What Does 12M, 6M & Leaping Bunny Mean on Makeup?

The open cream pot icon with an "M" stands for "Months". "12M" means the formula remains sterile, chemically stable, and effective for 12 months after the first pump or unscrewing. After this date, preservatives degrade, inviting bacterial growth and rancid oils that can cause breakouts or eye infections.

Under European and international cosmetic law, any product whose total shelf life is LESS than 30 months from manufacture date must display this hourglass icon alongside an exact month/year expiration date (e.g., "EXP 11/26"), regardless of whether it was opened or kept sealed.

The global gold standard for cruelty-free certification. Unlike vague self-declared "not tested on animals" marketing claims, the Leaping Bunny requires strict independent audits verifying that neither the brand nor any of its raw ingredient suppliers conducted animal testing anywhere in the world.

Known as the "quantité estimée" mark under EU Directive 76/211/EEC. Found next to measurements like "50 ml ℮" or "1.7 fl oz ℮", it legally certifies that high-precision factory filling machinery ensured the net volume meets strict average weight tolerances with no short-filling.

When a lipstick, compact powder, or eye drop bottle is too small to print the full mandatory INCI ingredient list, allergy warnings, or usage instructions, this symbol alerts the buyer to check the folding box leaflet or peel back the outer sticker.

SPF only rates protection against burning UVB rays (sunburn). A circled "UVA" logo certifies that the sunscreen provides UVA protection factor equal to at least 1/3 of the advertised SPF value, shielding deep skin collagen against wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and melanoma.

Standard on K-Beauty and J-Beauty sunscreens: PA+ = light UVA protection (PPD 2–4); PA++ = moderate (PPD 4–8); PA+++ = high (PPD 8–16); PA++++ = extremely high protection (PPD 16+), blocking over 95% of UVA rays.

Registered trademark certifying no animal extracts were used. Common hidden animal ingredients in cosmetics include Carmine (crushed cochineal beetles for red pigment), Lanolin (sheep wool grease), Guanine (fish scale shimmer), and Squalene (shark liver oil, unless labeled plant-derived squalane).

Products tested to ensure they do not produce "comedones" (whiteheads and blackheads). They avoid pore-clogging heavy ingredients like high-concentration coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and heavy waxes.

Found on hairsprays, aerosol dry shampoos, nail polish, and alcohol-based setting sprays. Aerosol propellants (isobutane, propane) and alcohol solvents can ignite violently if sprayed near lighted candles, curling irons, or space heaters.