Creating a skincare and cosmetics line entails plenty of tasks: researching the ingredients, developing formulations, and testing the product. However, one of the most crucial and exciting steps is choosing the product packaging. It's a process that must be taken care of as early as possible.
The packaging is what the customer first sees, so it's important to make a good impression. They won't be able to try your product until they buy it, so grabbing their interest through their packaging is a crucial factor.
Additionally, the material of your packaging matters as well. It's not just about choosing the most aesthetically pleasing option, but also its reactivity to your product. Certain chemicals used in cosmetics and skincare products may react with the packaging material. If you don't want your creams and serums to corrode, leak, or go bad, then doing your research is important.
Lucky for you, we've listed some of the most common cosmetics packaging materials below. Read on to know which ones are best suited for your cosmetics line.
Types of packaging materials
Glass
This is the safest material to use for cosmetics since it's the most inert (not reactive to chemicals). Glass packaging is the most recommended for products containing essential oils and acids like AHA and BHA. The sturdy composition of the glass also prevents it from corrosion, which is common in plastic packaging that reacts with the products inside it.
Another advantage of glass containers is their aesthetic appeal. They can make your product look sophisticated and upscale. Plus, they're recyclable, so you're also reducing your carbon footprint on the planet.
Glass packaging may come in different forms. Depending on your products, you can choose from jars, bottles, vials, or rollerball applicators. It can either be clear, tinted, or frosted. Your labels can also be printed directly on the bottle or as used as stickers.
The only downside with bottles is that they are more expensive to manufacture and ship. However, if you find the right glass packaging manufacturer like Roetell, you can get discounts by buying in bulk. Head over to roetell.com for more information on their glass packaging solutions.
Polyethylene terephthalate (or PET)
Imitating the clear look of the glass, PET containers are clear plastic bottles or jars that are mostly used for cosmetics and beverages. They have gained popularity over the decades since they are lightweight, inexpensive, and shatter-resistant.
PET makes for an excellent cosmetics container because it provides a barrier between the plastic and the product. This prevents the chemicals in the product from reacting with the plastic and corroding it. If your product contains alcohol, essential oils, and other solvents, then PET might be suited for you.
Polypropylene Plastic
Propylene plastic, or commonly known as PP, is also a popular packaging option among many skincare and cosmetics brands. It is sturdier than PET and is usually opaque. Some examples of PP are cream jars, lotion squeeze tubes, and twist-up deodorant tubes.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
This is the safest and most robust plastic packaging for cosmetics. It's BPA-free, solid-structured, and less likely to leach chemicals into the product. Plus, it's highly recyclable.
Metal
Some cosmetics and skincare manufacturers are now using tin cans for their products, like scrubs, cream blushes, brow pomades, and balms. Metal offers a nice, vintage look to your products. However, you should be careful about using metal packaging with products that contain essential oils; it will need a special coating to avoid rusting. This is applicable to metal lids as well.
Aluminum packaging may come in flat or deep tin cans, aerosols, or screw-top lids.
Size of the packaging
Determining the sizes of your packaging is crucial in marketing too. For example, your lotions are less likely to sell if you're putting them in one-liter bottles. Similarly, your customers won't like it very much if your lip tints are packaged in extremely small containers.
For products that customers intend to use every day, medium-sized bottles will do. This includes lotions, facial washes, sunscreen, deodorant, foundation, etc. Products that are only used moderately can be placed in smaller packaging, such as brow powder, eyeshadow, concealer, nail polish, etc.
Packaging design and label
The design of your packaging can make or break your products. There are standard designs and sizes for commonly used cosmetics packaging. Your packaging supplier will have plenty that you can choose from. However, if you want your products to stand out, you can also have your packaging custom-designed.
Custom-designed packagings are a great option because they reflect your brand's personality better than pre-made ones. You can choose the size, material, finish, lids, toppers, and colors. You have complete control over the look of your products.
The label of your product should be planned carefully too. It should contain all the essential products and company information. When designing the label, it's best to work with a professional team of designers.
Sustainability
Sustainability isn't a factor that many cosmetics companies consider when choosing product packagings. However, it's important to choose the most recyclable materials that are compatible with your products.
Although plastic packagings are cheap and lightweight, most of them are single-use and are thrown away after use. On the other hand, glass packagings are classier and more versatile, which makes them easier to repurpose. Most importantly, glass can be recycled for an unlimited amount of time.
Conclusion
Selecting the right packaging material for your cosmetics brand can do wonders for your products. It conveys your brand's personality through its design and label. It keeps your products fresh and protects them from becoming damaged. Thus, it's important to research which material is the most suitable for your products.
