Where it's printed
The code is a run of digits, sometimes with letters after it, so look for something that starts with three digits and keeps going. Where the mark sits varies by product; the batch code guide covers where to look.
How the code is built
The first digit is the last digit of the year the product was made. The next two digits are the week of that year. Anything after those three characters is ignored, and so are letters at the end. The app dates the code to the Monday of that week.
Worked example
10133310. The 1 is 2021 and 01 is the first week, so this was made on Monday 4 January 2021. Nivea states a shelf life of at least 30 months unopened, so the app gives a best before date of July 2023. In November 2026 that is already past.
Eucerin and Labello codes use this same rule in the app, so the steps are the same for them.
Variants and edge cases
The app handles the variants and edge cases for you. Some codes the rule can't date; the app says so instead of guessing.
Shelf life and the PAO symbol
Nivea publishes its own figure. Its Australian FAQ says every product has a proven unopened shelf life of at least 30 months from the date of manufacture, and the app uses 30. It is a minimum, not an expiry date.
After you open a jar, tube or tin, the PAO symbol on the pack is the number to follow.
Cosmetic Checker is independent and isn’t affiliated with Nivea.