What do the symbols on the packaging mean?
You've probably already taken a close look at the packaging of Dresdner Essenz cosmetic products while relaxing in the bathtub. On the back you'll find not only the description and application instructions, but also a lot of unknown numbers and symbols. We'd like to explain what they mean in this article.

Numbers and figures
"PZN" stands for "Pharmazentralnummer" and is a standardised identification code for products that are available in pharmacies. You can use this number to order our products from the pharmacy if you are unable to find them elsewhere.
"Id no." means identification number and is used for internal labelling of packaging versions.
You will also find a 6 or 7-digit code on each pack. This is the batch coding of the product. This is a kind of production code. With the batch number, we can trace exactly which production series a product comes from. This is particularly important in the event of defects or irregularities in individual products. There are retained samples from each batch that can be checked for defects. In the event of defects, we will always ask you for the batch number of the product, so you should not dispose of the packaging.
Shelf life of a cosmetic product

Hourglass
The shelf life of cosmetic products such as bath additives, shower gels or body lotions is characterised by two different symbols. The "hourglass" or the "jar". On products with a shelf life of less than 30 months, you will see an hourglass on the back of the packaging, with a reference to a specific expiry date. However, the hourglass symbol can also be replaced by the wording "Best before".

opened cream jar
Products with a shelf life of more than 30 months are labelled with a jar indicating the shelf life in months (M) or years (J) after the product has been opened.

without a symbol
But what about bath additives that do not have such a symbol printed on them? These also have a shelf life of at least 30 months. A shelf life after opening is not relevant as the product quantity is precisely matched to a full bath. For optimum product quality, you should use up a single application in one go. As a rule, we say that bath salts have a shelf life of around three years, depending on how they are stored (except for natural cosmetics). Ideally, you should always store bath salts and bubble baths in a cool, dry place.
Filling quantity and recycling information

Filling quantity
You will always find this symbol before the quantity. This "e" is the so-called EEC mark (European Economic Community). By using the EEC mark, we confirm that we comply with the legal requirements for the filling quantity and its labelling in accordance with the German Prepackaging Ordinance. This mark is used for the EU-wide distribution of our products and facilitates the testing processes.

Recycling symbols
The recycling symbol with or without the recycling code can be found on many types of packaging. The recycling code identifies the various materials for proper return to the recycling cycle and helps recycling companies in particular to categorise and recycle the packaging. If there is no recycling code in the symbol, this is the so-called "Möbius loop". This indicates that the packaging material is recyclable.

Clean man
The so-called "clean man" is intended to remind you to dispose of packaging in an environmentally friendly way.
Ingredients
The ingredients must be declared on every cosmetic product. All substances that make up more than one per cent of the formulation are listed in descending order, followed by the ingredients in no particular order. This means that the ingredient that is listed first also contains the most in your cosmetic product. The ingredients must be labelled with the heading "Ingredients" / INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), colourants are listed as CI numbers. It is not always possible to include all the information on the packaging, e.g. if it is very small. In such cases, you will find the "book symbol" on the packaging, then the information can be found elsewhere, e.g. on an instruction leaflet or label.
Product protection and instructions for use

Not suitable for children under 3 years of age
Very often you will find information on our products, either as a picture or in text form, that they are not suitable for children under the age of three. The information "Not suitable for children under 3 years of age" is primarily intended to protect the sensitive skin and health of small children. Parents should take care to use mild and natural products specially developed for babies in order to minimise the risk of skin irritation and other health problems. If this information is missing, parents should primarily assume that the product should not be used for babies and toddlers. Special products for this age group are always clearly labelled.

Protect from direct sunlight
Sensitivity to light is an important factor to consider when selecting and storing cosmetic products. Some of the ingredients used in our products are sensitive to light. It is therefore worth paying attention to the packaging and storing light-sensitive products appropriately to preserve their effectiveness. This symbol with the crossed-out sun provides quick orientation. By protecting your beauty products, you ensure that your beauty routine continues to deliver the desired results - without the beautiful products becoming unusable prematurely.

Not suitable for consumption
The "Not for human consumption" label serves to protect consumers. Cosmetic products are safe for external use, but they may also contain ingredients that must not be swallowed. It is therefore important to take this warning seriously and to always keep cosmetics out of the reach of children.