What is the PAO?

The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol is an important indicator for cosmetic products, including nail gels. It tells you how long the product will remain safe and effective after you’ve opened it. The PAO is typically shown as an open jar icon with a number and the letter ‘M’ (e.g., 24M), which stands for the number of months the product can be used after opening.

For example, if a nail gel has a PAO of 24M, it means the product should be used within 24 months of opening to ensure its quality and safety. This is crucial because, over time, exposure to air, light, and bacteria can degrade the product, making it less effective and potentially harmful.

At Pretty Yeppuda, we take product quality and safety seriously. All our nail gels have been tested for stability.  This is a requirement mentioned in the Cosmetic Product Regulation (EC 1223/2009). This regulation ensures that cosmetics sold in the EU are safe for use.

It’s important to store your nail gels properly to maximize their shelf life. Keep them in a cool, dry place and always close the lid tightly after use. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your products.

So in conclusion: the production date indicated on the bottle is not of primary importance. In accordance with the Cosmetic Product Regulation (EC 1223/2009), if a cosmetic product is stable for more than 30 months, the Period After Opening (PAO) is indicated instead. For nail gels, the typical PAO is 24 months, unless specified otherwise. At Pretty Yeppuda, our gels have been stability tested in line with the CPR to ensure optimal product quality and safety, and the mandatory label contains the PAO information.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.