Skincare Containers – Does the Package Matter?

Bottles for lotions, jars for potions, and tubes for balms. Pumps, foamers, and sprayers.  Skincare containers and packaging help facilitate the proper use of the products, dispensing correct amounts and extending the useful life of the product by preserving fragrances, color and avoiding leakage. They are also hugely important in marketing – assisting in establishing the brand and what it represents to the consumer. Skincare products require high-quality packaging. The packaging must resist chemical attack. The designs of the packaging also change with the targeted market, the time of year, and the demands of consumers. Skincare container development requires constant creativity and innovation.  Packaging style and color are the most important factors.

In addition to marketing impact, considerations of how package colors react to light and the chemical makeup of the contents affect color selection as well as the material selected for the package itself. Materials such as plastics, metals and glasses are bonded or laminated for skincare and cosmetics packaging. Bright and vibrant colored packages are preferred by customers. Female customers prefer packaging styles and colors that are bright, energetic and youthful.  Men prefer color and packaging that is darker, masculine and functional. Packaging comprises up to 60% of the cost of skincare and cosmetic products manufacturing. In addition, skincare and cosmetics manufacturers and marketers invest a great deal of effort and money in researching and staying current with the packaging tastes and preferences of the consuming public.  Current packaging guidelines include sophisticated dispensing services like pumps and sprayers. Skincare containers should communicate quality and value. Skincare containers and packaging acts as a spokesman for the brand. As such it must be consistent with and promote the characteristics of the brand. Skincare containers and packaging should command respect and attention but not distract or surprise the customer. Skincare containers should not be toxic and the packaging should be economical and recyclable. The packaging should be free of preservatives and friendly to the environment.  Quality glass cosmetic containers are in great demand. Uniquely shaped glass containers give a separate identity to the product and the company. Innovative decorations on skincare containers promote brand identity and loyalty among customers.  Plastic cosmetic containers are recyclable and are used for preserving oils, lotions, shampoos and the other skincare products. Plastic containers have the ability to diffuse light and bulk skincare products should be stored in plastic containers.

There are a multitude of individually designed containers for storing powders and liquid skincare products. In selecting the skincare container the customer wants a design that works with the manner in which the product is being dispensed. For example, powders should be packaged in a sifter-type container or a wide mouthed jar. Skincare container materials and packaging must be compatible with the chemistry and characteristics of the skincare product it contains.