Why No Expiration Date Is Written | The “3-Year” Rule for Cosmetics

Take a look at the box of the lotion you have at hand. Is an expiration date written on it? In most cases, it probably is not.

The dividing line of “3 years”

Under the PMD Act, cosmetics that remain stable in properties and quality for more than 3 years after manufacture under appropriate storage conditions do not need to display an expiration date. Conversely, Products whose quality may change within 3 years are required to display it.

In other words, a product without an expiration date is not a product with “no expiration,” but one judged to be stable for 3 years. And a product with an expiration date is not a poorly made product; rather, it is a product that declares it may change before 3 years have passed.

What kinds of products are more likely to show it

• Formulas that do not contain preservatives or antioxidants
• So-called natural or organic formulas
• Creams and liquid preparations that are prone to change after opening

After opening, a different clock starts ticking

The figure of 3 years assumes the product is unopened and stored properly. Once opened, it comes into contact with air and hands, so the same assumption no longer applies. The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association also advises using products as soon as possible after opening. Avoiding direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity is a shared basic rule.

Whether or not an expiration date is shown does not indicate superiority or inferiority in quality. The difference is simply what assumptions the number is based on. When the assumptions change, the guideline changes too.

There are other labeling rules as well. Legal labeling on containers is also worth reading.

References: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Japan Cosmetic Industry Association

—The Value Village Editorial Team