For a manufacturer of natural cosmetics, the design does not stop at the formulation: the packaging of your products must also be well studied. The packaging that will be in direct contact with your product has a direct impact on the shelf life and the attractiveness of the product. And as it will be necessary to remain attentive to changes in color, smell and texture; it is imperative to select the best containers, materials, and techniques according to the formula of each of your products. Here’s everything you need to know about packaging:

The packaging has a direct impact on the shelf life of a product: if the contents of the container are well protected by the material and the shape of the latter, its conservation is optimized. Treatments packaged in a pump bottle or in containers that do not let air in, have a longer shelf life. Another tip to extend their lifespan: advise your customers to store them in the refrigerator.

A preservative is a substance of natural or synthetic origin incorporated into cosmetics with the aim of avoiding chemical (oxidation) or microbiological alterations. It plays a key role, alongside packaging, in the storage time.

A preservative gives a shelf life of 2 to 3 years for an unopened cosmetic, and 6 to 12 months for an opened cosmetic. Natural cosmetics do not contain chemical preservatives but so-called natural preservatives such as essential oils, benzoic acid or salicylic acid.

Depending on the formula of your products, some may keep very well in glass but very poorly in plastic. As a change in color, smell or texture could occur, care must always be taken to test the container-content compatibility through aging tests.

If, for example, your product oxidizes on contact with air – these are mainly fatty products (butters and oils) -, the ideal cosmetic packaging would be an “airless” bottle. The important thing is to be aware of these issues and to decide correctly.

A few basic rules: Preparations based on essential oil and floral water must be kept in a dark container, preferably glass. Foamy, creamy, gel preparations and fluid lotions can be stored in airless pump bottles which will prevent any contact between the preparation and the ambient air and protect your preparations from oxidation and any pollution.

The containers must always be adapted in size to the quantity of products being produced. A half-empty bottle or jar is a great risk of oxidation since half the container will be filled with air.

On the shelves, fans of natural cosmetics will always be attracted to a practical, ecological and reusable container. The ideal packaging: it is of course glass. Otherwise, it will be necessary to opt for quality plastics, especially for fragile or aggressive products. It is of course necessary to pay attention to all the plastics in contact with the cosmetic product (stopper, capsule, plunger, pump) and not only the body of the bottle.

Do you need advice? Prodigia is there to support you throughout the process of creating your cosmetic products, including their packaging. This support is included in our white label service. Find out what we offer you in this service in detail in our next article.