5 tips to choose the ideal cosmetic container

Oct. 21, 2024

5 Tips to Choose the Ideal Cosmetic Container

When selecting the best container for a cosmetic product, various factors need to be considered. What materials are the most environmentally friendly? How can we catch the customer’s attention? These questions often arise while choosing a cosmetic container.

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Two critical aspects to consider when selecting packaging for a cosmetic product are characteristics and values. These factors will significantly influence the design of the container and external packaging, ensuring customers notice it. Below are five tips to help you choose the right packaging for a cosmetic product.

Preserve the Cream’s Properties: The preservation of the product is paramount. A cosmetic typically consists of multiple ingredients, both natural and chemical, each requiring specific conditions to maintain its properties. Therefore, it's essential to consider the needs of each component and identify the best materials for preservation.
Be Environmentally Friendly: With each passing year, consumers become increasingly concerned about using eco-friendly and non-polluting materials. Consequently, manufacturing trends are transitioning towards materials that meet these consumer preferences.
High Recyclability: Another tip for selecting good cosmetic packaging is to ensure the material used is recyclable. One of the significant commitments of Rafesa in recent years has been to include cosmetic containers with a high degree of recyclability in its catalog. PET has become a sought-after choice for companies as it is one of the most recycled materials and effectively preserves cosmetics.
Ergonomic Design: Customers appreciate containers that are easy to use. If a container is difficult to open or utilize, customers will likely have a negative impression of both the product and the company, reducing the likelihood of repeat purchases. Providing a user-friendly experience can positively influence customer loyalty.
Attract Attention: Attracting consumers’ attention and standing out from the competition are crucial during the design phase of a container. The shape, materials, and decoration are key factors in creating appealing packaging for a cosmetic product. Always align the packaging with the company’s philosophy and values while considering consumer tastes and preferences.

Skincare Packaging Basics: Choosing the Right Material

When preparing to choose your skincare packaging, it is advisable to do so early in your skincare launch plan. Pay close attention to the materials used, as their interactions with your product can be significant.

Natural skincare products contain various beneficial ingredients, such as essential oils and fatty acids, which may negatively react with certain materials. For example, butters and creams can leach through Kraft paper bags, and acrylic jars may crack. This short guide can help you navigate your skincare packaging needs effectively.

Preferred Materials for Skincare Packaging

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET, also known as PETE or Polyester, is primarily used for manufacturing plastic bottles for cosmetics and beverages. It is favored for its effective oil barrier, preventing chemical reactions and deterioration of the plastic. PET can be very clear, resembling glass in appearance, and can be produced in virtually any color.

PET’s range of flexibility varies from semi-rigid to rigid, making it lightweight and reducing shipping costs. It is also strong and impact-resistant.

If your product contains a lot of essential oils or other solvents, PET is an excellent plastic option.

Container Types: Bottles and jars available from Container & Packaging and Berlin Packaging.

Polypropylene Plastic (PP)

Polypropylene plastic is BPA-free and fully recyclable in the U.S. (number 5), making it a popular choice for tubes and cosmetic containers.

Container Types: Squeeze tubes from CTL and round twist-up deodorant tubes from Qosmedix.

Glass

Glass packaging is often perceived as upscale and eco-friendly. However, it can be expensive to ship and handle. Dark glass jars are ideal for essential oils, serums, and lotions, especially those high in vitamin C, as they offer a sophisticated appearance. Caution is advised when using glass for scrubs and bath gels due to their fragility.

Container Types: Vials, roller ball applicators, glass EO drams, jars, and bottles from Berlin Packaging.

Metal

Metal containers offer an attractive appearance but require special coatings for products with high essential oil content. It's essential to test the metal to ensure it withstands rusting and maintains its appearance. Additionally, be cautious with aluminum lids, as they can be easily damaged during manufacturing and shipping.

Container Types: Flat tins, deep tins, screw-top lids, and aluminum bottles from Container & Packaging.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is known for its durability and strength, being highly resistant to most acids. While it is suitable for products containing solvents like alcohol, it is not ideal for high essential oil content products due to potential reactions. Although never completely see-through, HDPE can be translucent, allowing visibility of the product inside.

Container Types: Jars and bottles in opaque white, natural, or black from suppliers like Raepak.

Retail Shelf Appeal

Once the material for your products is determined, consider its shelf appeal. Does the packaging attract your target customers? Does it align with your brand image? Collaborate with your manufacturer to ensure they can effectively fill and label the containers.