Key Considerations When Selecting Beauty Packaging
There are several factors to consider when designing or selecting a packaging container for a beauty product, such as:
1. Packaging Style
Beauty product containers are available in numerous forms, including, but not limited to, bottles, jars, and tubes. The style used for a particular beauty product depends on what type of product it is and how it is utilized. For example, eye creams generally come in small jars or tubes to reduce the chance of the product going bad before it is used up, while shampoos and conditioners typically come in larger bottles or tubes to improve dispensability.
2. Packaging Material
In addition to style, beauty product packaging comes in many materials. The right one for a beauty product depends on a variety of factors, including product composition, use instructions, and brand aesthetic. For example:
- Glass is highly inert, meaning it does not react with most chemicals. This quality makes it suitable for use with beauty products that contain reactive materials, such as essential oils and acids. Glass is 100% recyclable.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is clear, lightweight, and shatter-resistant. These qualities, combined with its relatively low cost, make it suitable for the mass production of beauty products in transparent bottles or jars. PET is 100% recyclable.
- Polypropylene (PP) is durable, BPA-free, and 100% recyclable. It is commonly used to produce opaque jars and tubes.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is strong and durable, demonstrating resistance to acids and alcohols. It is also available with various degrees of transparency (transparent to opaque) and in a variety of colors, making it suitable for making custom product bottles. PE can be recycled.
- SAN/AS is a high-quality, luxury feeling plastic that is tough and rigid, and has good temperature and chemical resistance. Can be as clear as glass.
- Metal is increasingly finding use among beauty product manufacturers. The material offers a distinct, vintage look that helps products, such as balms, creams, and scrubs, stand out from the competition. Metal in general can be recycled.
3. Dispensing Pumps and Closures
Beauty products can be dispensed and closed in a number of ways. For example:
- Pumps allow for easy dispensing from bottles. They are available in many variations, including metal vs. plastic and spring vs. airless.
- Caps ensure the product remains inside the packaging container when it is not needed. They are available in several variants, including flip top, screw, disc, and pull top.
- Sprayers allow products to be dispensed in a splatter free fine mist. They are available in many variations and sizes including fine mist and trigger sprayers.
The right dispensing/closing element depends on numerous factors. Two of the most important are container size and product dosage. Both pumps and caps should be chosen with regard to the size of the packaging container; too big or too small ones would be ineffective and/or unaesthetic. Additionally, both should be designed to dispense the correct amount of product. Pumps and sprayers, although made from plastics that can be recycled, are difficult to recycle once assembled.
The Importance of Understanding Beauty Product Viscosity
When choosing the packaging style, packaging material, and dispensing/closure element, it is important to keep in mind the viscosity of the beauty product being packaged. Viscosity refers to a material’s resistance to deformation at a given rate. Regarding liquids, it is similar to the concept of thickness (e.g., sugar syrup is thicker than water). Knowing this information can give you an idea of how the product may behave within packaging (e.g., high-viscosity products are hard to squeeze out of tubes or pump out of bottles, while low-viscosity products flow easily out of tubes and bottles). As a result, it makes it easier to identify which type of container and dispensing/closure element is best suited for the product.
Contact the Packaging Experts at E2Global Today
There are many options available when it comes to choosing the packaging for a beauty product. This broad selection can make the selection process difficult or daunting for some companies. Fortunately, the experts at E2Global are here to help! We offer turnkey custom packaging solutions, ensuring your beauty product will be fully ready for sale. To learn more about our capabilities or discuss your product packaging requirements with one of our team members, contact us today.
