In short: China is one of the major manufacturing centres for cosmetic packaging: bottles, jars, tubes, pumps, boxes and cartons. For a premium result, you need to choose the right materials, check compatibility with your product, take care with the decoration (printing, hot foil, finish) and check sealing and appearance before shipping.
This article is about packaging. Manufacturing the cosmetics themselves falls under specific, stricter regulations in the EU.
Types of packaging
- bottles and pumps: serums, oils, lotions;
- jars: creams, balms;
- tubes: creams, gels;
- cartons and boxes: outer packaging, gift sets.
Choice of materials
- glass: premium, heavy, fragile;
- plastics (various types): light, varied;
- recycled or recyclable materials: depending on your approach;
- cardboard and paper for cartons.
Decoration
Screen printing, hot foil stamping, labels, lacquering, matt or gloss finish: decoration creates the "brand" look. Always approve it on a sample.
Points to watch
- compatibility between the packaging and your formula (some contents react with certain plastics);
- sealing of caps and pumps;
- colour consistency from one production run to the next;
- minimum order quantities, often higher for custom models;
- the rules that apply to materials in contact with the product.
Specific quality control
We check in particular: appearance (scratches, bubbles, print defects), dimensions, pump function, sealing, how well the decoration holds and packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an existing model? Yes: starting from one of the factory's standard models, customised with colour and decoration, lowers costs and minimums.
Should I test compatibility with my formula? It is strongly recommended, ideally with your laboratory.
General information, for guidance only.
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