Cosmetic Expiry Calculator
Use any date you know. The calculator takes the earliest of the dates it can work out, because that is the one to follow.
Advertisement
How it works
- Manufacture month + shelf life: adds 24, 30 or 36 months. Under EU and UK rules products stable for 30 months or less show a date, which is why 30 is our default.
- Printed expiry date: used exactly as printed.
- Opened date + PAO: adds the open-jar months to the day you opened it.
Do not know the manufacture month? Try the batch code checker, which can estimate it for supported brands.
Related guides
PAO Symbol Explained: What 6M, 12M and 24M Mean
What the open-jar PAO symbol means, how to count the months, and how it differs from an expiry date.
How Long Do Cosmetics Last After Opening?
A simple chart of how long mascara, foundation, lipstick, moisturiser, nail polish and perfume usually last after opening.
Batch Code vs Expiry Date vs Manufacture Date vs PAO
What each date and code on a cosmetic pack means, and which one to follow when they disagree.