How to choose packaging for cosmetic products

Packaging for cosmetic products must preserve the biochemical composition of the product and be convenient. When selecting containers, it is important to consider all the details. Knowledge of safety rules and nuances helps to easily choose the right packaging. Original bottles, vials and caps will make the brand recognisable and stimulate sales.

Types of cosmetic packaging

Storage containers protect the product from temperature fluctuations, light, moisture and other factors that adversely affect the quality of lotions, creams or oils. Therefore, the packaging material, its properties and characteristics, as well as the pros and cons of its use, are important.

Glass

The safest type of packaging, as the material does not emit odours, does not absorb the aroma of the contents, and reliably ensures the preservation of the product. Glass is not susceptible to atmospheric influences and does not absorb harmful substances. This eco-friendly material is durable and can be used in all conditions. Dark glass products protect the contents from UV radiation.

Glass packaging is perceived by consumers as the most prestigious. It is very attractive in appearance, but heavy - any bottle can be easily broken due to the fragility of the material.

In the manufacture of cosmetic products, glass is mainly used in perfumery.

Metal

Cosmetic packaging made of aluminium, tin or stainless steel combines environmental friendliness and elegance. Metal provides excellent protection against air and moisture penetration from the external environment and is strong and durable. Strong packaging is resistant to deformation, ensuring product integrity and preserving its quality for a long time. Metal containers for cosmetics are recyclable or refillable. The disadvantages include susceptibility to corrosion if storage terms and conditions are violated.

Aluminium tubes and jars for packaging creams, ointments, gels and other products of various textures, made with engraving and a polished finish, are ideal for branding and strengthening the manufacturer's image.

Biodegradable packaging

An eco-friendly packaging option made from plant-based raw materials. Organic substances are non-toxic and do not pollute the environment. The high cost of eco-packaging is justified by its practicality and original design. For example, bamboo cosmetic jars can be hot stamped, engraved and screen printed.

Plastic

The advantages of cosmetic packaging made from natural or biodegradable plastic are its lightness, strength and low cost. The type of polymer material and additives affects not only the appearance of the packaging, but also the safety of the contents and the shelf life of the product.

Before choosing plastic packaging for cosmetics, it is worth considering the compatibility of the material with the active ingredients of cosmetic products, as well as its resistance to water, chemical components, gas permeability and temperature sensitivity.

Choosing plastic for packaging is a search for a compromise between functionality, safety and environmental friendliness of the product.

Types of closures

There is no single standard for closures in the cosmetics industry.  Manufacturers are developing increasingly sophisticated container closure models with different technical characteristics and designs to attract buyers with their originality.

The wide range of closure devices can be divided into conditional categories according to their principle of operation and areas of application:

• Sprayers - suitable for perfumes, deodorants and other products. When the head is pressed, the liquid is sprayed evenly in a given direction. The closure has a protective cap to prevent accidental pressing;
• dispensers - used for conditioners, shampoos, gels, liquid soap. They allow you to accurately dispense the contents by pressing or turning the nozzle;
• Tubes and silicone tubes – closed with a cap that prevents cream, paste or gel from escaping and preserves the freshness of the product.
• Caps and lids – the most common type of closure for ensuring the contents remain sealed.

All bottles, tubes and jars are sealed with materials that do not affect the properties of the contents and meet the requirements for airtightness, as the product must retain its qualities throughout its shelf life.

Main types of lids and their features

A wide variety of care products are packaged in containers with lids, among which the most popular types can be distinguished.

Dispensers

The principle of operation of any dispenser is the release of liquid through an opening in the cap under the influence of external pressure. For example, sprays for atomising liquid use compressed air for this purpose.

Depending on the density of the contents, different devices are used:

• droppers - for perfumes;
• rollers - for deodorants or lip gloss;
• vacuum - for balms, gels, shampoos, soap;
• pumps - for creams, lotions, gels.

The advantages of dispensers are the rational consumption of the product through uniform and metered delivery, convenience and hygienic use.

Dropper caps (or pipette caps)

These devices help to dispense liquid agents as accurately as possible in accordance with the recommendations for use. Pipette cap options:

• Standard caps with built-in pipettes of various diameters according to the specified dosage.
• detachable - economical models that allow the pipette to be separated from the cap. Equipped with a cap to protect the pipette from spillage or contamination;
• adjustable - the speed and volume of liquid flow are under special control.

The choice of pipette caps is determined by the characteristics of the product.

Aluminium alloy caps

Metal closures provide reliable protection for skincare cosmetics and perfumery products. Advantages of aluminium alloys:

• anti-corrosion properties, chemical inertness;
• light and air impermeability;
• high degree of tightness;
• preservation of the freshness of cosmetic products thanks to the seal between the cap and the container;
• lightness, strength and convenience during transport.

Aluminium alloy lids are suitable for printing inscriptions, logos and emblems, which attracts manufacturers as it allows them to brand their products.

Screw cap

A sealing method in which the lid or cap is securely closed by rotating and twisting it onto the neck of the container. A few turns are sufficient to ensure a tight seal. Screw caps are one of the most popular types of closures because they reliably prevent air or liquid from entering the bottle or flask.

Advantages include ease of use, reusability of the container, and a secure closure to preserve product freshness.

Push-button sprayers

Trigger devices are widely used for deodorants and hair sprays, and are easily activated by pressing a button to spray the product. In addition to simple single-button models, the following sprayers have been developed:

• double - provide additional safety against accidental activation by requiring two buttons to be pressed simultaneously;
• ergonomic - increase comfort during use due to easy pressing, a comfortable handle or soft pads;
• adjustable - allow you to change the spray settings and are equipped with a directional nozzle.

All devices are made of high-quality plastic.

Requirements for the packaging of cosmetic products

The freshness of a product during its shelf life largely depends on the manufacturer's proper compliance with Russian and international requirements for the packaging of cosmetic products. GOST R 52340-2005 and the international standard ISO 22715 reflect the basic safety indicators for any type of cosmetic packaging:

• neutrality to the contents;
• protection from external factors.

Regulatory documents also regulate the requirements for the informational and marketing functions of packaging. The label must include the product name, composition, storage conditions, shelf life, as well as instructions for use and information about the manufacturer. The design of the packaging affects the recognisability of the product or brand.