Cosmetic Packaging Guide: How to Choose the Right Packaging
Packaging is often 30-50% of your total product cost — and 90% of your brand's first impression. This guide covers the main options, their costs, and when to use each.
Packaging Types at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Cost Range | MOQ | Mold Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Bottle (round) | Perfume, serum, toner | $0.30-1.00 | 1,000 | No (stock) |
| Glass Bottle (custom) | Premium perfume | $0.80-2.50 | 5,000 | Yes ($1,000-3,000) |
| Plastic Bottle (PET) | Shampoo, body wash, lotion | $0.15-0.50 | 1,000 | No (stock) |
| Airless Pump Bottle | Serum, eye cream, foundation | $0.50-1.50 | 1,000 | Sometimes |
| Glass Jar | Face cream, body butter, mask | $0.30-0.80 | 1,000 | No (stock) |
| Plastic Jar (Acrylic) | Budget cream, scrub | $0.20-0.50 | 1,000 | No (stock) |
| Soft Tube (plastic) | Cleanser, hand cream, lip gloss | $0.10-0.30 | 5,000 | No |
| Dropper Bottle | Serum, face oil | $0.40-1.00 | 1,000 | No |
| Compact Case | Solid perfume, powder | $0.50-1.50 | 1,000 | Sometimes |
| Lipstick Tube | Lipstick, lip balm | $0.30-0.80 | 500 | No (many stock options) |
Glass vs Plastic — When to Choose Which
- Choose glass for: Premium positioning, perfume (required for alcohol-based), serums with active ingredients (prevents chemical reaction), sustainability branding
- Choose plastic for: Budget products, shower-use products (safety), travel sizes, large-volume products (shampoo/body wash 300ml+)
Finishing Options
| Finish | Cost per unit | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | $0.05-0.15 | Simple logo/text, 1-3 colors |
| Hot stamping (foil) | $0.10-0.30 | Gold/silver metallic logo, luxury feel |
| UV coating / spot UV | $0.08-0.20 | Glossy highlight on matte background |
| Frosted glass | $0.20-0.50 | Matte, premium texture |
| Gradient spray | $0.30-0.80 | Ombre color effect on glass |
Need help choosing packaging? Contact 8OEM — we guide you through packaging selection with samples and cost breakdowns.