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Minimum date of durability is the date the cosmetic product will remain safe for use if stored under appropriate conditions. If a cosmetic product has a minimum date of durability of over 30 months, then a period after opening (PAO) is required.
PAO is the length of time after opening for which the product is considered fit for use by the consumer. An ‘open jar’ symbol followed by the period (in months and/or years) shows the PAO.
Minimum date of durability and PAO are not random figures. Rather, they are determined as part of testing required to be detailed in the cosmetic product safety report (CPSR) and evidence to support the declared minimum date of durability and PAO must be included in the CPSR.
International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI)