Revealing the Truth Behind Airless Skincare Tube Packaging

Using a cotton swab instead of fingers to apply cream is both hygienic and economical, a well-known fact. To make cosmetics more convenient and hygienic to use, many brands are incorporating various features into squeeze tube packaging such as airless extraction, compression pumps, sterile chambers... But beneath these sleek designs, the sealing effectiveness of aireless squeeze tube packaging still warrants examination. Are they truly sterile?

1. Is Airless Cosmetic Tube Packaging Equivalent to Sterile?

The purpose of airless packaging is to delay product deterioration. After filling finished cosmetics into skincare tube containers, machines extract the air to create an environment where bacteria cannot thrive. However, whether bacteria enter or not depends on the production process and storage conditions. The manufacturing process of cosmetics does not occur in a vacuum environment, so purchasing legitimate and qualified cosmetics is essential for hygiene and safety. Despite the addition of preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, improper storage can still lead to deterioration.

2. How to Determine if Cosmetics Have Bacterial Growth?

Cosmetics contaminated with bacteria are as alarming as expired products. They can cause anything from mild acne to pus formation and infections, especially for sensitive skin types. If cosmetics start to turn yellow or develop a foul odor, it indicates product deterioration and they should no longer be used.

3. Can Airless Cosmetic Tubes Really Extend Shelf Life?

After airless packaging, oxygen levels inside skincare tubes decrease, preventing ingredient oxidation, stabilizing active ingredients, and inhibiting microbial growth, thereby extending storage time. However, skincare products are liquids and cannot be completely airless like solids, so the extension of shelf life is limited.

4.Does Sealed-Looking Tube Packaging Signify Airless Sealing?

Unfortunately, most sealed-looking tube packaging is not airless-sealed. The key indicator of airless-sealed skincare tube packaging is the presence of airless mechanisms that prevent air from entering during dispensing. Most sealed tube packaging removes residual air after production but does not truly airless-seal the product. Common spray designs utilize pressurized nitrogen rather than true airless sealing.

5. How Does "Compression Pump" and "Sterile Chamber" Tube Packaging Work?

The presence of a "compression pump" does not determine true airless sealing; the presence of airless mechanisms is crucial. If absent, it's a standard compression pump design relying solely on pressure to dispense the liquid. Another design, the "sterile chamber," claims to be even safer than airless sealing. This design involves a tube and a special cap. As the product is dispensed, the tube gradually collapses. Since no air is drawn back in during dispensing, contamination is prevented.

6. Can Leftover Cosmetics be Airless-Sealed at Home?

You can place the skincare tube and pump into an airless bag and remove the air using a pump. However, this method only delays product deterioration when not in use for an extended period. It cannot guarantee true sterility. Highly active skincare products are generally recommended to be used within 3 months of opening. Placing them in an airless bag reduces exposure to oxygen and sunlight, extending shelf life by approximately 1 month.