Have you ever picked up a skincare product, turned it over, and felt overwhelmed by tiny symbols, long ingredient lists and unfamiliar terms? You’re not alone. Skincare labels are designed to be informative, but without a little guidance they can feel confusing rather than helpful. Here’s our simple guide to decoding skincare labels, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
The PAO symbol: What does it mean?
The PAO (Period After Opening) symbol looks like a small open jar with a number inside, such as 6M or 12M. This tells you how long the product remains safe and effective after it has been opened. This is particularly important for natural and organic skincare, where formulations often rely less on synthetic preservatives. To get the best results from your skincare, we recommend noting when you first open a product and using it within the indicated timeframe.
Expiration dates
Certain skincare products - especially those containing active ingredients such as SPF - display a specific expiry date on the packaging. This is required for products with a shelf life of 30 months or less, regardless of whether they have been opened. In these cases, an hourglass symbol is often used to highlight the expiry date.
Batch codes
If there's no visible expiration date, you can check the batch code. For ishga products, you will find the batch code label on the bottom of the product. The code is unique to a particular product batch and you can find out more information by contacting the manufacturer.
Understanding INCI lists: Ingredient transparency
The ingredient list on skincare products is known as an INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). While it may look technical, it’s actually designed to protect and inform you.
INCI lists:
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Use scientific or Latin names to ensure global consistency
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List ingredients from highest to lowest concentration
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Help you identify allergens, actives and key botanicals
For example, plant ingredients may appear under their Latin names, while common components such as water may be listed as Aqua. This standardised system ensures transparency, no matter where in the world you purchase your skincare.
Why is a company address listed?
By law, all skincare products sold in the UK and EU must display the name and address of the responsible company on the packaging.
As a consumer protection measure it ensures:
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Accountability and traceability
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A clear point of contact for questions or concerns
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Compliance with strict cosmetic safety regulations
Understanding PAO symbols, batch codes and INCI lists allows you to make informed choices and use your skincare products safely and effectively. Take time to refresh your skincare collection by removing products that are no longer at their best, your skin will thank you! If you ever have questions about our products or ingredients, our team is always here to help.
