What Type of Plastic is Makeup Packaging?

Throughout my years at JCCosmopack, I’ve learned that choosing the right plastic for makeup packaging involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, safety, and sustainability—it's more complex than many brands realize.

Makeup packaging commonly uses PET, PP, ABS, and acrylic plastics, each selected based on the product's formulation, durability needs, clarity requirements, and cost considerations while ensuring compatibility and user safety.

Selecting the appropriate plastic requires understanding not just material properties but also how they interact with specific formulations and meet consumer expectations for both performance and environmental responsibility.

What is cosmetics packaging made of?

Cosmetics packaging¹ utilizes a diverse range of materials, with plastics dominating due to their versatility, though glass, metal, and sustainable alternatives also play important roles.

Cosmetics packaging is primarily made from various plastics (PET, PP, PE, ABS), along with glass, aluminum, and increasingly, sustainable materials like bioplastics and recycled content, chosen based on product compatibility and brand positioning.

Primary Materials in Cosmetic Packaging

Material Type	Common Uses	Advantages	Limitations
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)2	Bottles, jars, compacts	Excellent clarity, good barrier, recyclable	Not biodegradable, petroleum-based
PP (Polypropylene)3	Tubes, caps, closures	Chemical resistance, flexibility, affordable	Less clear than PET, lower barrier
PE (Polyethylene)	Squeeze bottles, dispensers	Flexibility, impact resistance, low cost	Poor barrier properties, can feel cheap
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)4	Compacts, component parts	Rigidity, glossy finish, paintable	Not widely recycled, can crack
Glass	Premium bottles, jars	Premium feel, excellent barrier, inert	Heavy, breakable, higher cost
Aluminum	Tubes, aerosol cans	Light protection, lightweight, recyclable	Can dent, not transparent
Bioplastics (PLA)	Various containers	Renewable, compostable	Limited compatibility, higher cost

PET offers crystal clarity for showcasing products and good barrier properties against moisture and air. PP provides excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for housing aggressive formulations and creating flexible tubes. PE delivers impact resistance and flexibility for squeeze bottles and dispensers. ABS creates rigid, high-gloss components perfect for compacts and intricate parts. Glass remains the premium choice for luxury products due to its weight, clarity, and inert properties. Aluminum provides complete light protection for photosensitive ingredients. Bioplastics like PLA offer renewable alternatives but require careful compatibility testing. Material selection ultimately depends on balancing these properties with cost, sustainability goals, and brand image.

Which plastic is better, 5 or 7?

The numbering system identifies plastic types, but "better" depends entirely on application requirements, with both #5 and #7 offering distinct advantages for different cosmetic packaging needs.

Plastic #5 (PP) offers excellent chemical resistance and flexibility for tubes and closures, while #7 includes various plastics with diverse properties, making direct comparison difficult—selection depends on specific application requirements rather than numerical ranking.

PP (#5) vs. Miscellaneous (#7) Plastics Comparison

Characteristic	PP (Polypropylene #5)	Miscellaneous Plastics (#7)
Common Uses	Tubes, caps, closures, jars	Diverse: acrylics, polycarbonate, bioplastics
Clarity	Translucent to opaque	Ranges from crystal clear (acrylic) to opaque
Chemical Resistance	Excellent, handles most formulations	Varies widely by specific plastic type
Recyclability	Widely recyclable in many regions	Often not recycled, varies by specific type
Durability	Good impact resistance, flexible	Ranges from brittle (some acrylics) to very tough
Temperature Resistance	Good heat resistance	Varies significantly by material
Cost	Generally economical	Ranges from affordable to premium pricing

PP (#5) excels in chemical resistance, making it ideal for housing aggressive formulations, creating flexible tubes that squeeze completely empty, and manufacturing durable caps and closures. It offers good temperature resistance for hot-fill products and withstands autoclaving for sterilization. However, PP typically doesn't achieve the crystal clarity of some #7 plastics. The #7 category encompasses diverse materials including acrylics (PMMA) offering brilliant clarity for premium compacts, polycarbonate (less common due to BPA concerns), and various bioplastics. #7 materials vary widely in recyclability—some aren't recycled at all, while others like certain bioplastics require specialized composting facilities. The "better" choice depends entirely on whether you prioritize chemical resistance and recyclability (PP) or crystal clarity and premium appearance (certain #7 plastics).

What type of plastic is used in packaging?

Packaging utilizes multiple plastic types, each selected for specific properties that match product requirements, with PET, PP, PE, and PS being most common in cosmetic applications.

Packaging primarily uses PET for clear containers, PP for flexible components, PE for squeeze bottles, and PS for rigid cases, with material selection based on clarity needs, flexibility requirements, chemical compatibility, and cost considerations.

Primary Plastics in Packaging Applications

Plastic Type	Common Packaging Uses	Key Properties	Sustainability Profile
PET	Water bottles, clear containers	Crystal clear, good barrier, strong	Widely recyclable, rPET available
PP	Tubes, caps, food containers	Chemical resistant, flexible, microwave-safe	Recyclable but less widely than PET
PE	Squeeze bottles, bags, films	Flexible, durable, moisture-resistant	Recyclable, HDPE more widely than LDPE
PS	CD cases, cosmetic compacts	Rigid, glossy, cost-effective	Poor recyclability, environmental concerns
PVC	Blister packs, clear clamshells	Crystal clear, versatile formulation	Recycling challenges, chlorine content
PLA	Various containers, films	Renewable, compostable, clear	Limited recycling, industrial composting

PET dominates clear packaging applications where product visibility matters, offering excellent clarity, good barrier properties, and widespread recyclability. PP serves flexible packaging needs like tubes and closures, providing exceptional chemical resistance that protects product integrity. PE delivers flexibility and durability for squeeze bottles and dispensing systems, with HDPE offering more rigidity and LDPE providing more flexibility. PS creates rigid, glossy packaging components at economical prices but faces recycling challenges. PVC offers brilliant clarity for blister packs but presents environmental concerns. PLA provides renewable, compostable alternatives but requires compatibility testing and specialized disposal. Each plastic type serves specific packaging functions, and optimal selection involves matching material properties to product requirements while considering environmental impact.

What are the packaging options for cosmetics?

Cosmetic packaging offers diverse options spanning primary containers, secondary packaging, and application tools, each serving different functional and aesthetic purposes.

Cosmetic packaging options include bottles, jars, tubes, compacts, pens, airless systems, and droppers for primary containment, plus boxes, sleeves, and inserts for secondary packaging, selected based on product type and brand positioning.

Comprehensive Cosmetic Packaging Solutions

Packaging Type	Product Applications	Key Features	Material Options
Bottles with Pumps	Lotions, serums, foundations	Controlled dispensing, hygienic	Glass, PET, PP
Jars with Lids	Creams, balms, masks	Easy access, luxurious feel	Glass, PET, PP
Flexible Tubes	Gels, creams, toothpaste	Portable, squeezable, good barrier	PP, PE, laminate
Compacts	Powders, blushes, eyeshadows	Portable, includes mirror	ABS, metal, acrylic
Pen Applicators	Lip gloss, concealer, eyeliner	Precise application, portable	ABS, PP, metal
Airless Containers	Preservative-free formulas	Product protection, precise dosing	PP, PET, glass
Dropper Bottles	Serums, oils, treatments	Precise dosing, premium appearance	Glass, PET
Secondary Packaging	Boxes, sleeves, inserts	Brand communication, protection	Paperboard, PET, PP

Bottles with pumps provide hygienic, controlled dispensing for liquid products like serums and foundations. Jars offer easy access for thick creams and treatment masks but require careful formulation to prevent contamination. Flexible tubes deliver excellent barrier protection and complete product evacuation for gels and creams. Compacts combine product storage with application tools and mirrors for powders and solid formulations. Pen applicators enable precise, portable application for products like lip gloss and concealer. Airless containers protect delicate, preservative-free formulas from oxidation and contamination. Dropper bottles allow precise dosing of concentrated treatments and serums. Secondary packaging including boxes, sleeves, and inserts provides brand communication, additional protection, and enhanced unboxing experiences. Each option serves specific functional requirements while contributing to overall brand aesthetic and user experience.

What are the four types of materials that are used in packaging?

Packaging utilizes four main material categories—plastics, glass, metals, and paper—each offering distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications and product types.

The four primary packaging material types are plastics (versatile, cost-effective), glass (premium, inert), metals (durable, protective), and paper/paperboard (sustainable, printable), each selected based on product requirements and brand positioning.

Four Primary Packaging Material Categories

Material Category	Common Packaging Uses	Advantages	Limitations
Plastics	Bottles, tubes, containers, films	Versatile, lightweight, cost-effective, moldable	Environmental concerns, petroleum-based
Glass	Premium bottles, jars, containers	Premium feel, excellent barrier, completely inert	Heavy, breakable, energy-intensive production
Metals	Tubes, cans, aerosol containers	Durable, excellent barrier, lightproof	Can dent, not transparent, higher cost
Paper/Paperboard	Boxes, labels, wrapping, cartons	Renewable, biodegradable, printable, lightweight	Poor moisture resistance, limited protection

Plastics dominate packaging due to their versatility, light weight, and cost-effectiveness, offering options from crystal-clear PET to flexible PP and rigid ABS. Glass remains the premium choice for high-end products, providing perfect barrier properties, inertness that won't interact with formulations, and substantial feel that conveys quality. Metals offer exceptional durability and protection, particularly aluminum's complete light barrier for photosensitive products and steel's strength for aerosol containers. Paper and paperboard provide renewable, biodegradable options for secondary packaging,Labels, and wrapping, offering excellent printability for brand graphics but limited protection against moisture and physical damage. Each material category serves specific needs, and many packaging solutions combine materials to leverage their complementary strengths while mitigating individual limitations.

What is the best plastic for cosmetics?

The "best" plastic depends on specific application requirements, with PET offering superior clarity, PP providing excellent chemical resistance, and ABS delivering premium aesthetics for different cosmetic packaging needs.

The best plastic for cosmetics⁵ depends on the application: PET for clear containers requiring product visibility, PP for flexible components needing chemical resistance, and ABS for rigid parts demanding high-gloss finishes, with selection based on specific functional requirements.

Optimal Plastic Selection Guide

Application	Best Plastic Options	Why It Works	Alternative Considerations
Clear Containers	PET, acrylic	Crystal clarity, good barrier properties	Glass for premium positioning
Flexible Tubes	PP, PE	Excellent chemical resistance, squeezable	Laminate tubes for barrier properties
Caps & Closures	PP, ABS	Chemical resistance, durability, aesthetics	Metal for premium feel
Compacts & Cases	ABS, acrylic	High-gloss finish, rigidity, paintable	Metal for luxury positioning
Airless Pumps	PP, PET	Chemical compatibility, precision molding	Glass components for premium systems
Dropper Assemblies	PP, PE	Flexibility, chemical resistance, cost-effective	Glass pipettes for premium feel
Secondary Components	PS, PP	Cost-effectiveness, adequate performance	Paperboard for sustainability

PET stands out for clear containers where product visibility matters, offering brilliant clarity, good moisture barrier, and widespread recyclability. PP excels in components requiring chemical resistance, such as housing aggressive formulations, creating flexible tubes that evacuate completely, and manufacturing durable closures that withstand repeated use. ABS delivers premium aesthetics for compacts and cases, providing high-gloss finishes that accept painting and metallization, and rigidity that protects fragile products. PE offers flexibility and impact resistance for squeeze bottles and dispensers. Acrylic provides exceptional clarity and depth for premium transparent components. The "best" choice involves matching material properties to specific application requirements while considering cost, sustainability, and brand positioning. Often, the optimal solution combines multiple plastics within a single package to leverage their complementary strengths.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic for makeup packaging requires understanding material properties, application requirements, and sustainability considerations to balance functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility effectively.