How to read a skincare label in the UK

Under the UK version of the Cosmetics Regulation, most skincare labels must show who is responsible for the product and their address, how much is in it, a date or a period-after-opening symbol, any precautions, a batch number, what the product is for unless that is obvious, and a list of ingredients. Some of these have exceptions, which the regulation sets out and this page quotes.

What the law says a label must carry

On the label	In the words of Article 19(1)
Who is responsible	the name or registered name and the address of the responsible person
How much is in it	the nominal content at the time of packaging, given by weight or by volume
A date, or the open-jar symbol	the date until which the cosmetic product, stored under appropriate conditions, will continue to fulfil its initial function
Precautions	particular precautions to be observed in use
Batch number	the batch number of manufacture or the reference for identifying the cosmetic product
What it is for	the function of the cosmetic product, unless it is clear from its presentation
Ingredients	a list of ingredients

The table quotes Article 19(1) of the Cosmetics Regulation, in the UK version on legislation.gov.uk. It says a cosmetic product may be sold "only where the container and packaging of cosmetic products bear the following information in indelible, easily legible and visible lettering", and the items in the table are that information.

Where Article 19 makes exceptions

Not every item has to appear on every pack. In the words of Article 19:

Contents: not needed "in the case of packaging containing less than five grams or five millilitres, free samples and single-application packs".
The open jar: used "except where the concept of durability after opening is not relevant".
Ingredients: "This information may be indicated on the packaging alone."
Precautions and ingredients that cannot be printed for practical reasons: "the information shall be mentioned on an enclosed or attached leaflet, label, tape, tag or card".

The three symbols

Symbol	Name in Annex VII	What it is used for
An open jar with its lid lifted	Period-after-opening	Followed by the period of time after opening, in months and/or years, on products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months
An hourglass	Date of minimum durability	Goes before the date. The words "best used before the end of" may be used instead of the symbol
A hand pointing at an open book	Reference to enclosed or attached information	Points to a leaflet, tag or card when the precautions or ingredients do not fit on the pack

The table shows the three symbols Annex VII of the regulation sets out for packaging. The names are the regulation's own and the symbols are described from its drawings. The drawing of the open jar has no number: the period beside it on a pack comes from the words of Article 19.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum (50 ml) is a leave-on exfoliant with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, made for oily and combination skin*.

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*Based on a 28-day dermatologist-assessed study of 20 women aged 18-35 when used as part of a skincare routine. Individual results may vary.

The date, or the open jar

Article 19(1)(c) says: "The date itself or details of where it appears on the packaging shall be preceded by the symbol shown in point 3 of Annex VII or the words: 'best used before the end of'." That symbol is the hourglass.

A date is not needed on every pack: "Indication of the date of minimum durability shall not be mandatory for cosmetic products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months." Those products carry the open jar instead, "followed by the period (in months and/or years)", "except where the concept of durability after opening is not relevant".

This page does not give a period for the Glowness 2% BHA Serum. Read the symbol on your own pack.

Reading the ingredient list

The regulation sets the order: "The list of ingredients shall be established in descending order of weight of the ingredients at the time they are added to the cosmetic product. Ingredients in concentrations of less than 1 % may be listed in any order after those in concentrations of more than 1 %."

Three more rules explain words you will see. "The list shall be preceded by the term 'ingredients'." Fragrance is named one way: "Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms 'parfum' or 'aroma'." And nanomaterials are marked: "The names of such ingredients shall be followed by the word 'nano' in brackets."

The full list for the Glowness 2% BHA Serum, from the box label, is on its ingredients page.

The Responsible Person and the batch number

The name and address on the pack belong to the Responsible Person. GOV.UK guidance from the Office for Product Safety and Standards says: "All cosmetic products available to consumers must have a 'Responsible Person' who makes sure safety measures are followed and legal obligations are met." It adds: "A Responsible Person must have a UK established address to make cosmetic products available in GB."

Article 19 also has a transitional rule for the name and address, point (ab): "for a period of seven years beginning on the day after the day on which IP completion day falls, point (a) is to be treated as satisfied where the requirements of Article 19(1)(a) of the EU Regulation (pre-exit) are complied with". legislation.gov.uk gives IP completion day as "31 December 2020 11.00 p.m.". So while that period runs, a pack labelled with a Responsible Person under the EU rule still meets point (a) in Great Britain.

If a container is too small to carry the batch number, Article 19 allows it on the packaging alone: "Where this is impossible for practical reasons because the cosmetic products are too small, such information need appear only on the packaging".

What the Glowness product page tells you

The product page names it "Glowness 2% BHA Serum - 50 ml" and lists "2% Plant-derived Salicylic Acid (BHA)". Its warnings are quoted in full at the end of this page. For what the 2% means, see what does 2% mean on a salicylic acid label. In the words of the product page:

Helps clear pore build-up and helps reduce the look of blemishes for smoother skin.
Plant-derived 2% BHA helps clear built-up oil and dead cells for visibly tighter-looking pores.

How to use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum

Follow the directions on the pack. New to a BHA? Patch test it first.

Cleanse: start with a fresh, clean face.
Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse. Avoid eye contour, lash line, and eyelids.
Allow the serum to absorb for 15-20 minutes. For best results, follow up with a moisturiser.
Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

Where to go next

For what salicylic acid is, see what is salicylic acid. To compare bottles before you buy, see how to choose a salicylic acid serum.

This page describes the regulation as published on the day we read it. It is not legal advice.

Warnings (from the product page)

External use only. Patch-test before first use. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if you experience irritation; rinse skin and discontinue use. Consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or allergic to salicylic acid. Not to be used for children under 3 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What does the open jar symbol on skincare mean?

It is the period-after-opening symbol from Annex VII of the Cosmetics Regulation. Article 19 says it is "followed by the period (in months and/or years)", which is the period of time after opening. It is used on products whose minimum durability is more than 30 months.

What does the hourglass symbol on a cosmetic mean?

It marks the date of minimum durability. Article 19 says the date "shall be preceded by the symbol shown in point 3 of Annex VII or the words: 'best used before the end of'."

What order are the ingredients listed in?

In "descending order of weight of the ingredients at the time they are added to the cosmetic product". Ingredients under 1 % may come in any order after the rest.

What is the Responsible Person on a cosmetic label?

The business or person named on the pack with an address. GOV.UK says every cosmetic product available to consumers "must have a 'Responsible Person' who makes sure safety measures are followed and legal obligations are met."

How often should I use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum?

Follow the directions on the pack.