Timestrips® Custom Cosmetic Applications

I just purchased a package of Timestrip® Labels. I just had to have these, partly because I am delving into the EU regulatory issues regarding PAO (Period After Opening) for cosmetic labels for a product line under development, but also because they are just so cool. I want to fiddle with them in their household, somewhat generic design before inquiring to get customization information.  Ha, I figure I can crazy glue  them onto the outside of my prototype cosmetic containers during our R&D phase!

So, what do Timestrips® Labels do you ask? And does the added expense translate to added consumer value?

Well to answer the first question, Timestrips® Labels website says “Inexpensive and easy to use Timestrip® labels contain a non-toxic tinted liquid dye which, when activated, migrates across the label at a consistent rate. This allows accurate monitoring of the time that has elapsed since a product was opened, providing a reliable visual ‘alarm clock’. ”

Timestrips® Allure Ad

This is fabulous for cosmetics formulators that are trying to produce cosmetic products with a high level of natural ingredients, and still balance consumer safety with consumer habits (uh, you know, Sally Nailbiter hoarding her opened face cream for 48 mos in a humid bathroom. Or for Tina Teenager who shares her mascara with her six BFF).

The second question is more subjective of course. The general idea though is to alert consumers when the cosmetic is no longer at its optimal best and encourage them to replace the product with a new, fresh specimen. If this last criteria remains authentic and not some gimmick to coerce consumers into spending more frequently, than the safety assurance and subsequent brand loyalty would offset the costs associated with implementing a custom Timestrips® label system. The cost of 50 stock Timestrips® cost $12.7079 with today’s conversion rate, or approximately .25 each, inclusive of shipping to the US from UK. You can get yours here. That .25 added ‘packaging cost’ is about the same as a label from a professional run of 5000+ labels. I would expect the .25 cost to be dramatically reduced when larger quantities are also contracted for.

It works beautifully with the EU Period After Opening system also.