Phoenix compliance insights

best before date cosmetics: Cosmetic compliance guides

Plain-English guides to UK, EU and US cosmetic rules: safety reports, notifications, labelling, ingredients and shelf life. Written and checked by qualified safety assessors.

Reviewed by safety assessorsUK, EU and US rulesUpdated regularly

best before date cosmetics

Skincare products and Period After Opening PAO symbol after opening

Consumer Guides

October 6, 2026 8 min read

How Long Do Skincare Products Last After Opening? The Cosmetic Product Safety Report Behind PAO, Best Before Dates and Product Type Guidance

Learn how long skincare products last after opening, what the PAO and best-before symbols mean, and how stability, preservation, packaging and product type determine shelf life.

Read article

Need your product checked by a safety assessor?

Assessor-signed CPSR, PIF and UK/EU notification for your cosmetic, from £75 per product.

Get your CPSR Book a 30-minute consultation