Why Our Products Don’t Use Expiration Dates—and What Our New Packaging Means
We’ve received many questions regarding expiration dates, product freshness, and how to interpret our updated packaging, so we wanted to share a clear and transparent explanation.
Moving forward, with new production batches, our products will include a printed manufacturer year only on both the tube and outer packaging. In addition, the packaging will state that unopened products maintain quality for up to 5 years when stored under recommended conditions. This means that from the manufacturer year indicated on the product, unopened items are designed to maintain quality for up to five years when properly stored.
This guideline is intentionally conservative. Our formulations are developed using medical-grade ingredients, and within medical-grade classifications there are varying quality levels. We use only the highest available grades and professionally validated raw materials, allowing our products to maintain stability and integrity over extended periods when stored appropriately.
Once opened, products should be used within 24 months, as indicated by our PAO (Period After Opening) guidance. This is a widely accepted industry standard designed to ensure optimal performance, safety, and freshness during regular use.
It’s important to note that this guideline applies to standard cosmetic formulations. Certain professional treatments that involve active reconstitution or specific clinical protocols—such as products that must be used within a short timeframe after activation—will always be clearly labeled with their individual usage instructions. Outside of those cases, this updated standard will be applied consistently across our line.
In the U.S., cosmetic products are not legally required to display an expiration date. Instead, professional brands rely on formulation quality, stability testing, and PAO guidance to ensure product safety and performance. Our products are manufactured under strict quality control and stability standards, allowing unopened formulations to maintain integrity over extended periods.
Previously, we followed a conservative 3-year labeling guideline aligned with common practices in Korea. This approach did not indicate that products were only fresh or effective within that timeframe, but rather reflected a cautious labeling convention. With additional stability testing, certification, and quality validation completed, we are now updating our packaging to more accurately reflect the true stability and longevity of our formulations.
Lastly, we want to reassure our clients that promotions such as BOGO or special offers do not reflect lower-quality inventory. All products are managed under the same quality standards and inventory controls and are equivalent to fresh production batches. Our updated labeling is part of our ongoing effort to provide clearer, more transparent information.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of expiration dating, storage guidelines, and how to evaluate product freshness, we previously published a comprehensive blog addressing these topics in detail. We encourage reviewing that resource for further education and reference.
https://aomedusa.com/blogs/product-info/ao-medical-policy-on-short-dated-expired-products
As always, our commitment remains the same: delivering professional-grade products backed by science, testing, and integrity.