Where to find the date on Lakmé
Lakmé prints the manufacturing date (MFG), and often the expiry or "best before" date, directly on the pack. Indian regulations require it for cosmetics sold in India. Enter the MFG month above to see how much shelf life is left.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the batch code on cosmetics?
Usually it is a short code stamped or embossed on the bottom of the product or printed on the crimp of a tube, often near the barcode on the outer box. It is different from the barcode.
What does the open-jar symbol (e.g. 12M) mean?
That is the PAO, or Period After Opening. It is the number of months a product stays good once opened, regardless of when it was made.
Do cosmetics really expire?
Yes. Preservatives weaken over time and actives such as vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen filters lose strength. Expired products can irritate skin, harbour bacteria (especially mascara) or simply stop working.
Does a valid batch code mean a product is genuine?
No. A batch code only tells you when a product was manufactured, based on the brand's own coding convention. It does not confirm the product is authentic, registered for import, or free of counterfeit stock. During sale season especially, also check the seller's ratings and look for manufacturer or importer details on the pack.
Batch-code formats are based on publicly documented manufacturer conventions and can change. If in doubt, contact the brand with your code. Shelf-life figures are industry averages.
New to batch codes? How to read batch codes and PAO symbols explains what each marking means and how long products last once opened.
Not sure a product is genuine? Our step-by-step guide to checking a cosmetic is original covers sellers, labels and what to do if you've been sold a fake.
Buying during a sale? A batch code confirms when a product was made, not whether it is genuine or legally registered for import. See our guide on checking a cosmetic's registration before you buy.