In a company, masks are one of the most popular skin care products. Not only because of the products and influential social media, but also because of the metal tube packaging, masks can sell out quickly.

Wisely, instead of pink cosmetic packaging, the founder of the brand selected a cornflower tube to be outstanding among millions of packages. The most sensible option is the aluminum tube. They can keep beautiful and superior as they look perfect after using while many plastic tubes are deflated after using.
Besides, packaging is crucial for customers. It is humans’ nature that attractive things can appeal to people. Sometimes we do not know whether the products are good or not but we are attracted by the appearances. On the basis of research in the marketing world, at least one third of customers purchase due to the packaging. It is difficult to imagine why aluminum tubes are more artistic than plastic or other types of tubes but it is a cosmetic packaging trend recently.

Metal tube packaging are not a new arrival but they are getting popular increasingly. In the 70s and 80s, metal toothpaste tubes were practical with sharp edges. More products could be squeezed out if tubes were cut when they were folded up from the bottom. Whereas, with the development of plastic packaging technique, metal was abandoned. For instance, a corporation used recyclable metal tubes for so-called natural toothpaste rather than aluminum tubes. But 25% customers complained about the tubes for the leakage and the difficulty that children and the elderly cannot squeeze out.

According to statistics, in 2021, the global market will soar to 9.3 billion dollars, higher than that in 2016 (6.65 billion). Lately, more cosmetic companies adopt metal tubes. For example, a company designed a kind of strangely shaped lipstick whose packaging is aluminum squeeze tubes with weird cartoon patterns. Some creams are also put into aluminum tubes, which are common in natural skin brands. Additionally, metal tubes can be used for hand creams, hand sanitizers, honey salve and so on.

As for why metal tubes are prevalent, firstly, metal has a satisfactory weight so it makes people feel substantial and the price is higher than plastic. It is believe that better products are heavier so products will be weighed up by luxury cosmetic companies. As a natural material, metal is better than plastic which is made by hand. That is why customers are willing to purchase heavier hand creams. Another reason is that it is interesting to use sharp point recessed in the cap to puncture the metal seal on a tube, like a treasure hunt. When opening the seal, the sound “pop” is pleasure. Moreover, a co-founder explains why their company selects aluminum tubes for wonderful invisible day and night cream. First of all, it can evoke skin care for hair. Secondly, metal tubes are tactile with wrinkly texture which can stimulate senses. Aluminum tubes are so attractive that a designer won packaging awards depending on an aluminum tube. Albeit the tube technique improves much and plastic can be given a metallic sheen, it does not touch cool or pliable. What is more, aluminum tubes are sustainable and recyclable so they will not bring much burden on environment and people’s health. Actually, not many people reuse tubes so it is unclear that how much the packaging trend can improve the environment in the long term.

Some brands believe that tubes can protect contents before opening so it is a piece of good news for brands that avoid traditional preservatives. For instance, in order to reduce the demand of preservatives, the products are packed in dark protective and anodized aluminum tubes to reduce UV spoilage of products in a firm.

It is not an easy task to look for a suitable metal tube packaging as the stability of formula ought to be tested. After overcoming a variety of attempts and mistakes, an appropriate package can be found.