Top 10 Materials Used in Bulk Cosmetic Tube Mass Manufacturing
The global beauty and personal care industry is thriving, and packaging plays a major role in shaping consumer perception. Among various packaging formats, the cosmetic tube—especially the squeeze tube—stands out as one of the most versatile, affordable, and consumer-friendly solutions. From hand creams and facial cleansers to luxury serums and sunscreens, cosmetic tubes have become the go-to packaging format across product categories.
Behind every cosmetic tube is a careful choice of materials. Each material brings different qualities—flexibility, barrier protection, recyclability, and premium aesthetics. For brands and businesses sourcing from a cosmetic tube manufacturer, understanding these materials is essential for choosing the right packaging for both performance and branding.
The cosmetic tube has become a staple in modern beauty packaging, and the material used can make all the difference in product performance and customer perception. From affordable PE squeeze tubes to premium Surlyn luxury tubes and eco-friendly PCR solutions, the options are diverse and constantly evolving.
For beauty brands, the key to success lies in selecting the right material and partnering with a reliable cosmetic tube manufacturer who can deliver quality, innovation, and sustainability at scale.
As the industry moves forward, expect even more breakthroughs in eco-friendly materials, smart packaging, and customization—ensuring that the humble cosmetic tube continues to play a leading role in global beauty trends.
This article explores the top 10 materials used in bulk cosmetic tube mass manufacturing, how they are applied, and why they matter.
1. PCR squeeze tube (pcr: Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics)
As sustainability becomes mainstream, PCR plastics are gaining traction in cosmetic tube mass manufacturing.
Advantages: Reduces virgin plastic use, supports circular economy, eco-conscious branding.
Limitations: Natural grayish tint, quality consistency depends on recycling streams.
Common Uses: Skincare tubes, haircare tubes, eco-friendly cosmetic lines.
For brands committed to environmental responsibility, PCR is one of the best material choices.
2. Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used material in cosmetic tube production. Available in forms such as LDPE (low-density), MDPE (medium-density), and HDPE (high-density), it balances flexibility, durability, and affordability.
Advantages: Lightweight, flexible, cost-effective, good chemical resistance.
Limitations: Lower barrier against oxygen and UV compared to multilayer materials.
Common Uses: Hand creams, facial cleansers, shampoos, body lotions.
PE remains the foundation of squeeze tube production because it provides versatility for everyday cosmetic and skincare packaging.
3. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is another staple in cosmetic packaging, often used in both tube bodies and closures.
Advantages: Stiff, recyclable, excellent resistance to chemicals and oils, maintains shape well.
Limitations: Less flexible than PE, lower transparency.
Common Uses: Tube caps, flip-top closures, lotion tubes, medical skincare packaging.
A reliable cosmetic tube manufacturer will often combine PE tubes with PP caps for a balanced structure.
4. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is well known for its clarity and strength. In cosmetic tubes, it gives a glass-like appearance without the fragility.
Advantages: High transparency, lightweight, strong barrier against moisture and oxygen, recyclable.
Limitations: Less flexible than PE, higher cost.
Common Uses: Premium cosmetic squeeze tubes, serums, gels, haircare products.
For brands seeking a luxurious yet practical alternative to glass, PET is a strong choice.
5. EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer)
EVOH is typically used as a barrier layer within multilayer cosmetic tubes.
Advantages: Outstanding gas and fragrance barrier, prevents oxidation, prolongs product shelf life.
Limitations: Must be co-extruded with other plastics like PE or PP.
Common Uses: Sunscreens, anti-aging creams, sensitive skincare formulas.
When performance and product stability matter most, EVOH-based squeeze tubes provide strong protection.
6. Aluminum
Aluminum squeeze tubes are a classic choice in both pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Advantages: 100% barrier against light, air, and moisture; recyclable; premium appearance.
Limitations: Can dent easily, requires inner coatings for formula compatibility.
Common Uses: Ointments, luxury creams, high-end hand creams, medical skincare products.
For brands emphasizing heritage, safety, or a luxurious image, aluminum remains a trusted cosmetic tube material.
7. Laminates (ABL & PBL)
Laminated tubes combine multiple layers for strength and protection.
ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate): Combines aluminum foil with plastic for strong barrier protection.
PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate): Uses all-plastic layers with EVOH for eco-friendlier alternatives.
Advantages: Excellent barrier properties, cost-effective, suitable for large-volume production.
Limitations: Visible seam line, not always fully recyclable.
Common Uses: Toothpaste tubes, face creams, gels, hair products.
A leading cosmetic tube manufacturer will often recommend laminates for cost-effective mass-market products.
8. Surlyn® (Ionomer Resin by DuPont)
Surlyn offers a high-end look and feel, often used in luxury cosmetic packaging.
Advantages: Crystal clarity, glossy finish, scratch-resistant, premium touch.
Limitations: Higher cost compared to PE and PP.
Common Uses: Luxury skincare squeeze tubes, high-end serums, premium travel kits.
This material is perfect for brands aiming for sophistication and exclusivity.
9. Bioplastics for Tubes (PLA, Sugarcane-based PE, etc.)
Sustainability has become a driving force in packaging innovation. Bioplastics offer eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
Advantages: Renewable, compostable or recyclable, aligns with green branding.
Limitations: Limited barrier protection, sometimes less durable under heat.
Common Uses: Organic beauty products, eco-conscious skincare tubes.
Many modern cosmetic tube manufacturers now include bioplastic solutions in their production lines.
10. Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic (PMMA) is often used for outer shells or decorative parts of cosmetic tubes.
Advantages: Glass-like transparency, durable, scratch-resistant, premium appearance.
Limitations: More brittle than PE/PP, usually combined with inner liners.
Common Uses: High-end cosmetic caps, outer shells for luxury squeeze tubes.
This material appeals to brands wanting glass-like beauty with the safety of plastic.
