Cosmetic product labels contain much more than ingredients and branding — they also include a range of symbols and codes that communicate essential legal and safety information to regulators, retailers, and consumers. Understanding how to use these symbols correctly is a key part of labeling cosmetic products with confidence.

In this class, you’ll explore the most common symbols found on cosmetic labels and learn which are compulsory, which are optional, and how to apply them correctly to meet regulatory requirements. We’ll clearly explain your legal obligations so you can design compliant, professional labels without confusion or guesswork.

A major focus of this class is shelf life. You’ll learn the difference between Best Before End (BBE) and Period After Opening (PAO), when each should be used, and how to justify your choice. We’ll also explain how stability testing is used to determine and support product shelf life in a practical, real-world way.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to correctly declare the net contents of your product, including when and how to use the ‘e’ mark in Europe. We’ll also cover recycling symbols, certification body logos, and when to use symbols that reference enclosed or attached information.

Finally, you’ll learn how to assign, record, and manage batch numbers — an essential requirement for traceability, compliance, and good manufacturing practice.

By the end of this class, you’ll feel confident using symbols and batch numbers correctly, helping you create cosmetic labels that are clear, compliant, and professionally presented.

You’ll learn:

• Which labeling symbols are compulsory and which are optional
• Your legal responsibilities when using symbols on cosmetic labels
• How to determine and justify BBE and PAO
• How stability testing supports shelf life claims
• How to correctly indicate net contents, including the ‘e’ mark
• When and how to use recycling and certification symbols
• How to assign and record batch numbers correctly

This module will be delivered as a live Zoom class. Afterwards, the replay will be available as an on-demand video class. 

Date: Thursday 30th April 11am Los Angeles, 2pm New York, 7pm UK.
Check the time where you live here.

IMPORTANT: To attend the live Zoom class, you need to complete the registration form on the next page.  Registration closes 4 hours before the class. If you can't join live, the replay will be available shortly afterwards.

👉 As part of this class, you’ll receive:

💻 A front-row seat to our live presentation with cosmetic scientist Nicole — and the chance to ask your questions in the interactive Q&A!
🎥 Access to the full replay so you can watch (and rewatch!) anytime you like.
📊 A copy of the presentation slides to keep handy for reference.
📝 A full transcript of the class to download and read at your own pace.

LABELING COSMETIC PRODUCTS WITH CONFIDENCE

Module 4: Symbols, Export Dates and Batch Numbers for Product Labels is the fourth module in our Labeling Cosmetic Products with Confidence course. 

Take the whole course for a complete step-by-step guide to everything you need to include on your label, or take this module as a standalone class if you only need help with symbols and batch numbers.

Labeling your cosmetic products correctly is essential for selling them with confidence. Your product label might be small — but it carries big responsibility.

Beautiful packaging draws customers in, but your label also plays an essential role in keeping your products compliant, your customers informed, and your business protected.

When you sell cosmetic products, your label carries essential safety, ingredient, and compliance information that you’re legally required to provide. Trying to figure out what you need to include can feel overwhelming and confusing 

Our five-module Labeling Cosmetic Products with Confidence course takes the overwhelm out of cosmetic labeling and shows you, step by step, exactly what needs to go on your products — and how to do it correctly and confidently.

In the course, you’ll learn:

MODULE 1: WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED ON A PRODUCT LABEL?
MODULE 2: WRITING YOUR INGREDIENT INCI LIST
MODULE 3: CALCULATING AND LISTING ALLERGENS ON YOUR PRODUCT LABEL
MODULE 4: SYMBOLS, EXPIRY DATES AND BATCH NUMBERS FOR PRODUCT LABELS
MODULE 5: VISUAL BRANDING AND LABEL DESIGN 

By the end of the course, you won’t just have labels that look lovely — you’ll have labels that meet requirements, build customer trust, and support your business as it grows.

Not a member of the Club? Join now and use your first month's credits to access the Module 4 - Symbols, Expiry dates and Batch numbers for product labels class

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOU

Find out more about the Club