Have you ever bought a beauty product, and wondered what those symbols on the packaging meant? Like the care label on a piece of clothing, those symbols of cosmetics and skincare provide a certain guideline; some of these symbols indicate a sanitation issue, an industry standard, or even proper disposal.

Although seeming inconsequential, these symbols are there for the sake of consumer awareness, and learning about them is ultimately for our benefit.

Here’s what the mysterious symbols on the beauty product packaging mean:

1. The Open Jar

Tells you when you need to toss your makeup product, depending on the number on it. Ex. 12M = after 12 months upon opening.

2. The Hourglass

This indicates expiry date or ‘BBE/Best Before End of”, if the product has a lifespan of less than 30 months.

3. The Bunny

This cute little bunny means the product has not been tested on animals in any phase of product development by the company, its lab, or its suppliers.

4. The Lowercase ‘e’

The lower case ‘e’ indicates that the average volume, or weight, of the product is the same as what’s listed on the label, as per European Union law.

5. ‘Refer To’ Symbol

This means there is an attached leaflet that has product warnings and conditions that may be of value to you.

6. The Arrows

Seen alone, this means that the packaging is recyclable. But when seen with a percentage, it indicates how much of the product is made from recycled content.

For more tips, tricks and guides on beauty, grab a copy of the latest Metro Magazine. The August issue featuring Bea Alonzo is now available in newsstands, and the Noink app.