How to Order Wholesale Cosmetic Tubes: Step-by-Step Guide for New Brands

Launching your own beauty brand? Whether you’re packaging lotions, serums, or face cleansers, choosing the right cosmetic tube is a critical step in presenting your products professionally. For new brands, ordering wholesale cosmetic tubes may seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from tube types to customization and placing your first order.

Why Cosmetic Tubes Are a Smart Choice

The cosmetic tube has become one of the most versatile and popular packaging solutions in the beauty and personal care industries. Its flexible, user-friendly design makes it ideal for skincare products, creams, gels, and more.

Key benefits of cosmetic tubes:

l Portability – Lightweight and perfect for travel.

l Hygienic dispensing – Especially with airless or squeeze tube styles.

l Design flexibility – Fully customizable from cap to print.

l Cost-effective – Bulk purchasing lowers unit cost significantly.

For emerging beauty brands, the cosmetic squeeze tube offers a high-end look without the high-end production complexities.

Step 1: Define Your Product and Packaging Requirements

Before contacting a wholesale cosmetic tube supplier, you need clarity on your product type and usage.

Ask yourself:

l What is the consistency of your product? (e.g., thick cream vs. liquid serum)

l How much product do you want to package? (e.g., 15ml, 30ml, 100ml)

l Do you want a standard squeeze tube, an airless pump, or a twist cap style?

l Do you need the tube to be UV-protected or eco-friendly?

The answers will guide your tube material, shape, and closure type.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tube Type

There are several types of cosmetic tubes on the market, and selecting the right one depends on your product formulation and target audience.

Most common types of cosmetic squeeze tubes:

l Laminated Tubes – Ideal for toothpaste, face washes; highly durable with barrier protection.

l Plastic Tubes (PE or PET) – Commonly used for lotions and creams; highly customizable.

l Airless Tubes – Great for preserving active ingredients; ideal for serums and sensitive skincare formulas.

l Metal Tubes (Aluminum) – Eco-friendly and ideal for ointments or premium cosmetics.

Tip: For most beauty startups, plastic squeeze tubes offer the best balance between quality, customization, and affordability.

Step 3: Customize Your Design

Customization is where your brand comes to life. Most wholesale cosmetic tube suppliers offer a wide range of printing and packaging options.

Key design choices:

l Tube color: Matte, glossy, metallic, or translucent.

l Printing method: Silk screen, offset printing, hot stamping, or digital printing.

l Cap type: Flip-top, screw cap, pump, nozzle, etc.

l Finish: Soft-touch matte, shiny gloss, textured grip.

l Labeling: Printed directly or shrink sleeve.

Work with a graphic designer to create print-ready files that match your supplier’s template specifications.

Step 4: Understand MOQ and Pricing

Most cosmetic tube manufacturers will require a minimum order quantity (MOQ), which can range from 1,000 to 10,000 units depending on customization.

Key factors that affect pricing:

l Tube size and material

l Type of cap/closure

l Printing method

l Quantity ordered

l Shipping distance and packaging requirements

Tip: Don’t hesitate to negotiate. Some cosmetic tube manufacturers offer flexible MOQ for startups or will produce samples for a small fee.

Step 5: Request Samples and Test for Compatibility

Never skip the sampling stage! Once you’ve finalized your design and specifications, ask for physical samples before placing a large order.

What to check:

l Tube compatibility with your product (no leaking, discoloration, or reaction)

l Print quality, alignment, and color accuracy

l Squeeze-ability and usability (especially for thicker products)

l Cap fit and seal integrity

This is a critical step to avoid costly mistakes in your first production run.

Step 6: Place Your Order and Confirm Lead Time

Once you approve your sample and quote, it’s time to place your first order. Be sure to sign off on a production agreement or invoice that clearly outlines:

Final design specifications

Quantity and unit cost

Production lead time (usually 3–6 weeks)

Shipping method (air vs. sea freight)

Payment terms and refund/cancellation policies

Be sure to build in extra time for delays — especially if your bulk cosmetic tubes are being manufactured overseas.Step 7: Shipping, Customs, and Delivery

Step 7: Shipping, Customs, and Delivery

If your squeeze tubes are coming from abroad, you’ll need to factor in shipping time, customs clearance, and import duties.

Pro tips:

l Work with a freight forwarder or customs broker if unfamiliar with international shipping.

l Use trackable shipping and request insurance for large orders.

l Ask for inner packaging to avoid damage during transit (especially for custom-decorated tubes).

Bonus: Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your Supplier

Finding a reliable wholesale cosmetic tube supplier isn’t just about one order — it’s about building a supply chain partner. Over time, you’ll benefit from:

l Faster reorders

l Lower pricing for higher volumes

l Exclusive custom molds or unique packaging options

l Better support and coordination on new product launches

Final Thoughts

Ordering wholesale cosmetic tubes may seem intimidating at first, but by breaking it down step by step, your brand can confidently choose the perfect packaging to match your vision. Whether you’re launching lip balms, eye creams, or sunscreen, the right cosmetic squeeze tube will enhance the customer experience and help build lasting brand loyalty.