For a cosmetics product that can be used for a period of no more than 30 months, a best before date is printed on the packaging; for example "12/2021", as "month/year". For a cosmetics product that can be stored longer than 30 months, a PAO (Period After Opening) symbol is printed on the packaging. This is an open jar with a lid. Within the jar, there is a period marked as months, for example 12M meaning 12 months. This is the period after opening, during which a product can be used without deterioration of performance or any harm caused to the consumer.