Top 20 Cosmetic Symbols: The Ultimate Guide

Is the Jar Symbol required?

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require companies to display expiration dates on cosmetic labels.

Meanwhile, the European Union has a somewhat different set of rules:

• Manufacturers don't have to specify an exact expiration date for products that have a shelf life of more than 30 months. However, they must use the open jar symbol to indicate how long the product will last after it has been opened.
• Items with a 30-month or shorter shelf life require a clear expiration date on the packaging, without the need for a jar symbol.

In the GCC countries, this symbol is required for cosmetics products.

Furthermore, the E.U. permits certain exceptions to these guidelines, such as sealed or spray items, single-use products, and items that usually do not degrade.

Hourglass Symbol: Best Before End Date (BBE)

Meaning of the Hourglass Symbol:

The Hourglass Symbol, or BBE Date symbol, is an image that looks like an hourglass. It shows when a cosmetic product's shelf life ends.

 

Is the Hourlgass Symbol required?

Now, here’s the thing. In the EU, if a cosmetic product has a minimum durability of less than 30 months, the date of minimum durability must be clearly expressed, either by using the Hourglass Symbol or by indicating in words like “best used before the end of”.

In the USA, while the Hourglass symbol carries the same meaning, indicating a “best before” date for products with a lifespan of less than 30 months, its use is not mandated by regulatory requirements for cosmetics. However, expiration dates are required for over-the-counter products like sunscreen or acne medication.

In other countries, this symbol is not required, but an expiry date is necessary.

Hand in Book Symbol: Refer to Insert

Meaning of the Hand in Book Symbol:

The Hand in Book Symbol helps brands give customers additional information.

When you see this symbol, it signifies there's more info for you to peruse. It could be an insert or a leaflet inside the packaging that holds vital details about the product.

Is the Hand in Book Symbol required?

In the European Union (EU)/GCC countries, the use of this symbol is required when there’s not enough space to display mandatory information on the packaging.

However, in the United States, there is no similar regulatory requirement mandating the use of the “Hand in Book” symbol on cosmetic products. Although not required, employing the “Hand in Book” symbol is considered a common and good practice in the USA to provide consumers with additional product information when packaging space is limited.

Meaning of the Green Dot Symbol:

The Green Dot Symbol indicates our dedication to the environment and sustainability. It shows that our product packaging is involved in a recycling program.

The Green Dot symbol is often found on cosmetic products in Europe. It shows customers that the cosmetic company supports recycling by working with a recycling organization. This means that the packaging material can be recycled after use, helping to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Is the Green Dot Symbol mandatory?

The Green Dot symbol was traditionally used in some European countries by companies to indicate compliance with packaging waste legislation. However, as of January 2023, displaying the Green Dot symbol on packaging is no longer mandatory anywhere in the world, including in the EU and USA.

By displaying this symbol, even tough it’s not mandatory, you can communicate to your customers that you are dedicated to eco-friendly practices and sustainable packaging solutions. 

Ecocert Certification

Meaning of the Ecocert Certification:

The Ecocert symbol on a cosmetic label verifies the authenticity and quality of organic ingredients. It ensures that organic farming practices were followed and that the product contains a high percentage of natural ingredients.

Benefits of using the Ecocert Certification:

This certification is voluntary, but it shows a commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices.

E‑Symbol: Nominal Net Content

Meaning of the ℮-Symbol:

The E symbol is positioned before quantity details if a product complies with the EU pre-packaging directive.

The EU now has specific regulations on how the stated quantity on the packaging must be contained. Depending on the packaging size, there are limits for these variations. Following the required filling methods and adhering to the permitted upper limits, a small ℮ symbol is shown on the pack.

Is the ℮-Mark mandatory?

The ℮-mark isn’t a mandatory feature, but having it on your products smoothes the path to selling them across all EU countries. It eliminates the need to check compliance with individual national requirements.

In other nations, it also necessitates the net weight on the packaging, but you can simply state the net content size, no need for the e-mark.