Packaging materials for liquid cosmetics
Time: Feb 27,2026
Definition and Characteristics of Liquid Cosmetics

Liquid cosmetics refer to cosmetic preparations that are in a liquid state at a standard temperature of 25℃, with a wide range of viscosities (from watery to highly viscous gels). Their core characteristics include:
Fluidity: The product can flow freely under the influence of gravity, and its viscosity range is very wide (ranging from watery consistency to highly viscous serums/lotions).
Homogeneity: Usually in forms such as solutions, emulsions (water-in-oil/O/W or oil-in-water/W/O), suspensions, or gels, the components should be evenly distributed (except for suspensions).
No fixed shape: Requires the use of a container to shape and retrieve.
Easy penetration/volatilization: Compared to cream, liquids are more likely to penetrate the packaging material or the volatile components are more prone to evaporate (requiring high barrier properties for the packaging material).
Prone to contamination: After opening, the risk of exposure to air and the external environment is higher (requiring high standards for packaging material sealing and ease of use).
Liquid product category case
| Category | Representative Products | Packaging Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare | Toner, Serum, Lotion, Cleansing Oil | Volatilization prevention / Oxidation prevention, Precise dispensing |
| Hair Care | Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil | Moisture prevention, Prevention of viscous liquid clogging the pump |
| Body Care | Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Oil | Leak prevention, Ease of one-handed operation |
| Color Cosmetics | Liquid Foundation, Nail Polish, Perfume, Liquid Eyeliner | Prevention of drying and caking, Light protection storage |
| Special Categories | Spray Products (containing propellants), Scrubs with granules | Pressure resistance, Prevention of settling / separation |
Liquid cosmetic products Packaging solution design
1.Packaging case and applicable scenarios
| Packaging Type | Typical Products | Application Scenarios | Design Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump Bottle | Vacuum pump, Lotion pump, Spray pump | Serums, Lotions, Mist sprays | Oxidation prevention, Precise dispensing, Anti-reflux contamination |
| Dropper Bottle | Glass dropper + Rubber bulb | High-activity serums, Essential oils | Light protection, Controlled single dosage |
| Tube | Laminate tube, Plastic tube | Sunscreens, Makeup primers | Contamination prevention, Portability, High yield rate |
| Aerosol Can | Aluminum can + Pressure valve | Dry shampoo sprays, Sunscreen sprays | Requires propellant, Uniform atomization |
| Wide-Mouth Jar | Cream jar + Inner cover | High-viscosity gels, Scrubs with granules | Easy scooping, Evaporation prevention |
| Perfume Bottle | Glass bottle + Spray/Dauber | Perfumes, Fragrance oils | Alcohol volatilization prevention, Enhanced texture |
2. Core Logic of Design Decisions
| Design Dimension | Key Question | Solution Example | Underlying Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Compatibility | Will the packaging material react with the ingredients? | Packing acid-containing products in glass bottles instead of plastic. | Prevent ingredient degradation; control migrants and extractables within limits. |
| Barrier Performance | Is protection from light, oxygen, or volatilization required? | Dark-colored PET bottle + aluminized film inner bag to protect Vitamin C serums. | Extend shelf life; maintain active ingredient efficacy. |
| Functionality | How to balance sealing integrity with ease of dispensing? | Vacuum pump bottle with one-way air exhaust and anti-reflux mechanism for precise dosage. | Enhance user experience; minimize secondary contamination. |
| Sustainability | Does it comply with environmental regulations? | PCR plastic bottle body + refillable cartridge to reduce virgin plastic usage. | Meet ESG requirements; reduce carbon footprint. |
| Cost Efficiency | How to optimize packaging costs? | Standardized bottle shapes + differentiated printing to reduce mold costs. | Control BOM cost; improve gross margin. |
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Mar 04,2026
Packaging materials for liquid cosmetics
Feb 27,2026
