Have you ever noticed those little symbols that are on the back of beauty products and wondered what they mean? Those small icons, like the recycling indications or the cruelty-free symbols, actually say a lot more about the products than you might imagine.

Cosmetic symbols serve as a crucial tool for educating consumers about various attributes of cosmetic products. These icons provide clear, visual cues about key aspects such as ingredient composition, cruelty-free or vegan certifications, and the recyclability of packaging materials.

For emerging cosmetic businesses, incorporating these symbols into product labels and packaging is vital for fostering transparency and building trust with customers.

This article delves into the meanings and importance of commonly recognized cosmetic symbols, highlighting their value not only in enhancing brand credibility but also in meeting the expectations of environmentally and ethically conscious consumers.

What the icons on the packaging mean

Shelf life once opened

The open container symbol on products indicates the shelf life after opening, in months or years. If it is in months, you will see a number with a letter “M” next to the symbol. Exceptions are products in sealed packaging, single-use products and products that are unlikely to spoil.

Flame

The “flammable” symbol serves as a warning to keep the product away from flames or high temperatures due to its flammable nature. Products such as hairspray, deodorant, nail polish and nail polish remover are often flammable due to ingredients such as alcohol and propellant gas.

Interlaced arrows

The design, the brainchild of American student Gary Anderson, represents the three main principles of recycling: reduction in both consumption and production, reuse and recycling itself. When you see the green interlaced arrow symbol, it means that the European manufacturers have invested to support recycling services, but it does not mean that the product itself can be recycled.

Mobius loop

The three green arrows that form a triangle mean that the material can be recycled. Sometimes there is a percentage in the middle that shows how much is made from recycled materials.

Not tested on animals (cruelty free)

This symbol, represented by a bunny (the image may vary from one product to another, but it is always a rabbit), identifies products that have not been tested on animals during their development, that contain no ingredients that have been tested on animals, and for which no tests have been commissioned from third parties that include testing on animals. Since 2013, the sale of products tested on animals has been banned in Europe.

Organic certification

If more than 95% of the plant-based ingredients come from organic farming, the label will say “organic”. If it says “natural”, it means that over 50% of the ingredients are organic and plant-based.