On some of my beauty products (fragrances, etc), I have seen a symbol that looks like an open jar with a number and the letter M. usually i see either 3M or 6M, and on the back of one of my perfumes i think it was a 34M.
Also, there’s always a big bold "e" on the back near the open jar symbol thing.
Anyone know what these symbols are for/mean?
Thanks!
many are key codes the 3M and 6M might have been the number of units produced in a run for manufacture. 3M = 3000, 6M = 6000 The E could mean Ethylene (the base gas used for this particular packaging and marked for recycling)
the E stands for "expires"….the M stands for "months" – and the number preceding it indicates how many months the product is good for once it has been opened (thus, the reason for the open jar symbol).
edit: it took me a bit, but i just found you proof that the above is correct:
"The Food and Drug Administration only requires expiration dates on cosmetic products with active ingredients, such as acne treatments and sunscreens. If you look at the fine print on the back of the packaging, however, you might see a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, pictured as a jar with a detached lid with a number and an “M” on it; this serves as another indicator of the product’s anticipated life span. The number is the number of months you should use the product after it has been opened, with the “M” standing for “months.” The clock for an expiration date starts running as soon as a product is made. But for PAOs, start counting from the time you open the product."
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1614350,00.html
References :
a few years ago, i asked the same question at the beauty supply store where i buy my cosmetics!
many are key codes the 3M and 6M might have been the number of units produced in a run for manufacture. 3M = 3000, 6M = 6000 The E could mean Ethylene (the base gas used for this particular packaging and marked for recycling)
References :