A cosmetic product label today often resembles a small visual map. Alongside the ingredient list, you'll find a variety of symbols and icons. However, not all of them carry the same meaning or level of credibility. Some indicate independent certifications based on publicly available standards, while others are simply voluntary claims made by the manufacturer.
This guide will help you distinguish between the different symbols and understand what they actually mean. For each one, you'll learn what it typically represents and which information on the label is worth checking before making a purchase.
Open Jar Symbol (PAO)
What it means: Indicates how long a cosmetic product can be used after it has been opened for the first time. For example, 12M means 12 months from the date the product is first opened. This symbol is mainly used for products with a minimum shelf life of more than 30 months.
What to look out for: The period starts from the date the product is opened, not the date of purchase. If you notice any change in fragrance, colour or consistency, stop using the product even if the indicated period has not yet expired.
Hourglass Symbol
What it means: Indicates the date of minimum durability for cosmetics with a shelf life of no more than 30 months. The product should be used by the date shown next to the symbol, regardless of when it was opened.
What to look out for: The date applies to an unopened product that has been stored correctly. Once opened, also follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hand and Open Book Symbol
What it means: Indicates that important information is provided elsewhere – for example, in an enclosed leaflet, on an attached tag or beneath a peel-back label.
What to look out for: The additional information may include directions for use, warnings or the full list of ingredients. Make sure you read it before discarding it.
Möbius Loop
What it means: The triangle formed by three arrows usually indicates that the packaging is recyclable. If a percentage appears inside the symbol, it may indicate the proportion of recycled material contained in the packaging.
What to look out for: Recyclable packaging may not necessarily be accepted for recycling in every area. Local recycling rules and the design of the packaging determine whether it can actually be recycled.
Fair trade
What it means: This label refers to fairer trading conditions for growers and workers. In cosmetics, it generally applies only to selected agricultural ingredients, such as shea or cocoa butter, coconut oil or sugar.
What to check: Look for the name of the specific certification scheme, such as FAIRTRADE or Fair for Life, and check whether the entire product or only certain ingredients are certified. Please note: Fair trade certification does not automatically mean that a product is natural, organic or vegan.
Non-GMO / No Genetically Modified Organisms
What it means: The product does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered using laboratory techniques.
What to check: Check whether the claim is backed by independent certification or is simply a manufacturer’s declaration. The words “NON-GMO” alone may be part of the brand’s own packaging design. Please note: Non-GMO does not automatically mean that a product is organic, natural or healthier.
Cruelty-Free / Not Tested on Animals
What it means: The “cruelty-free” label indicates that a product or brand meets certain standards relating to animal testing. In the EU, however, animal testing of finished cosmetic products has been banned since 2004, and testing of cosmetic ingredients since 2009. Since 2013, there has also been a ban on placing cosmetics on the EU market if they were tested on animals for the purpose of meeting the requirements of European cosmetics legislation. Cruelty-free certification may therefore go beyond these legal requirements and assess, for example, the brand’s overall policy, its suppliers and testing related to sales outside the EU.
What to check: Distinguish official certification programmes from any rabbit symbol created by the manufacturer itself. If a product is certified, you can also check exactly what the certification covers – for example, rules for ingredients, suppliers or sales in markets outside the EU. Please note: Cruelty-free does not automatically mean that a product is vegan. It may still contain ingredients such as beeswax or lanolin. At the same time, some chemical substances used in cosmetics may be subject to other European regulations, such as REACH, under which animal testing may, in certain circumstances, be required as a last resort.
*If you are looking for cosmetics labelled as cruelty-free, browse our selection in the hair, skincare a body care.
Vegan / Vegan Formula
What it means: The product does not contain ingredients of animal origin. For example, it should not contain beeswax, honey, lanolin, carmine or animal-derived keratin. What to check: Look for a recognised, verifiable certification logo, such as the Vegan Trademark. Please note: Vegan does not automatically mean cruelty-free. A product may contain no animal-derived ingredients, while its animal-testing status is assessed separately.
*The entire Glamot Pure range, for example, features vegan formulas. Detailed information about each product’s ingredients and labelling can be found on the individual product pages.
Organic
What it means: A certified organic label indicates compliance with specific standards regarding the proportion and origin of organically farmed ingredients, as well as permitted production methods. Certain plant-based ingredients come from organic farming, where the use of synthetic fertilisers and certain chemical pesticides is restricted.
What to check: Look for the name of the certification scheme and the percentage of organic ingredients. Please note: The word “organic” or a leaf symbol without certification does not necessarily mean that the entire product is organic. It may refer to just one ingredient.
Natural
What it means: The terms “natural” or “natural cosmetics” are not governed by one single, precisely defined rule in the EU. They are generally used for cosmetics containing ingredients of natural origin, such as plant oils, butters, waxes or minerals. Some certification standards may also require a high proportion of natural ingredients, for example around 85%. The exact criteria, however, vary depending on the specific certification.
What to check: Whether the product has a recognised certification, such as COSMOS Natural or NATRUE.
Please note: Natural cosmetics are not automatically gentler, vegan or suitable for allergy-prone skin.
Gluten-Free
What it means: This label indicates that the product does not contain gluten or gluten-containing ingredients according to the manufacturer’s internal standards or applicable certification requirements. Gluten is a protein naturally found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley.
What to look out for: In cosmetics, this claim is particularly relevant for products that may come into contact with the mouth, such as lipsticks or lip balms. Check whether the claim is certified and exactly what it applies to. Please note: Gluten-free claims for cosmetics are not assessed in the same way as those for food products.
Dermatologically Tested
What it means: The product has been tested on human skin under the supervision of a dermatologist.
What to check: If the information is available, check how many people participated in the test, how long the testing lasted and what the results were. Please note: “Dermatologically tested” does not mean that the product is recommended by a dermatologist, that it treats skin conditions or that it cannot cause a reaction.
Hypoallergenic
What it means: The product is formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions compared with conventional formulations.
What to check: Consider the type of testing performed, the target group and the transparency of the ingredient list. If you have a known allergy, always check the INCI list for the specific substance concerned. Please note: “Hypoallergenic” does not mean “allergen-free” or guarantee that the product will be suitable for every user.
Flammable / Aerosol
What it means: Warns that the product may ignite easily or that the container is pressurised. This warning is commonly found on products such as perfumes, spray deodorants, hairsprays and dry shampoos.
What to look out for: Keep the product away from flames and high temperatures. Do not pierce pressurised aerosol containers, even after use.
CONCLUSION
Symbols on cosmetic packaging may seem confusing at first, but most of them help you quickly understand how to use a product, how long it will last, or which standards and requirements it meets. When choosing cosmetics, check whether a symbol represents an official certification, a mandatory label, or simply a manufacturer’s claim. If you are looking for vegan products, you can also explore the Glamot Pure range, where you will find detailed information about the ingredients and properties of individual products.
(FAQ)
- Are these symbols required on the packaging, or are they voluntary? Some information is legally required, such as the batch number or the product's shelf-life indication. Other symbols and claims are voluntary. That's why this guide clearly states whether each symbol is mandatory or optional.
- Is the symbol verified by an independent organization? Genuine certifications are usually accompanied by the name of the certifying organization, an official logo, and sometimes a licence number or a publicly accessible database. A symbol created by the manufacturer may not be independently verified.
- What's the difference between the Möbius loop and "recycled packaging"? The Möbius loop—the familiar triangle formed by three chasing arrows—generally indicates that the packaging material is recyclable. "Recycled packaging" means the packaging is made partially or entirely from recycled materials. In other words, recyclable packaging is not necessarily made from recycled content, and packaging made from recycled materials is not always recyclable.
- Does the recycling symbol mean I should automatically dispose of the packaging in the plastics recycling bin? No. The recycling symbol alone does not indicate the correct recycling bin. You first need to identify the material the packaging is made from. Cosmetic packaging may consist of a plastic bottle, a metal spring, and a pump made from multiple materials. These components may need to be separated and sorted individually.
Illustration note: The pictograms used in this article are illustrative editorial graphics and are not reproductions of official protected certification logos. The actual logos found on product packaging may differ and should be verified through the database of the relevant certification body where applicable.