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Choosing the right packaging for cosmetic products

Table of Contents:

  • Choosing the right packaging for cosmetic products
    • Materials suitable for cosmetics packaging
    • Packaging for liquid products vs. packaging for solid products
  • Our work process at Pop Chemistprod
    • Market analysis and trend identification
    • Creating personalized recipes for cosmetic products
    • Rigorous selection of raw materials
    • Realization of custom packaging and design
    • Important aspects of the manufacturing process
  • How to design successful packaging
    • Design principles for attractive packaging
    • Brand elements: Logo, colors, message
    • How packaging influences the consumer’s purchase decision

Cosmetic product packaging represents much more than just an attractive outer layer; it plays a vital role with multiple functions. From protecting the product against mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors to visually conveying the brand’s identity, packaging becomes an extension of the product itself. That’s why how it is presented and promoted can ensure your success in a highly competitive market. Here’s what you need to know about dressing it up for success!

Choosing the right packaging for cosmetic products

When it comes to cosmetics and makeup products, containers can have a significant impact on the ingredients they contain. Beyond aesthetic appeal, cosmetic product packaging must be durable, practical, user-friendly, and, more recently, sustainable. Additionally, they should not in any way influence or alter the product itself.

Because body care products, whether for hair or skin, are formulated with active ingredients, they impose strict requirements on the compatibility of the packaging. It is essential that they provide adequate protection against the alteration or contamination of these active ingredients.

Suitable materials for cosmetic product packaging

The compatibility between a product and its container is a crucial aspect, and when choosing packaging, you are not just making a visual choice; you are also providing an essential protective barrier. While the diversity of options on the market may seem overwhelming, the selection process is not one to be left to chance.

It is good to know that cosmetic product packaging falls into two categories according to current legislation, and neither of these should be missing when the product is placed on the market:

  • Primary packaging – the material that comes into direct contact with the cosmetic product, used to maintain the specified properties of the product throughout its entire shelf life.
  • Secondary packaging – material used to protect the primary packaging.

Packaging and the cosmetic product formula can influence the safety of the final product. There are three aspects to consider: how the product interacts with the packaging, how well the packaging protects the product, and whether substances from the packaging migrate into the product or vice versa.

Information about the packaging material helps us estimate the risks. This information includes the composition of the material, any technical impurities, and the possible migration of substances.

That’s why certain tests are conducted to check if substances from the packaging migrate into the product. If storage conditions matter, they will be indicated on the label. Special packaging is used to protect products that are sensitive to light or air.

Next, we will analyze some of the most commonly used types of packaging and how they can influence the composition of a product:

  • Glass Packaging/Containers

Glass remains one of the most recognized and commonly used materials for cosmetic packaging. It is appreciated for its resistance to chemical compounds, thus protecting the integrity of active ingredients. It also provides an effective barrier against light, maintaining the stability of the product’s composition.

  • Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging is chosen for its versatility and ease of handling and transport. These can be molded into various shapes, allowing for design innovations. However, selecting the right type of plastic is crucial as it needs to provide an efficient barrier against oxygen and prevent the transfer of chemicals between the container and the product.

  • Metal Packaging

Metal packaging is valued for its durability and ability to protect against light, oxygen, and external contamination. Metal packaging offers enhanced protection against external agents, thus maintaining the stability of active ingredients.

  • Biodegradable Materials Packaging

An innovative option, eco-friendly packaging is made from renewable materials with a reduced environmental impact. These provide an adequate barrier while supporting sustainability concepts in the cosmetic industry.

Packaging for liquid products vs. packaging for solid products

The variety of forms in which skincare and makeup products come – liquid, in powder or cream form, solid – requires special attention when choosing suitable packaging. Each form has specific requirements to ensure the integrity of the product, and the packaging must be designed to provide protection and maintain the quality of each cosmetic product.

  1. Packaging for Liquid Products

Packaging for liquid products is designed to handle fluid textures such as serums, lotions, and oils. These often include bottles with applicators, dosing pumps, or dropper packaging for easy use.

This type offers several advantages, such as:

  • Precise Dosage: Liquid packaging allows consumers to dispense the exact amount of the product each time, avoiding waste.
  • Effective Sealing: The sealed design prevents leakage and maintains the integrity of the composition, ensuring the product’s long-term effectiveness.
  • Controlled Application: Specialized applicators facilitate even and controlled product application.
  1. Packaging for Solid Products

For solid products such as lipsticks or compact foundations, packaging is often in the form of boxes or tubes, ensuring efficient protection against external factors such as air or moisture that could affect the product’s composition.

In the case of powder products, packaging often adopts compact formats with secure and ergonomic opening and closing mechanisms and may have integrated accessories such as brushes or applicators.

The advantages of these are:

  • Durability: Packaging provides enhanced protection against product damage or breakage during handling or transportation.
  • Versatility: Compact and suitable packaging for solid products makes them easy to carry and use.
  • Material Efficiency: Packaging can reduce environmental impact, often requiring less material than their liquid counterparts.

Read also about: Legislation and regulations in the cosmetics industry

Our workflow at Pop Chemistprod - Private Label

At Pop Chemistprod, we turn ideas into reality by offering comprehensive services for private label products, from conception to the launch of cosmetic products in the market. We are passionately dedicated to the creative process, collaborating closely with all our clients to develop personalized formulations and select the highest quality raw materials.

Our team of design specialists contributes to creating customized, sustainable packaging, blending protection and functionality with an appealing visual presentation. Throughout each phase of the manufacturing process, we adhere to strict standards to ensure the consistency and performance of our products. Here’s how we work at Private Label for our clients:

A. Market analysis and trend identification

  • First and foremost, we emphasize a thorough analysis of the cosmetic market to identify current trends and anticipate future consumer demands.
  • We closely monitor changes in user preferences, technological innovations, and sustainability concerns to ensure that we are always up to date with the industry’s evolution.

B. Creating custom formulations for cosmetic products

  • Our process begins with the development of custom formulations tailored to our clients’ specific requirements and the beauty industry’s trends.
  • We collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique needs and provide cosmetic products with exceptional performance.

C. Rigorous selection of raw materials

  • Raw materials are the heart of our products, which is why we carefully select each ingredient. We opt for superior quality materials, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of our cosmetic products.
  • At the same time, we are firmly committed to using sustainable raw materials, contributing to reducing our environmental impact.

D. Creating Custom Packaging and Design

  • Our team of design specialists works closely with each client to create custom packaging that reflects the brand’s identity and values. As we do not leave things to chance, at Private Label, we conduct a crucial test before launching a new product on the market: the stability and compatibility test of the formula in the selected final packaging. This process verifies both the quality of the packaging and how the final product is stored in the packaging.
  • Since last year, we have been certified by TUV Austria for ISO 14001 environmental management. Thus, we promote the use of packaging made from sustainable raw materials, which not only reduce the carbon footprint but are also safe for people and the environment. These packages should not be harmful to aquatic organisms, cause long-term adverse effects on the environment, and, in particular, should not interact negatively with the cosmetic formula ingredients.
  • We integrate attractive design with the functionality of packaging to provide a complete experience, from aesthetics to ease of use.

E. Important Aspects of the Manufacturing Process

  • In the production phase, we apply the most rigorous quality standards and advanced technologies to ensure the consistency and performance of our products.
  • We strictly control each phase of the manufacturing process, from mixing and pouring ingredients to the final packaging and preparation for distribution.

At Private Label, each cosmetic product represents a perfect synthesis of expertise, innovation, and a passion for providing high-quality products tailored to the demands of today’s market.

Read also about: Microplastics in cosmetics: Adapting products to the new rules

How to create successful packaging

Packaging represents the first contact with potential buyers and an opportunity to subtly but effectively communicate the identity and value of the product. Next, we will identify the essential elements to consider when choosing and personalizing packaging for your product.

Design principles for attractive packaging

The appearance of a product and how it is presented directly influences consumers’ perception and, consequently, their purchasing decisions. Applying fundamental principles can transform packaging into a powerful tool for communicating brand values and attracting attention.

Simplicity, in this case, brings clarity to communication. Eliminating unnecessary elements allows for the transmission of a direct and easily memorable message. Well-designed, simple packaging can efficiently convey the brand’s identity and ensure quick recognition.

Balance in packaging design ensures a harmonious distribution of elements. Proper proportions between the logo, text, and graphics contribute to a balanced composition, providing a pleasant visual experience and coherence in communication.

Moreover, in addition to design elements, according to Article 17 of Law no. 178/2000 on cosmetic products, certain essential information for users must be included on the packaging, such as:

  • The manufacturer’s or the person responsible in the EU’s name;
  • The address of the manufacturer or the person responsible in the EU;
  • The country of origin for products manufactured outside the EU;
  • The quantity of the product at the time of packaging;
  • The minimum durability date;
  • Special precautions and warnings, including those for professional cosmetic products;
  • The function of the cosmetic product;
  • The batch number;
  • The list of ingredients, including concentrations.

For small packaging or unconventional shapes, the information can be displayed on labels, leaflets, or other attached materials.

For unpackaged cosmetic products or those packaged at the buyer’s request, detailed rules are established by order of the Ministry of Health.

Brand elements: Logo, colors, message

The logo represents the distinctive emblem that communicates the identity and values of a brand. A well-designed logo should be simple yet powerful in conveying the key concepts of the brand, ensuring it remains imprinted in the memory of consumers.

Colors have a significant impact on the perception and emotions associated with a product. The choice of color palettes must be strategic, considering the psychology of colors and how it can influence the consumer’s attitude.

Messages on packaging serve as a direct communication channel with the consumer. They should be concise, relevant, and clearly convey the benefits and values of the product. Well-articulated messaging can create a story that supports the brand experience and strengthens the relationship with the buyer.

In combination, the logo, colors, and messages form an essential trio in packaging design, contributing to the creation of a strong identity.

How packaging influences consumer buying decision

When carefully crafted, attractive packaging can enhance not only the product’s visibility but also the emotional connection consumers have with the brand.

A consistent and appealing design not only catches the eye but also stimulates consumers’ curiosity. Packaging can be seen as the first tactile experience with the product, and a well-executed presentation can create anticipation and excitement. A pleasing appearance and a clear message convey confidence, which can be essential in the purchasing decision-making process.

Therefore, not only is the quality of a cosmetic product important, but also how it is presented to the public. And precisely because we, at Private Label, know this industry so well, we aim to be by your side to offer you a complete experience, guiding you from the initial market analysis stages to the creation of customized packaging and a design that accurately reflects your brand’s essence. With our expertise in the cosmetics field, we guarantee innovative and high-quality solutions for every product you want to develop.

If you are considering launching a new product on the market or even relaunching an existing one, please contact us, either by email: director@private-label.ro or by phone at +40751071043!