Learn how to make great packaging for your cosmetic products business, from the different packaging layers to packing each type of cosmetic.
Introduction to Cosmetic Packaging:
Cosmetic packaging is more than just a box. Not only does it protect your beauty products from spoiling and keeping them clean, it also serves as your own branding tool. By adding your logo, putting a distinct design and having a consistent visual identity creates instant brand recognition. Your cosmetic packaging is no longer just a box, but a canvas of storytelling, showcasing your values and expertise in the cosmetic industry.
Here you will learn about the different types of packaging for cosmetics, how to package the most common cosmetic products, as well as get some ideas from the current trends and innovations.
Types of Cosmetic Packaging:
In packaging cosmetics, you need to think about three different layers: the outer packaging, the display packaging, and the product packaging.
Outer Packaging - This refers to the tertiary packaging (usually shipping boxes and mailer boxes). The outer packaging makes sure all the contents inside are safe during transit and shipping. This is important because a lot of beauty products are packed on glass bottles, vials and jars, or have compact mirrors, not to mention products which are baked formulations prone to crumbling or breaking. The best material to use for outer packaging is corrugated cardboard, which are great for shipping delicate and sensitive products.
Display Packaging - This layer refers to the box used for displaying the products in stores or on an ecommerce page of a website. Also known as the inner packaging layer or the secondary packaging, this also offers protection to the actual product from other elements. However, the more important purpose of the display packaging in cosmetics is to attract customers by having eye-catching designs and building brand recognition, since the display packaging is most likely to be the first thing a potential customer will interact with.. You can also add thank you cards, custom tissue paper here for a more personalized approach.
Product Packaging - This refers to the actual packaging that houses the product. It’s what the customer holds when using the product. Commonly made of plastic, glass or metal for products such as shampoos and conditioners, lotions, perfumes and serums, lipsticks and powder compacts. This packaging is important for keeping the product safe from any degradation, leaks, providing accurate dosage for some products, and enhancing the experience for customers by being attractive and easy to use.
At PackM, although we do not offer product packaging such as bottles, we do offer outer packaging and display packaging for cosmetics.
Custom Cosmetic Packaging:
Having a custom cosmetic packaging for the outer and display packaging is crucial to enhance the presentation of your beauty products. Even though their focus is to protect the product from the elements, it doesn’t mean the packaging should look like a blank box.
Improve the visual appeal of your packaging by incorporating your own logo, colors, and design on both the outer packaging and the display packaging, having a more consistent branding across multiple layers.
You’re not limited to just putting the products inside the tertiary or secondary cosmetic packaging. Adding personal touches such as thank you cards and wrapping the product with custom tissue paper brings the unboxing experience to another level.
Not only does it become much more eye-catching, it also provides your customers an unforgettable experience.
Packaging for Different Cosmetic Products:
Lipsticks and Lip Balms
Primary Packaging: Plastic, metal or glass custom lipstick tubes
Secondary Packaging: mailer boxes, folded carton product boxes, or sleeves with custom branding and designs.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping or mailer boxes
Things to remember: Lipsticks and balms can melt or soften especially in warmer temperatures, so pack your products in multiple layers to prevent this.
Perfumes and Fragrances
Primary Packaging: Custom glass bottles with decorative caps and spray
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom boxes with inserts.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Perfumes in glass may break and cause leakage during transit. Make sure the product is secure and has adequate cushioning.
Skincare Products (Creams, Serums, Lotions)
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic or glass jars, bottles, or airless pumps for creams and serums.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom boxes with compartments.
Tertiary Packaging: Cartons or corrugated boxes for transport and storage.
Things to remember: Packaging should maintain an airtight seal to prevent oxidation and maintain the efficacy of active ingredients.
Eyeshadows and Makeup Palettes
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic or metal pans for individual eyeshadow shades. Custom compact cases for palettes.
Secondary Packaging: custom mailer boxes or folding carton product boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Shipping boxes or mailer boxes with protective foam or box fillers.
Things to remember: Products should be secure while in transit to prevent breakage of pressed powders in individual pans.
Nail Polishes
Primary Packaging: Custom glass or plastic bottles with brush applicators.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Nail polishes in glass may break during transit. Make sure the package is secure to avoid product leakage.
Shampoos, Conditioners and Other Hair Care Products
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic bottles with pumps or flip-top caps.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Packaging should be designed to avoid leakage of liquids and maintain product freshness.
Foundation, Face Makeup, Blushes and Bronzers
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic or glass bottles, or tubes with pumps
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes, mailer boxes or custom boxes with compartments.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Make sure the packaging is airtight to prevent air exposure and maintain the product’s texture and color consistency.
Mascara and Eyeliners
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic or metal tubes with brush or wand applicators.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Make sure packaging is secure to prevent damage and ensure hygienic use of brushes and applicators.
Body Washes and Shower Gels
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic bottles with pumps or flip-top caps.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Packaging should prevent leakage and maintain the product's consistency.
Fragrance Gift Sets
Primary Packaging: Custom glass or plastic bottles in unique shapes.
Secondary Packaging: Mailer boxes, folded carton product boxes or gift bags.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Products in glass containers should be secure with in glass may break and cause leakage during transit. Make sure the product is secure and has an ample amount of cushioning.
Face Masks and Sheet Masks
Primary Packaging: Custom pouches or sachets for individual masks.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Keep the primary packaging airtight to maintain the freshness and effectiveness of the masks.
Sunscreen and SPF Products
Primary Packaging: Squeeze bottles or plastic bottles with dispensers.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Make sure the package doesn’t leak to keep the integrity of SPF formulations.
Bath Bombs and Bath Salts
Primary Packaging: Custom tissue paper wrappers or bags for bath bombs.
Secondary Packaging: Mailer boxes, folded carton product boxes or gift bags.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Water-resistant packaging is best to prevent moisture from affecting bath products and causing premature activation of bath bombs.
Body Scrubs and Exfoliants
Primary Packaging: Custom plastic or glass jars with screw caps.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: The packaging should prevent moisture from coming in and maintain the texture of the scrub particles.
Makeup Brushes and Tools
Primary Packaging: Custom pouches or holders for individual brushes.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Make sure the package is secure and does not bend the product inside too much to prevent brush bristles from Packaging should protect delicate brush bristles from deforming.
Facial Cleansers and Cleansing Wipes
Primary Packaging: Resealable pouches for wipes or plastic bottles for liquid cleansers.
Secondary Packaging: Folded carton product boxes or custom mailer boxes.
Tertiary Packaging: Corrugated cardboard shipping and mailer boxes.
Things to remember: Packaging for wipes should maintain moisture to prevent them from drying out.
In the secondary packaging, you can also add items such as a thank you card, or an instruction card to inform customers about the correct usage of your products. For the tertiary packaging, you can add custom packaging tapes and labels for branding. Check out PackM’s custom boxes for your cosmetic products.
Branding and Labeling:
Tertiary packaging doesn’t need to look plain. Make them special by putting your own logo and custom design. This helps people recognize your brand better. Couple it up with packaging tapes also with your logo on it and instantly turn your tertiary packaging into a marketing tool.
For your secondary packaging, aside from having your brand logo and design, you could also add branded packaging items such as tissue paper wrapped on the product, thank you cards or instruction cards, stickers with your own logo, or even discount coupons for their next order. This makes the unboxing experience much more exciting than just having only the product inside.
Safety and Regulations:
As a cosmetic products seller, you need to be aware of several safety and regulations when packaging your beauty products. These regulations ensure the safety of your customers and maintain product quality. The most important points to keep in mind are:
Product Labeling and Ingredients: Label your products with accurate and clear information. Include the ingredients, usage instructions, warnings, and any necessary precautions.
Allergen Information: If your products contain common allergens (e.g., nuts, soy, fragrances), highlight them clearly on the label for consumers who may have allergies.
Packaging Materials: Use packaging materials that are safe for cosmetics and won't react with the product.
Tamper-Proofing: Include tamper-evident features to show customers that the product hasn't been opened or tampered with.
Child-Resistant Packaging: For some products with potentially harmful ingredients, use child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
Sustainability and Environmental Regulations: Be mindful of environmental regulations and consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging materials. Avoid excessive use of plastics and consider sustainable packaging alternatives.
Product Weight and Quantity: Indicate the net weight or volume of the product on the packaging and make sure the actual product quantity matches what is stated.
Expiration Dates: Products with a limited shelf life must include an expiration date or a "best before" date on the packaging.
Cosmetic Claims: Avoid misleading claims on your packaging about the effects of your products. Claims should be accurate and supported by scientific evidence.
Regulatory Agencies: Check if your products need to be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Safety Testing: Ensure that your products undergo appropriate safety testing, including stability and compatibility tests, to ensure they remain safe and effective throughout their shelf life.
Recall and Reporting: Have a clear plan in place for product recalls and adverse event reporting in case of any safety issues with your products.
By knowing the different types of cosmetic packaging, how to package the most common products, as well as the safety requirements and regulations, you can have your beauty product put its best foot forward by having a complete packaging solution that reflects your brand identity. Whether it’s lipsticks, perfumes, makeup, or skincare essentials, your packaging becomes a clear example of top-notch quality, creativity and craftsmanship, setting the stage for an unmatched customer experience.
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