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What should be considered when designing OEM cosmetic packaging materials?

For cosmetics, in addition to the need to file a registration application for the safety of the product itself, the outer packaging also requires a registration application. Packaging is an extremely important aspect of cosmetics—just like building a house: getting the structure right is only part of the job; the rest lies in the decoration. So, what should be considered when designing cosmetic OEM packaging? The goal is to boost efficiency and gain valuable time to get products onto the market as quickly as possible. There are two scenarios regarding this issue: The first scenario involves commissioning a cosmetic manufacturing facility to handle both the design and the selection of packaging materials. In this case, the issue is easily resolved because cosmetic manufacturers have dedicated personnel who specialize in this area. Once the packaging design is complete, the manufacturer will send it to you. You can then review the design, suggest any necessary changes, and make revisions until the sample is finalized and approved. The second scenario is when the customer designs the packaging themselves. However, after completing the design, it’s crucial to first send the design files to the cosmetic OEM manufacturer. They’ll then contact the person responsible for the registration process to check whether there are any issues with the design—particularly with the patterns and text depicted on the packaging. Certain elements simply cannot be included; otherwise, the registration won’t be approved. Making adjustments at this stage incurs minimal costs or losses. Once the design has been revised and confirmed as error-free, you can proceed to the next step. Next, a prototype of the packaging is produced and sent to the cosmetic OEM manufacturer. During the product registration period (which typically takes 10–20 days), you can simultaneously arrange for the packaging manufacturer to begin mass production. This approach saves time in the overall production process, since production planning can only start once the packaging has arrived at the cosmetic manufacturer.

2025/12/11

Cosmetic packaging upgrades: Simplicity, eco-friendliness, and high quality are becoming the trend.

Through observing the exhibition and conducting interviews, reporters from Cosmetics Finance Online found that cosmetic packaging manufacturers—whether using glass or plastic bottles—are all striving for high transparency in their products. “Glass packaging is gradually shifting toward the mid- to high-end market. In the ongoing balance between product quality and price, transparency has become an important consideration.” Currently, most skincare packaging on the Chinese market is made of plastic, with glass bottles representing only a niche segment. “It’s worth emphasizing that the domestic market is still developing, and the market for glass packaging will continue to expand in the future. What we need to do is clearly identify and target our customer segments, and strive as much as possible to capture our share of the market.” In addition, “thick-bottom” bottles have recently become a major trend in the cosmetics market. “Thick-bottom bottles are of higher quality, demand greater technical expertise, and look more sophisticated.” Typically, thick-bottom bottles are produced using injection molding technology, whereas thinner-bottom bottles were traditionally made using blow-molding. The former requires more advanced technology. Currently, among plastic cosmetic packaging bottles on the market, PETG material is gradually replacing the original PP and PET materials. “PETG is essentially an upgraded version of PET material—it’s more corrosion-resistant, has higher light transmittance, and is more shatter-resistant. It’s usually produced via injection molding, resulting in even better quality.” Innovations in paper packaging are emerging one after another, and the concept of environmental protection is becoming increasingly ingrained in people’s minds. “The paper packaging market is currently stable, but there are significant differences in the needs of various customers.” To meet these diverse customer demands, additional processing is often carried out on paper packaging. These “handcrafted” enhancements add value to the products, making them more distinctive and boosting their competitiveness. It’s understood that customers mainly come from overseas markets such as the Middle East, the United States, and Europe. “Middle Eastern customers demand extremely luxurious packaging, while U.S. customers prefer simplicity and cost-effectiveness, and European customers seek understated luxury.” Based on different customer requirements, considerable effort is put into post-processing steps, such as setting diamonds on boxes, embedding velvet fabric, applying pearls, using localized pearlescent films, creating simulated textures, and achieving three-dimensional visual effects. “Compared to domestic companies, foreign companies place greater emphasis on packaging—using it to showcase products and enhance brand image,” said Yu Liangjie, Sales Manager for Asia at Mohawk Fine Papers in the U.S., to our reporter. Since 2014, domestic companies have also been paying increasing attention to packaging and environmental protection. “Therefore, we believe that Chinese paper packaging will become increasingly high-end, and eco-friendly materials will gain ever greater popularity and recognition.”

2025/12/11

Cosmetic Packaging Material Testing Items and Testing Standards

Barrier properties, heavy metals, coefficient of friction, tensile strength and elongation at break, appearance, heat resistance, cold resistance, pH value, total bacterial count, total mold and yeast count, compatibility, peel strength, heat sealing performance, sealing and leakage resistance, impact resistance, thickness, residual solvents, printing quality, and more. I. Testing of Cosmetic Transport Packaging To ensure that cosmetics arrive intact at consumers’ hands after undergoing transportation and shelf display, they require robust transport packaging. Currently, corrugated cardboard boxes are the primary type of cosmetic transport packaging, and the main testing indicators focus on the box’s compressive strength and stacking tests. 1. Corrugated Box Compressive Strength Testing: During testing, the corrugated box is placed between the two platens of the XYD-15K carton compression tester. The compression speed is set, and the test is started until the box collapses. The pressure at which the box collapses is recorded as its compressive strength, expressed in kilonewtons (kN). When conducting this test, it is crucial to follow the testing standards and set a pre-compression value (typically 220 N) before starting the actual test. 2. Carton Stacking Test: During storage and transportation, cartons are stacked on top of each other. The bottommost carton must withstand the pressure from multiple upper cartons. To prevent collapse, the carton must have adequate compressive strength after stacking. Therefore, it is essential to perform both stacking tests and maximum crush force tests. II. Testing of Cosmetic Packaging Printing Quality Cosmetics are designed to have an appealing visual aesthetic and are printed with exquisite detail; thus, testing their printing quality is particularly important. Currently, routine testing items for cosmetic printing quality include abrasion resistance (scratch resistance) and adhesion testing, as well as color discrimination. 1. Abrasion Resistance Testing: According to GB7706, samples are prepared and then fixed onto the testing plane of an abrasion testing machine. An 80 g clean offset paper is attached to the weight block. After setting the number of abrasion cycles (typically 40 reciprocations), the test is started. Finally, the change in density before and after the test is used to evaluate the printing quality. Generally, a value greater than 70% is considered acceptable. 2. Ink Adhesion Testing: For plastic printing, testing must be conducted according to GB7707 standards. First, glass tape is applied to the ink-printed surface, then rolled back and forth three times using the YGJ-02 adhesive tape roller. After leaving it for 5 minutes, the sample is clamped onto the A disk of the BLJ-02 disc peel tester, with the exposed tape fixed onto the B disk. The A disk is rotated at a speed of 0.8 m/s to peel off the glass tape, and the state of the ink layer being peeled off is observed to determine the adhesion strength of the printed ink. 3. Color Discrimination: People usually observe colors under daylight. In industrial production, precise color discrimination requires lighting sources with a spectral power distribution similar to natural daylight—specifically, the D65 standard light source specified by CIE. During color matching, there is a peculiar phenomenon: samples and test specimens may appear identical under one light source but show color differences under another. This is known as metamerism. When selecting a standard light source cabinet, it is essential to ensure it has dual light sources. III. Testing of Cosmetic Adhesive Labels Adhesive labels are widely used in cosmetic packaging. Their testing mainly focuses on the adhesive performance of these labels (adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive). The key testing items include initial adhesion, sustained adhesion, and peel strength (peeling force). 1. Initial Adhesion Testing: Using the inclined plane rolling ball method, the initial adhesion of the sample is tested by briefly contacting the adhesive surface of the pressure-sensitive tape with a steel ball under slight pressure. The initial adhesion performance of the adhesive label is characterized by the largest steel ball number that can be adhered to. 2. Sustained Adhesion Testing: The test plate with the adhesive sample attached is hung vertically on the test stand, with weights of specified mass suspended at the top and bottom ends. After a certain period, the displacement of the adhesive or the time it takes for the sample to completely detach is measured to characterize the sustained adhesion performance of the adhesive label. 3. Peel Strength Testing: Peel strength is an important indicator for measuring the adhesive performance of adhesive labels. The adhesive label is cut into 25 mm wide strips using a sampling knife, and then rolled onto a standard test plate using a standard roller. After pre-peeling the sample from the test plate, the test plate and the pre-peeled adhesive label are respectively placed in the upper and lower or left and right grips of an intelligent electronic tensile testing machine or an electronic peel testing machine. With a test speed of 300 mm/min, the test is started, and the final peel strength in kN/m is calculated. IV. Testing of Cosmetic Packaging Barrier Properties The barrier properties of packaging are one of the critical testing items for cosmetic packaging. Barrier properties refer to the ability of packaging materials to resist the permeation of gases, liquids, and other substances. These properties significantly affect product quality during the shelf life. Unsaturated bonds in cosmetic ingredients are prone to oxidation, leading to rancidity and spoilage. Loss of moisture can easily cause cosmetics to dry out and harden. Maintaining the aromatic scent of cosmetics is also crucial for sales. Barrier property testing includes evaluating the permeability of cosmetic packaging to oxygen, water vapor, and aromatic gases. 1. Oxygen Permeability Testing: This test primarily measures the oxygen permeability of films, composite films, and entire packaging bags or bottles used for cosmetics. Pre-treated samples are tightly clamped between test chambers. Oxygen or air flows on one side of the film, while high-purity nitrogen flows on the other side. Oxygen molecules diffuse through the film into the high-purity nitrogen on the opposite side, carried by the flowing nitrogen to a sensor. By analyzing the oxygen concentration measured by the sensor, the amount of oxygen permeating through the film is calculated. The principle for testing packaging bags or bottles is similar. 2. Water Vapor Permeability Testing: This test is mainly used to measure the water vapor permeability of cosmetic packaging films and packaging containers such as bottles, bags, and cans. By determining water vapor permeability, technical specifications of packaging materials and other products can be controlled and adjusted to meet different application requirements. Samples are tightly clamped between test chambers. Nitrogen with stable relative humidity flows on one side of the film, while dry nitrogen flows on the other side. Due to the humidity difference, water vapor moves from the high-humidity side through the film to the low-humidity side. On the low-humidity side, the water vapor is carried by the flowing dry nitrogen to a sensor, which outputs an electrical signal. The amount of water vapor permeating through the film is calculated based on this signal. For packaging bottles and bags, dry nitrogen flows inside the container, while the outside remains at high humidity. 3. Fragrance Retention Testing: This indicator is especially important for cosmetics, as loss or alteration of fragrance can affect product sales. Testing the fragrance retention performance of cosmetic packaging is crucial. Under specified temperature conditions, the sample separates the permeation chamber into two sides: one side with a high concentration of aromatic gas and the other with a low concentration. This creates a certain concentration difference of aromatic gases across the sample. The aromatic molecules pass through the film into the low-concentration side and are carried by the carrier gas into the separation chamber. The FID hydrogen flame ionization detector measures the concentration of aromatic gases in the carrier gas, allowing calculation of the amount of aromatic gas passing through per unit area of the sample per unit time.

2025/12/11

What are the categories of cosmetic packaging materials?

What are the main types of cosmetic packaging materials? How are they classified? For example, plastic bottles are also a type of cosmetic packaging material. Cosmetic packaging materials are a category within the packaging industry, broadly divided into integral packaging materials and partial packaging materials. For integral packaging materials, cosmetic manufacturers typically provide drawings or general specifications, which are then handed over to packaging suppliers for production. In contrast, partial packaging materials are much more detailed and tailored to specific situations and requirements, including localized printing, bottle body packaging, and bottle shell packaging. Depending on the type of cosmetic packaging, even small accessories can be outsourced specifically. The cosmetic packaging industry is closely linked to the cosmetics industry itself. Today, as the overall homogenization of the cosmetics industry intensifies, the value of packaging materials has risen accordingly. In recent years, industry insiders have also been calling for low-carbon and eco-friendly packaging solutions. 1—PET? Its key characteristics include high gas barrier properties, excellent pressure resistance, superior water resistance, and exceptional transparency—its transparency rate reaches as high as 95%, surpassing that of other commonly used plastic packaging containers. However, PET is not heat-resistant and is often used for packaging food products, beverage bottles, and cosmetic containers. Precisely because of its high gas barrier properties and the absence of capillary pores in the packaging container, it’s ideal for making containers designed to hold alcohol. 2—HDPE Its Chinese name is High-Density Polyethylene, commonly known as high-density PE. It’s designated as Material No. 2 in international material identification codes. Its primary characteristic is excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. Products made from HDPE have a semi-transparent appearance but aren’t very heat-resistant and do have capillary pores. It’s frequently used for packaging chemical products such as pharmaceutical bottles and cosmetic containers. 3—PVC Its Chinese name is Polyvinyl Chloride, and it’s designated as Material No. 3 in international material identification codes. Its main characteristics are transparency and poor heat resistance. Before the advent of PET, PVC was widely used as a substitute for PET in packaging beverages like mineral water and fruit juices. Today, its primary use is in manufacturing pipes for construction materials and coated wires for electrical applications. Containers made from PVC have capillary pores, so it’s not suitable for holding alcoholic beverages. 4—LDPE Its Chinese name is Low-Density Polyethylene, commonly referred to as low-density PE. It’s designated as Material No. 4 in international material identification codes. Due to its lower molecular density, LDPE is softer than HDPE. Products made from LDPE have a semi-transparent appearance, are not heat-resistant, and have capillary pores. However, LDPE exhibits good resistance to acids and alkalis. Containers made from this material are often used in the chemical industry—for items such as facial cleansers, salad dressings, glue bottles, and flexible tubes for cosmetic containers. 5—PP Its Chinese name is Polypropylene, designated as Material No. 5 in international material identification codes. It’s a high-density material. Products made from PP have a semi-transparent appearance, are heat-resistant, impact-resistant, and resistant to acids and alkalis—but they do have capillary pores. It’s commonly used for foods packaged via hot-filling processes, microwave-safe cookware, and everyday household items such as bowls and mouthwash cups that can withstand high temperatures. Microwave-safe processing examples include measuring cups. 6—PS Its Chinese name is Polystyrene, designated as Material No. 6 in international material identification codes. Products made from PS have excellent transparency and sealing properties but are brittle and not heat-resistant. It’s often used for sealing cans and food boxes. 7—PC It’s designated as Material No. 7 in international material identification codes. Products made from PC are transparent, highly heat-resistant, and not easily broken. It’s commonly used for manufacturing baby bottles, distillation barrels, heat-resistant containers, and medicine bottles.

2025/12/11

Common materials used for cosmetic packaging

1. ABS: ABS is an engineering plastic that is not environmentally friendly. It has relatively high hardness and cannot come into direct contact with cosmetics or food. In acrylic cosmetic packaging, it is typically used for inner lids and shoulder sleeves. Its color is yellowish or milky white. 2. PP and PE: PP and PE are environmentally friendly materials that can directly contact cosmetics and food. They are the primary materials used for filling organic skincare products. The materials themselves are white and semi-transparent. Depending on their molecular structures, they can achieve three different levels of softness and hardness. 3. PET: PET is an environmentally friendly material that can directly contact cosmetics and food. It is the main material used for filling organic skincare products. PET is relatively soft and has a naturally transparent appearance. 4. PCTA and PETG: PCTA and PETG are environmentally friendly materials that can directly contact cosmetics and food. They are the primary materials used for filling organic skincare products. These materials are softer and transparent. Both PCTA and PETG are soft and prone to scratches. They are less commonly used for spray printing and more often for conventional printing. 5. AS: AS has low hardness and is relatively brittle (producing a crisp sound when tapped). It is transparent with a bluish undertone and can directly contact cosmetics and food. It is commonly used as the material for the body of ordinary lotion bottles and vacuum bottles, and can also be used to make small-capacity cream jars. It has a transparent appearance. 6. Acrylic: Acrylic is relatively hard and transparent, with a white undertone. To maintain its transparent texture, acrylic often undergoes external spraying inside the outer container or is colored during the injection molding process.

2025/12/11

What are the characteristics of good cosmetic packaging?

Cosmetic packaging is like the “clothing” of cosmetics—its first impression can leave a lasting mark on consumers and attract customers, thereby playing a crucial role in boosting cosmetic sales. What are the key features of well-designed makeup packaging, and how does it capture customers’ attention? The design of cosmetic packaging is a comprehensive undertaking that requires a deep understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and product characteristics themselves. It involves detailed analysis and precise positioning. Moreover, it demands an exceptionally high level of aesthetic sensibility, encompassing not only the product’s visual design but also the coordination of patterns, colors, typography, and logo design. Generally speaking, high-quality makeup packaging exhibits the following characteristics: First, it highlights the product’s unique features and sets it apart from competitors, leaving a strong and memorable impression that encourages customers to make a purchase—and ultimately brings substantial benefits to the company. So, how can we effectively emphasize these distinctive features? Typically, three key factors should be considered: 1. Bold and distinctive colors: Clear, vibrant colors create a powerful visual impact. Therefore, the first step is to select several signature colors that align with your product’s brand philosophy and serve as the product’s iconic color palette. These colors should be consistently used across all marketing materials to ensure that your product stands out clearly and remains easily recognizable by consumers. 2. Personalized fonts or patterns: Products should generally feature a standardized font design that reflects the brand’s identity and highlights the customer’s individuality. This standardized font design, combined with the iconic color palette, forms one of the primary visual elements of brand identity. As the market economy continues to evolve, if you want to secure a significant market share amid fierce competition and enable consumers to instantly recognize your brand among many others—and even encourage them to willingly choose your products—you must emphasize your brand’s unique image. 3. Harmonious integration of cosmetic packaging with brand graphics: Cosmetic packaging typically features the brand’s signature graphic elements. These brand graphics should resonate with the product’s core concept and may take the form of either realistic or abstract imagery. The underlying meaning of these graphics must align seamlessly with the brand’s overall ethos. For cosmetic injection molding manufacturers, how can they effectively integrate brand graphics into product packaging in a way that feels natural and harmonious? This brings us back to the earlier points about color and aesthetics. Additionally, the placement of these graphics on the packaging is critical—ensuring that the entire cosmetic package presents a cohesive and visually appealing combination with the brand’s graphical elements, collectively delivering both an impactful and lively promotional effect.

2025/12/11