The Most Comprehensive Guide to Cosmetic Tubes Wholesale

Whether used for skincare, makeup, or haircare, tubes offer convenience, protection, and brand flexibility. For businesses looking to scale efficiently, buying cosmetic tubes wholesale is the most cost-effective and customizable path to packaging success.

This guide provides a complete overview of cosmetic tubes wholesale — from types and materials to customization options and squeeze tube supplier selection — to help you find the perfect packaging for your brand.

1. What Are Cosmetic Tubes?

Cosmetic tubes are flexible packaging containers used for creams, gels, lotions, serums, and more. They’re lightweight, easy to squeeze, and offer great protection for sensitive formulas.
Today’s tubes are available in various materials, shapes, and dispensing systems to fit every formulation type.

Common Applications

• Skincare: Moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens
• Makeup: Foundations, primers, BB creams
• Haircare: Conditioners, styling gels
• Personal care: Toothpaste, hand creams, balms

a. PE (Polyethylene) Squeeze Tubes

• Material: LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, or co-extruded multi-layer PE
• Features: Highly flexible and lightweight, PE tubes offer superior sealing and smooth squeezability. Their excellent print surface supports diverse decoration methods for strong brand visibility.

ldpe plastic squeeze tube

hdpe plastic squeeze tube

co-extruded pe tube

• Daily-use skincare such as cleansers and moisturizers
• Hand and body creams
• Sunscreen, after-sun gels, and soothing lotions
• Oral and personal hygiene formulas

b. Laminated Tubes (ABL & PBL)

• Material: Aluminum Barrier Laminate (ABL) or Plastic Barrier Laminate (PBL)
• Features: Engineered for enhanced protection against oxygen and moisture, laminated tubes maintain product stability and premium appearance. They accommodate both glossy and matte finishes with multi-color printing.

abl collapsible tube

pbl squeeze tube

• Whitening or medicated creams
• Toothpaste and oral care products
• Long-lasting skincare formulations

c. Plastic + Aluminum Collapsible Tubes

• Material: Composite construction of plastic layers and aluminum foil
• Features: Designed for luxury formulations, these tubes combine the lightness of plastic with the robustness and barrier benefits of aluminum, delivering a metallic aesthetic and excellent formula preservation.

plastic aluminum squeeze tube

Common Uses:

• Hand creams and balm formulations
• Eye care and anti-aging products
• High-viscosity cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications

f. Airless Squeeze Tubes

• Material: Co-extruded multi-layer PE or PET with integrated airless pump mechanism
• Features: Provides airtight protection, preventing oxidation and contamination. Ideal for precise, hygienic dispensing and extending product shelf life.

Common Uses:

• Serums, BB creams, and foundations
• Anti-aging or sensitive-skin treatments
• Clinical-grade skincare

g. Aluminum Collapsible Tubes

• Material: Pure aluminum or aluminum alloy
• Features: Naturally resistant to oxygen and light, aluminum tubes preserve sensitive ingredients and ensure zero-leak performance. Fully recyclable and suited for premium and pharmaceutical markets.

Common Uses:

• Prescription or medical creams
• Rich hand or foot treatments
• Color-dense or reactive cosmetic products

h. Multi-Layer Co-Extruded (COEX) Tubes

• Material: PE combined with EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) barrier layer
• Features: Provides exceptional gas barrier properties, maintaining the stability of active formulations. Ideal for brands seeking performance with a flexible squeeze experience.

Common Uses:

• Sunscreens and anti-aging formulas
• Toothpaste and whitening gels
• High-performance skincare and cosmeceuticals

j. Metal Applicator & Hybrid Squeeze Tubes

• Material: PE or laminated body with zinc alloy or stainless-steel applicator tip
• Features: Provides a cooling sensation and targeted application, combining luxury aesthetics with functional benefit. Enhances consumer experience while maintaining hygienic contact.

Common Uses:

• Eye care, lip care, and massage gels
• Precision skincare or contouring treatments

k. Silicone Squeeze Tubes

• Material: Premium medical- or food-grade silicone
• Features: Exceptionally soft, flexible, and temperature-resistant. These refillable tubes deliver a smooth squeeze feel and are ideal for luxury or professional applications.

Common Uses:

• Refillable skincare packaging
• Travel kits and professional salon use

l. Paper and Bio-Composite Tubes (Emerging Trend)

• Material: Paperboard with a thin inner PE or PLA liner
• Features: Lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable, paper tubes are a fast-growing alternative for brands embracing sustainable packaging.

• Solid balms and lotion sticks
• Zero-waste, eco-conscious skincare and cosmetics

3. Customization Options for Brand Identity

Wholesale doesn’t mean generic. Leading suppliers like LISSON Packaging offer full-spectrum customization to make every tube uniquely yours.

Design Features

• Size range: D16–D60 mm or custom

• Finish: Matte, glossy, pearl, metallic

• Printing: Offset, silkscreen, hot stamping, digital printing

• Cap types: Flip-top, screw, pump, or airless head

• Special applicators: Silicone tip, brush, rollerball, metal head

A well-designed cosmetic tube enhances your brand’s shelf appeal and delivers a premium unboxing experience.

4. Factors to Consider When Buying Cosmetic Tubes Wholesale

Choosing the right packaging partner is as important as choosing the right formula. Keep these points in mind:

• MOQ & Price: Ensure the supplier’s minimum order quantity fits your production plan.

• Material Quality: Verify tube strength, flexibility, and compatibility with your product.

• Lead Time: Production + shipping times can vary depending on customization.

• Testing & Compliance: Look for certifications like ISO, SGS, or FDA material compliance.

• OEM/ODM Services: Opt for a supplier who can assist in design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

5. Sustainability and the Future of Tube Packaging

The beauty industry is shifting toward eco-responsible materials and circular design.
Trends shaping the future include:

• Mono-material PE tubes for recyclability.

• PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic to reduce virgin resin use.

• Bioplastics derived from sugarcane and corn.

• Refillable packaging systems to cut waste.

Adopting sustainable wholesale packaging not only benefits the planet — it also enhances brand loyalty and consumer trust.

6. Partnering with the Right Cosmetic Packaging Manufacturer

A professional packaging partner ensures product quality, consistency, and innovation.
LISSON Packaging, a leading cosmetic tube manufacturer since 2013, provides:

• 15+ global production sites

• Over 10,000 tube styles and applicators

• OEM/ODM full-service customization

• Award-winning sustainable packaging solutions

With proven partnerships with Top 500 global beauty brands, LISSON helps businesses scale from concept to market efficiently.

Conclusion

Wholesale cosmetic tubes are more than just packaging — they’re a strategic asset for brand storytelling, cost management, and product performance. Whether you’re launching a new skincare line or upgrading your existing packaging, understanding the full landscape of cosmetic tubes empowers smarter, more sustainable decisions.