At first, cosmetic bottles were one of the most popular types of cosmetic packaging because of their travel-friendliness, ability to store any product from thin to thick consistency, and durable design.
However, cosmetic bottles are not user-friendly and they also cause wastage of the product as you cannot squeeze the whole product out of the bottle. This led to the increased usage of cosmetic tubes.
This can be determined from the fact that the current market size of cosmetic tubes is around $3000 according to a report published in Future Market Trends.
Not only are cosmetic tubes easy to use but they are compatible with almost all cosmetic products as well. Several types of cosmetic tubes are available in the market.
So, let us explore how different types of cosmetic tubes work and what are their applications in this article.
What are Cosmetic Tubes Made of?
When it comes to the material of the cosmetic tubes, three types of tubes are present; plastic, aluminum, and a mixture of both.
The details of these tubes are given below.
1. Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Plastic cosmetic tubes can be made of any of the 9 types of plastic materials used in manufacturing packaging for beauty products. However, the most popular plastics used for making cosmetic tubes include,
- Polypropylene
- PCR
- Polyethylene
- Polyvinyl chloride
The type of plastic used depends upon the product it is made for. For example, PP cosmetic tubes are suitable for products having active ingredients, PE works well for products with a creamy consistency, PVC is used for making transparent tubes, and PCR is the best choice for eco-conscious brands.
Advantages of Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Below are the reasons why plastic is the most commonly used material in the production of cosmetic tubes,
- Customization options: The color, design, and opacity of plastic tubes can be personalized.
- Flexibility: As plastic is a flexible material, tubes made out of plastic are easy to squeeze and thus user-friendly.
- Weight: Cosmetic plastic tubes are lightweight allowing them to be transported easily and making them travel-friendly.
- Durability: Plastic is resistant to breakage and dents.
- Affordability: Plastic is easily available and has low production cost. Thus, plastic cosmetic tubes are economical.
Applications of Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
The applications of plastic tubes are diverse and plastic tubes are used for making,
- Cosmetic tubes for personal care: Toothpaste, shaving creams, hair removal creams
- Plastic packaging tubes for skincare: Sunscreens, lotions, creams, gels
- Cosmetic tubes for hair care: Hair masks and conditioners
- Cosmetic tubes for makeup: Lip balms, primer, foundations, and lipsticks
2. Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes
Aluminum is the second most commonly used material in manufacturing tubes for beauty packaging. In cases of aluminum tubes, alloys of aluminum are used with the most popular options for cosmetic tubes being,
- Aluminum alloy 3003
- Aluminum alloy 8011
The former alloy has moderate strength but excellent corrosion resistance while the latter is more strong and durable. Furthermore, it is important to note that aluminum tubes provide barrier protection but cannot be used to store cosmetic products with active or acidic ingredients because of the risk of chemical reactions.
Advantages of Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes
The benefits of using aluminum packaging tubes in the cosmetic industry include,
- Non-toxicity: Aluminium is a non-toxic metal that does not alter the formulation of skincare products stored in tubes made out of it.
- Barrier protection: Aluminium cosmetic tubes do not allow any air, moisture, microbes, or impurities to enter their walls.
- Recyclability: Aluminum is a recyclable material and also utilizes less energy and resources for the production of tubes. Thus, it is eco-friendly.
- Corrosion resistance: Unless an active or acidic ingredient is stored in the tubes, aluminum tubes resist rusting and corrosion.
- Temperature stability: In contrast to other metals, aluminum is not affected by changes in temperature. Therefore, aluminum tubes help keep cosmetic products stable.
Applications of Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes
Below are the applications of aluminum tubes in the cosmetic industry,
- Beauty packaging for hair care: Hair masks, oils, and hair colors.
- Cosmetic packaging for skincare: Pharmaceutical creams, body and facial lotions, gels.
- Cosmetic tubes for personal care products: Solid and roll-on deodorants
3. Aluminum-Plastic Tubes
Aluminum plastic tubes, also known as laminated tubes are made of two layers of different materials. In such cosmetic tubes, the outer layer is made of aluminum while the inner layer has plastic and both are stuck together.
Any of the two alloys of aluminum mentioned above can be used and plastic coating is often made of PP, PET, or PVC.
Advantages of Aluminum-Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Laminated cosmetic tubes combine the benefits of both materials. So, the advantages of aluminum-plastic tubes are as follows,
- Strong barrier properties: The aluminum layer of the ABL cosmetic tubes provides strong barrier protection to the cosmetic containers that plastic cannot offer alone
- Maintenance of hygiene: The airtight nature of laminated cosmetic tubes along with strong barrier protections keeps the products safe
- Resistance to chemical reactions: The inner plastic covering of cosmetic tubes resists the action of chemicals and antioxidants allowing these tubes to be compatible with the packaging of active ingredients.
Applications of Aluminum-Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Laminated cosmetic tubes are used for packaging cosmetics including,
- Cosmetic packaging for skincare and makeup: Lotions, antioxidant creams, sunscreens, foundations, lip tints, liquid/cream blushes, and products that require protection from light and air.
- Cosmetic packaging for hair products: Hair styling products, and conditioners
Classification of Cosmetic Tubes by Thickness
A second way to classify cosmetic tubes is based on the thickness of the cosmetic tubes. There are 3 types of cosmetic tubes with variable thickness,
1. Single-Layer Tubes
Single-layer cosmetic tubes, as the name implies, are cosmetic tubes with 1 layer of packaging. These tubes are thin-walled and often made of plastic.
Single layers allow these tubes to be flexible, easy to squeeze, and cheap to produce. However, the barrier properties of single-layer plastic tubes, along with durability and ability to withstand temperature extremes, are low.
Applications of Single-Layer Tubes
Although a little flimsy, single-layer cosmetic plastic tubes serve the packaging purpose for products with thin consistency including,
- Shampoos
- Gels like aloe vera gel
- Conditioners
- Body lotions
- Lightweight face and body creams
- Makeup primers
2. Double-Layer Tubes
Double-layer cosmetic tubes are made of two materials that are joined together with the help of an adhesive material. One of the examples of double-layer cosmetic tubes is aluminum-plastic laminated tubes.
Although these tubes are relatively expensive, they are beneficial because,
- They offer a high degree of protection against environmental factors
- They are suitable for products with reactive ingredients
- The customization options are diverse with double-layers
Applications of Double-Layer Tubes
DouDouble-layers cosmetic tubes are used for cosmetic products that require an extra layer of protection. These include,
- Serums with retretinolntioxidants, and chemical exfoliants
- Body and face creams
- Body and face lotions with a thick consistency
3. Five-Layer Tubes
For premium skincare and makeup products that are prone to deterioration and contamination, cosmetic tubes with 5 layers are used. These tubes are made of,
- An outer layer
- A barrier or insulating layer
- An inner layer
- 2 adhesive layers
The First adhesive layer lies in between the outer layer and the plating layer while the second adhesive layer lies in between the insulating layer and the inner layer.
Applications of Five-Layer Tubes
Not only do the five-layer cosmetic tubes prevent the entry of any dust, microbes, moisture, or air into the product, but they also prevent leakage of the product or its contents outside. Some examples of products packed in five-layersmetic tubes are,
- Sunscreens
- Deodorants and antiperspirants
- Depilatory creams
- Topical ointments
Common Types of Tubes Used in Cosmetics Packaging
Based on the cosmetic tubes and closures, here are the 3 types of cosmetic tubes.
1. Squeeze tubes
Squeeze cosmetic tubes are flexible tubes with a flip-flop or screw cap opening. These tubes are used to store products with a thick and creamy consistency. The squeezing mechanism allows consumers to dispense the product with ease, and the tube recoils back instantly to its normal shape after use.
These cosmetic tubes are made of plastic and aluminum. These materials are easy to squeeze.
Applications of Squeeze Tubes
Squeeze cosmetic tubes are used for skincare, haircare, and makeup products because of their user-friendliness. Therefore, the lowing products are stosstoredh tubes,
- Gels
- Lotions
- Creams
- Conditioners
- Physical exfoliating agents
- Body and facial cleansers
2. Airless Pump Tubes
Although squeeze cosmetic tubes are user-friendly, the products stored inside them are prone to contamination and oxidation. In such cases, airless pump cosmetic tubes are used. These cosmetic tubes come with a pump mechanism in which you press the pump to dispense an accurate amount of the product.
Applications of Airless Pump Tubes
You dispense the product without touching your hands with the opening. Additionally, these containers do not allow air to enter. Thus, they are used in the packaging of,
- Products with antioxidants in them
- Sunscreens
- Serums
- Lotions and creams in thin consistency
- Liquid products like body and face oils
3. Roller Ball Tubes
A few cosmetic tubes come with a metal or plastic roller ball inserted into their neck. These cosmetic tubes are used for packaging products in a thin, watery, or oily consistency that requires direct application on the skin in a rolling motion. Some of the benefits of roller ball tubes include,
- Rolling ball provides a massaging sensation on the skin
- Cold metal balls help in depuffing
- Product wastage is minimal
- Highlights
- Lip tints and glosses
- Cream or liquid blushes
Applications of Roller Ball Tubes
Roller cosmetic tubes are used for the following products,
- Eye serums and treatments
- Deodorants
- Perfumes
Conclusion
With the diversity in usage of cosmetic tubes, beauty packaging tubes can be classified into countless types. There are mainly 3 classification systems to understand the types of cosmetic tubes better. These are based on material, thickness, and usage. The applications of each of these classes of cosmetic tubes are discussed in this article to help you understand which type of tubes you should use for packaging the beauty products of your brand.
Furthermore, we are here to guide and assist you in selecting the ideal cosmetic tubes for your business. So, contact us for all your cosmetic packaging manufacturing needs, as we can customize cosmetic packaging.
