Storage & shelf life

Light, temperature and the container

Keep products in their original correctly labelled containers and close them after use. Follow the stated temperature and storage conditions. Light-sensitive gels should be kept away from sunlight and unintended exposure to a curing lamp. Do not assume a cabinet next to the lamp is an appropriate place for every product.

Do not decant into an unlabelled container or mix materials unless the manufacturer expressly instructs it. Original labels and batch information help identify a product if a question or safety issue arises.

Dates and period after opening

Article 19 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation sets the labelling rules for minimum durability, period after opening where applicable, and relevant storage conditions. Check whether the product has a best-before date, an expiry instruction or a period-after-opening symbol. A symbol such as an open jar refers to the applicable period after first opening; it does not establish a universal shelf life for other products. Record the opening date where useful for stock control and use older suitable stock first.

Do not extend a stated period based only on appearance. A product’s condition depends on its specific formulation, storage and handling. Ask the manufacturer or supplier if the durability instruction is missing or unclear.

Inspect before using

Check for leakage, contamination, damaged packaging or an unexpected change in the product. Follow manufacturer instructions about shaking or mixing where applicable; do not improvise a repair for an unknown change. Put a questionable item aside and contact us with the product and batch details.

Keep restricted or flammable products according to their label and workplace requirements. Keep cosmetics away from children. For disposal, follow the product and local waste instructions; do not assume leftover gel or solvents belong down a drain.

A practical stock record

• Product name and batch number.
• Date received and, where relevant, date first opened.
• The product’s stated durability and storage requirements.
• Any issue and the action taken before reuse.

For product concerns, see Quality & product safety. For order or packaging damage, contact NailMarket.