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 type of packaging material that can be categorized into integral packaging materials and partial packaging materials.
For general packaging materials, cosmetic manufacturers typically provide drawings or rough specifications, which are then handed over to packaging suppliers for production. However, some packaging materials require a much more detailed approach, tailored specifically to particular circumstances and needs—such as partial printing, bottle-specific packaging, and bottle-body packaging. Depending on the type of cosmetic packaging, even small accessories can be outsourced separately. The cosmetic packaging industry is closely intertwined with the cosmetics industry itself. Today, as the overall homogenization within 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 features include high gas tightness, 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, it is not heat-resistant and is often used as a packaging material for food products, beverage bottles, and cosmetic containers. Precisely because of its high gas tightness and the absence of capillary pores in the packaging container, it is particularly well-suited for making containers designed to hold alcohol.

2---HDPE

Its Chinese name is high-density polyethylene, commonly known as HDPE. In the international material identification system, it is designated as Material No. 2. Its primary characteristic is excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. Products made from this material have a translucent appearance but do not exhibit very good heat resistance. Containers made from HDPE often have tiny pores. It is frequently used in chemical applications, such as packaging containers for pharmaceutical bottles and cosmetic bottles.

3---PVC

Its Chinese name is polyvinyl chloride, and its international material identification number is No. 3.

Its main characteristics are transparency and poor heat resistance. Before the advent of PET in its early days, it was already used as a substitute for PET in beverages such as mineral water and fruit juices. Today, its primary applications include manufacturing water pipes for construction materials and enameled wires for electrical cables. Containers made from this material have tiny pores, so it’s not suitable for storing alcoholic beverages.

4---LDPE

The Chinese name is low-density polyethylene, commonly referred to as LDPE. In the international material identification system, it’s designated as Material Number 4. Due to its low molecular density, LDPE is softer than HDPE. Products made from LDPE are typically translucent, not heat-resistant, and have tiny pores. However, they exhibit excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. Containers made from this material are often used in the chemical industry—for products such as facial cleansers, salad dressings, glue bottles, cosmetic containers, and flexible tubes.

5---PP

The Chinese name is polypropylene; its international material identification number is No. 5. It’s a high-density material. Products made from it have a translucent appearance and are resistant to heat, impact, and acids and alkalis, though they do have tiny pores. It’s commonly used for food packaging subjected to hot-filling processes, microwave-safe cookware, and everyday household items such as bowls and rinse cups that can hold high-temperature foods. Microwave-safe applications include measuring cups.

6---PS

Its Chinese name is polystyrene. In the international material identification system, it’s designated as Material Number 6. Products made from this material have excellent transparency and sealing properties, but they are brittle and not heat-resistant. It’s commonly used for sealed containers, among other applications.

Processing of food containers.

7---PC

It is designated as Material No. 7 in the international material identification system. Products made from this material are transparent, highly heat-resistant, and not easily broken. It is commonly used in the manufacture of baby bottles, distillation flasks, heat-resistant containers, and medicine bottles.