What are the main types of cosmetic packaging materials, and how are they classified? For example, plastic bottles are also a type of cosmetic packaging material.

Cosmetic packaging materials are a segment of the packaging industry, categorized into full‑package materials and partial‑package materials.
For most packaging materials, cosmetic manufacturers typically provide design drawings or general specifications and outsource production to packaging suppliers. However, certain components require far more detailed customization, tailored to specific applications and requirements—ranging from partial printing to bottle‑cap packaging and body‑packaging solutions. Depending on the type of cosmetic packaging, additional small ancillary parts may also be outsourced. The cosmetic packaging industry is closely intertwined with the cosmetics sector, and the growing trend toward product homogenization has further enhanced the value of packaging. In recent years, industry stakeholders have increasingly called for low‑carbon, environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

1---PET?

Its key characteristics include excellent airtightness, high pressure resistance, superior water‑proofing, and exceptional transparency—its clarity reaches as high as 95%, surpassing that of other commonly used plastic packaging containers. However, it is not heat‑resistant and is typically employed as a packaging material for food products, beverage bottles, and cosmetic containers. Owing to its outstanding airtightness and the absence of capillary pores in the container, it is also well suited for manufacturing packaging intended to hold alcoholic beverages.

2---HDPE

The Chinese name is high-density polyethylene, commonly referred to as HDPE. In the international resin identification code system, it is designated as resin type 2. Its key characteristics include excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. Products manufactured from HDPE are semi‑transparent, with relatively poor heat resistance, and may exhibit microscopic pores when used for packaging containers. It is frequently employed in the chemical industry for packaging applications such as pharmaceutical vials and cosmetic bottles.

3---PVC

The Chinese name is polyvinyl chloride, and its international resin identification code is No. 3.

Its main characteristics are transparency and poor heat resistance. Before PET was introduced, it was used as a substitute for PET in beverages such as mineral water and fruit juice. Today, its primary applications include manufacturing water pipes for construction and enamel‑coated wire insulation, among others. Containers made from this material have microscopic pores, so it is not suitable for storing alcoholic beverages.

4---LDPE

The Chinese name is low-density polyethylene, commonly referred to as LDPE. On the international resin identification code, it is designated as resin type 4. Due to its lower molecular density, it is more flexible than HDPE. Products made from LDPE are typically semi‑transparent, not heat‑resistant, and have a porous surface, but they exhibit excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. Containers manufactured from this material are often used in the chemical industry for applications such as facial cleansers, salad dressings, glue bottles, cosmetic jars, and squeeze tubes.

5---PP

The Chinese name is polypropylene; its international resin identification code is No. 5. It is a high-density material, and products made from it are semi‑transparent. It is resistant to heat, impact, and acids and alkalis, but it has microscopic pores. It is commonly used for hot‑fill packaging of food, microwave‑safe cookware, and everyday items such as bowls and rinsing cups that can hold hot foods. Microwave‑grade applications include measuring cups.

6---PS

The Chinese name is polystyrene, and its international resin identification code is No. 6. Products made from it exhibit high transparency and excellent sealing properties, but they are brittle and not heat‑resistant. It is commonly used for sealed containers,

Processing of food packaging boxes.

7---PC

It is designated as Material No. 7 in the international resin identification code; products made from it are transparent, highly heat‑resistant, and resistant to breakage. It is commonly used in the manufacture of baby bottles, distillation vessels, heat‑resistant containers, and pharmaceutical vials.