Choosing the Right Packaging for Cosmetics: What You Need to Know

When selecting cosmetic products, we increasingly consider their ingredients and prefer natural and organic cosmetics. However, we often forget that the protective qualities of a product are greatly influenced by its packaging. This is why it’s time to think not only about choosing organic cosmetics but also about the packaging they come in. So, what makes good cosmetic packaging, and what should we pay attention to? Find out in this article!

Why is it Important to Pay Attention to Cosmetic Packaging?

Every cosmetic product is essentially a mixture of chemicals. Consumers need to understand that the primary role of packaging is to ensure the safety and quality of the product.

The initial opening of the packaging is crucial because it marks the start of the product’s safe usage period. This is why responsible cosmetic manufacturers provide testers for their products, allowing customers to try them out while ensuring the product’s quality and safety.

When a cosmetic product is exposed to air, it begins to lose its beneficial properties. This period varies depending on the specific product, which is why cosmetic products have different expiration dates.

Packaging Should Match the Product Ingredients

The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the product’s packaging is suitable for its contents. Consumers should verify this, as there are specific requirements for certain types of packaging for particular ingredients. This is more about the type of packaging rather than the choice of material, which is not strictly regulated.

Packaging Provides Information About the Product

Although some products come with an instruction leaflet containing information about ingredients and additional content, most manufacturers include essential information directly on the product’s outer packaging. Therefore, paying attention to packaging is also a good habit to cultivate.

Layers of Cosmetic Product Packaging

When considering cosmetic product packaging, it’s important to think about three different layers for each product:

1. Outer Packaging
   This type of packaging is intended for the product’s transport or storage (mostly applicable to wholesalers receiving products in bulk). It is chosen to ensure the product is delivered and/or stored safely and without damage, and if necessary, to maintain specific storage conditions required for the cosmetic product.

2. Inner Packaging
   This layer is positioned between the product and its outer packaging. It is used by retailers for promotional displays or to present the product as a gift.

3. Product Packaging
   This layer contains the cosmetic product itself and is primarily responsible for maintaining proper storage conditions for the product.

While the first two layers offer some flexibility in choice, the product packaging is directly dependent on the product it holds.

Types of Cosmetic Product Packaging

• Container Jars
  Container jars are commonly used for skincare cosmetics like face scrubs, masks, day or night creams. Manufacturers often choose jars with double walls to ensure proper storage conditions and extend the product’s shelf life.

• Cosmetic Bottles and Tubes
  Bottle types vary based on the product’s dispensing method. For example, bottles with spray nozzles are used for perfumes, while bottles with lotion pumps are suitable for body lotions, shower gels, facial cleansers, or serums. There are also standard bottles for makeup removers or tonics.

  Tubes are often equipped with rollerball applicators and are used for products like lip balms, oil blends, or deodorants.

For all types of cosmetic packaging, there are no specific regulations that require safety seals or protective materials on the container’s surface. However, responsible manufacturers typically include protective membranes and safety seals on all packaging layers. These companies often have their own stores with stringent oversight, including controlled temperature and humidity, and testers are used to prevent product tampering before purchase.

What Makes Good Cosmetic Product Packaging?

1. Protects the Product and Keeps It Usable Longer
   Packaging should protect the product from air, light, and temperature changes, which can spoil it. Plastic, glass, or metal packaging provides good protection from these environmental effects.

   The chosen material should:

   • Protect from direct sunlight
   • Provide a hermetically sealed environment to prevent air exposure

   It is also important that the filling process occurs in a closed, sterile environment to protect the product from microorganisms.

2. Functions Properly
   While packaging primarily protects the product from external influences and storage, it should also facilitate easy use. The packaging must be suitable for the type of product—most would agree that a perfume in a lotion-pump bottle would not be convenient or practical.

3. Attractive and Informative
   The packaging should reflect the product’s nature or characteristics and contain essential information such as the ingredient list and manufacturer details. As information requirements are stringent, it is crucial that the design is clear, visually appealing, and accurately represents the product.

4. Convenient for Transport and Storage
   Many cosmetic products are intended for use not only at home but also at work or during daily activities. Good packaging should be designed for specific use conditions—larger packaging for home use and more compact packaging for portability. For instance, lip balm packaging should meet consumer needs for on-the-go use.

5. Environmentally Friendly
   When it comes to packaging materials, manufacturers often prefer plastic, glass, or metal. However, not all plastics are bad—post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is made from existing materials and reduces the need for new raw materials. Some packaging can also be free from fossil-based materials and be recyclable. It is important to look for manufacturers that minimize plastic use and opt for recyclable or reusable packaging.

   Additionally, giving empty packaging a second life, particularly with materials like glass or metal, is a great idea.

For eco-friendly packaging and other natural products, check out Naturetty’s website!