Symbols and pictures imprinted in labels of cosmetics are becoming more and more complicated to decode these days. The most popular signs and codes are: INCI, PAO, symbol of a leaflet, ecological certificates and even a rabbit ‘not tested on animals’ logo. Get to know what particular number, abbreviation, and pictures stand for.
INCI acronym stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Ingredients. This is the information that has to be printed in each and every single package of a cosmetic. Each consumer has the right, or at least should have the right to be aware of what is included into a composition of a cosmetic s/he is willing to buy or use. Luckily enough, there exist some organizations that focus on standardizing names of the ingredients.
The second, equally important information that is imprinted on cosmetic packages is the expiration date. Its acronym PAO (Period After Opening) is hidden under the symbol of an opened jar. What is more, the jar has a number and ‘M’ letter written inside. In short, the M letter is an abbreviation of word ‘months’ (the unit) whereas the number tells us for how long a cosmetic can be used after opened. From the moment the cosmetic is opened for the first time, so in other words, the moment of the first contract with either oxygen or skin, the bacteria start to multiply inside of the product. So, the more a cosmetic is used, the faster all preservatives wear off their power to protect the product from microbes. Mind you, if either a colour or flavour of the cosmetic has changed than it is suggested to stop applying the product immediately.
The symbol of a black hand and a book near it means that the package goes with a leaflet. This piece of a document in turn should contain information connected with the composition, directions for use, and properties of a product. This kind of a sign is places mostly on small cosmetics where it is impossible to put longer text. This concerns mainly such products like mascaras, eye pencils, and lipsticks.
When it comes to a curled arrow, it meas that on the other side of the label there is information provided, as is in the leaflet (if there was any). These are specially designed stickers that are easy to be separated from the main part of it. Inside, there is a text printed in a font size enabling problem-free reading.
Probably almost everybody is well-acquainted with the next symbol we are going to discuss. A sign of a rabbit. It is synonymous with the fact that the product was not tested on animals. This is especially important information for all nature and animal lovers. What is more, the cosmetic that carries such a picture cannot contain products that come from dead animals, yet it may contain products made by animals like, for example, honey, lanolin or beeswax. Both a producer and a supplier have appropriate certificates to confirm that.
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