Period After Opening) labels on the back of the packaging in the lower left corner.
The letter M stands for the Latin word for month and the number refers to the number of months. So, a “12M” with an open jar symbol means you should throw the product out 12 months after you’ve opened it. This is commonly known as the PAO date.
Most of our products are stable 3 years unopened and 12 months after opening. However, our Resist C15 Super Booster should be used within 3 months after opening and within 6 months from the purchase date.
The Dos & Don’ts of Making Your Products Last
Here are some easy tips for prolonging the shelf life of your products, whilst keeping your skin and body as healthy as possible.
DO:
- DO store products in a cabinet or drawer
- DO adhere to temperature requirements (e.g. 20-25 degrees Celsius)
- DO wash your hands before using products
- DO tighten/secure the cap after each use
- DO consider how climate and humidity will shorten a product’s shelf life
- DO write the date of purchase in permanent ink (use a Sharpie) on the bottom or back of the package (this can be even more helpful than relying on the PAO date)
- DO toss out eye products after you’ve had an eye infection
DON’T:
- DON’T store your products in the refrigerator unless there are temperature requirements stated on the product packaging. Skincare formulas are designed to withstand the average fluctuations in temperature, but not long-term heat or cold storage—that means keeping your products in your fridge when you do not have to, reduces their lifespan and stability.
- DON’T store products in direct sunlight (e.g. don’t keep them on a sunny windowsill)
- DON’T store products in damp and/or moist areas (e.g. bathrooms where you take hot showers often)
- DON’T share your products with others
- DON’T add water or saliva to thin out or remoisten products
- DON’T forget to clean the cap or lid if you drop it on the floor. Use soap and water or rubbing alcohol and dry thoroughly before replacing.