The purpose of cosmetic packaging is to protect goods and persuade people to buy. Different packaging has different functions and demands. Manufacturers choose containers according to the type of containers, compatibility, functionality and protection of products. The type of packaging depends on products and specific applications since different containers have advantages and disadvantages.

Firstly, as for jars, including plastic, glass and ceramic jars, they are used for semi-solid W/O, O/W emulsions, hydrogels and oleogels (home care) because the filling can be taken out easily by fingers, spatula or cotton pads. They are also decorative and can be emptied entirely. Small jars can be carried in handbags during traveling. However, they are not hygienic as there will be contamination when using. The filling needs high concentration of preservatives and condensed water on lid inside might lead to mould. And O/W products may desiccate so it is not appropriate for volatile components.

Secondly, tubes, including plastic, composite material and aluminium tubes, are used for semi-solid W/O, O/W emulsions, hydrogels and oleogels (home care). In terms of aluminium tubes, they avoid the penetration of germs. Whereas, they can not be decorated well so they look like ointments. Besides, elastic plastic tubes let air and germs penetrate during discharge.

Thirdly, bottles including plastic, glass, ceramic and aluminium bottles can be used for liquid W/O, O/W emulsions, solutions and refill bottles (home care and beauty institute products). There are variable synthetic materials for bottles, such as jet, drop inserts, spray nozzles, frothing caps and pump heads with tube. As for glass or rubber bottles, pipette kits with rubber sealing for sera can be used rather than ampoules. And aluminium pressure cylinders(CO2, propane, butane) are hygienic. But they need high microbiological stability since air and germs may penetrate when opening. Additionally, radiation can penetrate through lucid bottles so products with sensitive components are not suitable for them. And due to higher viscous contents, pump heads with tubes may lead to a funnel formation and impede the emptying. Moreover, aluminium containers are dented easily so it is unaesthetic.

Fourthly, dispensers including plastic and glass dispensers can be used for semi-solid emulsions, hydrogels, oils, liquid waxes and lotions (home care). The biggest advantage is that sanitation can be ensured since airless dispensers with double bottom (plastic) cannot be polluted from outside. And airless dispensers can be emptied entirely but the product discharge will stop abruptly when dispenser is empty. Unfortunately, pellucid dispensers are not adopted in some countries. Similar to bottles, radiation can penetrate through lucid bottles so products with sensitive components are not suitable for them.

Fifthly, cans made from plastic or glass (home care, beauty institute products) can be used as refill cans, powders and bath tablets. The advantage is the wide opening. But high surface powders can absorb water from the air at frequent opening.

Sixthly, ampoules made from glass or plastic (beauty institute products) can be used for sera, active agent concentrates, solutions and oxygen-sensitive products. The ampoules are hygienic and plastic ones are unbreakable. They allow small containers and the content is sterile. However, preservative-free content should be consumed immediately after opening and sample taking is impossible. There exist risks of injury when opening glass ampoules and they are fragile.

Seventhly, sachets made from plastic foils can be used for enzyme peeling (powder), medelages(powder) and free samples of semi-solid W/O and O/W emulsions as sachets are hygenic, one-off and made from promotion material. As for disadvantages, the products must be used immediately after opening and it will cause plenty of cosmetic packaging waste.