
Perfume is one of the few beauty products on the market still guarded by trade secrecy. Since competitors could copy and use the formula of another perfume, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows fragrance manufacturers to guard the ingredient list, hence the minimal labeling and obscure numbers found on a perfume bottle.
Significance

Manufacturers label perfume according to the regulatory guidelines of the country in which it is sold. The FDA regulates the labeling of all perfumes and fragrance products sold in the U.S.
Identification
The numbers on a perfume label identify: • the quantity of the product in fluid ounces • the post code of the distributor • the post code of the manufacturer (if different from the distributor)
Considerations
Fragrance companies can include other optional numerical information on their perfume bottles, such as the quantity in milliliters, customer service telephone numbers or numbers that tell what colors have been used in the formula, although these details are often reserved for the box or other outside packaging.
Size
According to FDA guidelines, the numbers on perfume packaging must be larger than 1/32 inch and be conspicuous enough for the consumer to read it. Because the aesthetic of the bottle is so important to the product, the majority of manufacturers place the labeling on the bottom with small font in a contrasting color to improve readability.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the numbers on a perfume bottle relate to best before dates. This is incorrect, although some bottles may have a batch number on them for quality control purposes.
Related Articles

Which Plastics Are Safe to Reuse?

How to Calculate Shipping Volume

How to Buy Perfume Testers

Alcohol Content: Proof vs. Percentage ...

What Information on a Food Label Is ...

How to Read the Date Code on the ...

How to Tell If a Guess Item Is Real?

Purpose of Perfume

How to Identify a Seiko Watch by the ...

How to Find Out How Much a Rolex Watch ...

How Long Does Liquor Keep in Storage?

Inert Ingredients for Dove Shampoo

How do I Size Oakley Sunglasses?

How to Spot Fake Chanel No. 5 Perfume

Can You Drink Milk That Expires the ...
What Is the Difference Between 80 & 100 ...

How to Send Wine to France

Is Cream of Tartar Gluten-Free?

How Do I Return Oakley Sunglasses for ...

Premium Saltine Crackers Nutrition
References
Writer Bio
An accredited makeup artist, Stacey Richardson has written for various fashion, beauty and lifestyle publications since 2007. Her work has appeared both in print and online for a variety of international companies. Richardson has a Bachelor of Design, honors, with a major in fashion communications, and a TEFL diploma, specializing in business communications.
Photo Credits
Perfume bottle image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com