×
Packaging decisions are key to product success. The container you choose affects shelf appeal, formula stability, cost, logistics, and how customers feel every time they use the product. For skincare brand owners working with OEM manufacturers, packaging is not decoration. It is a business decision with long-term impact.
This guide breaks down packaging options for skincare brands in a practical way. We want to help you choose packaging that fits your formula, your market positioning, and how consumers in South America actually use skincare products.
Packaging does three jobs at the same time. It protects the formula, communicates the brand, and shapes the user experience. When one of these fails, the product struggles, even if the formula is excellent.
In our experience, many brand owners focus too much on how packaging looks in a photo and not enough on how it works in real life. We’ve seen beautifully designed jars abandoned by consumers because they were inconvenient, unhygienic, or leaked during transport.
For brands selling in warm, humid climates, packaging performance matters even more. Heat, light, and frequent handling can quickly expose weak packaging choices.
Bottles are widely used for cleansers, toners, lotions, and liquid serums. And always work well with pumps, caps, or sprays.
Best for:
Things to watch: Transparent bottles look attractive but can expose formulas to light. If the formula contains sensitive actives, it would be safer to use opaque or UV-protected bottles.
Tubes are popular for creams, gels, sunscreens, and masks. They are easy to use, hygienic, and travel-friendly.
Best for:
Based on our experience with several brands, choosing slightly thicker tube material has proven effective. Thin tubes reduce cost but often deform in hot environments. It affects how consumers perceive quality.
Jars are often associated with premium creams and masks. They allow easy access to thick formulas.
Best for:
We've seen this fail when brands used jars for formulas with active ingredients sensitive to air. Without proper preservatives or inner lids, oxidation becomes a real problem.
Dropper bottles are common for serums and facial oils. They communicate precision and care.
Best for:
Dropper quality varies widely. Poor droppers frustrate users and waste product, which damages brand trust quickly.
Airless pumps protect formulas from air exposure and offer precise dosing.
Best for:
The cost is higher, but for certain formulas, the protection is worth it.
Plastic remains the most common material due to flexibility and cost control.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Pros:
Cons:
For South American markets, durable plastic that handles heat well is essential. Cheap plastic often warps or cracks during shipping.
Glass communicates quality and trust.
Pros:
Cons:
Glass works best for serums and oils sold in controlled retail environments.
Metal packaging blocks light and feels solid.
Pros:
Cons:
How a product comes out of the package shapes daily use.
For mass-market skincare products, simple pump dispensers with locking mechanisms are more practical. They reduce leakage during transportation and make the products easier to use in shared households.
Packaging must support the chemistry of the product.
Key questions:
We've seen this fail when brands reused packaging designs across different formulas without testing compatibility. What works for a lotion may not work for a vitamin-rich serum.
Packaging affects your budget more than most founders expect.
For emerging brands, starting with standard packaging and custom labels is often the safest path. Custom packaging can come later once sales are stable.
Packaging delays often slow down entire production schedules. Always confirm:
In my experience, aligning packaging orders early prevents last-minute compromises that hurt product quality.
Consumers increasingly care about environmental impact, but functionality still comes first.
Practical steps include:
Here’s what actually worked: brands that clearly explained sustainability choices on packaging, without over complicating the message.
Packaging must leave room for:
Crowded designs often cause compliance issues. Always plan labeling early.
Across South America, skincare routines often emphasize practicality, durability, and value. Packaging that feels solid, easy to use, and reliable tends to perform better than overly complex designs.
We've seen brands succeed by choosing packaging that survives daily use, warm bathrooms, and frequent travel.
Packaging options is a critical decision for skincare brands. The right choice protects your formula, supports your brand quality, and makes daily use enjoyable for customers.
In our experience, investing time in thoughtful packaging decisions upfront helps avoid costly revisions down the line. Please follow the principle of prioritizing functionality first, design second, and marketing last. That balance builds products consumers trust and repurchase.
1. Should new brands start with custom packaging?
Most brands benefit from standard packaging first to reduce risk.
2. Are jars bad for skincare products?
Not always. They work well for stable, thick formulas when used correctly.
3. Is sustainable packaging always more expensive?
Initially yes, but costs are improving as options expand.
4. What packaging is best for hot climates?
Opaque, durable materials with secure closures perform best.
5. What time should finalize the packaging?
Before final formulation testing to avoid compatibility issues.
6. Can packaging affect product shelf life?
Yes. Poor packaging can significantly shorten shelf life.
EN
Hot News
