How to Check Batch Codes and Production Dates of Cosmetics and Perfumes

What is a Cosmetic Batch Code?

A cosmetic batch code is a combination of letters and numbers marked by manufacturers on product packaging to identify the production batch, production date, and production location of the product. Each batch code is unique, like a product's "ID card."

The main functions of batch codes include:

• Quality traceability: Help manufacturers track product quality issues
• Shelf life management: Determine product freshness and expiration dates
• Safety assurance: Enable quick recall of related batches when quality issues arise
• Authenticity verification: Assist consumers in determining product authenticity

How to Find Cosmetic Batch Codes?

Common Locations

Batch codes are usually printed in the following locations:

1. Bottom of product packaging: Most cosmetics have batch codes printed on the bottom of boxes or bottles
2. On product labels: Some products mark them near ingredient labels
3. Side of bottles: Especially perfumes and skincare products
4. End of tube products: Such as lipsticks, foundation liquids, etc.
5. Side of outer packaging: Sometimes near barcodes

for example:

so what is batch code?

T3H1 - This is the batch code.

605561/0323767332154258 - This is not a batch code.

Identification Features

• Usually consist of 3-8 letters and numbers
• May include letter + number combinations, such as "3A01", "B2G4"
• Sometimes just pure numbers, such as "210815"
• Small font size, may require careful examination

Search Tips

• Use your phone's flashlight for better visibility of small text
• Carefully check every side of the product, as batch code locations may not be obvious
• If not found on outer packaging, check the product itself
• For set products, each individual item has its own batch code

How to Check Production Dates?

Query Steps

1. Find the product's batch code
2. Identify the product brand
3. Select the corresponding brand on the current website
4. Enter the batch code
5. View the production date and shelf life displayed in the results

Encoding Rules for Different Brands

L'Oréal Group:

• Format: Letter + numbers, such as "38U60"
• First letter represents production year, numbers represent production date

Estée Lauder Group:

• Format: Letter + numbers, such as "A92"
• Letter represents month, numbers represent year and date

Procter & Gamble (P&G):

• Format: 4 digits, such as "0219"
• First two digits are the year, last two digits are the production week number

Unilever:

• Format: Numbers + letter, such as "20C15"
• Contains production date and production location information

Notes

• Different brands have different encoding rules, need to select the correct brand for inquiry
• Some niche brands may not be included in query websites
• Blurred or worn batch codes may not be accurately queried
• It's recommended to record batch codes at the time of purchase to avoid not finding them later

Why Pay Attention to Production Dates?

Product Safety

• Avoid using expired products: Expired cosmetics may cause skin allergies or infections
• Ensure product effectiveness: Fresh products can achieve optimal results
• Prevent bacterial growth: Expired products are prone to bacterial growth

Purchase Recommendations

• Choose products with more recent production dates
• Avoid purchasing stock items with production dates that are too old
• For skincare products, it's recommended to choose products produced within 3 months
• Makeup products can accept those produced within 6 months