What Are Empty Cosmetic Squeeze Tubes and How Are They Used

You might notice empty cosmetic squeeze tubes in stores. They are ready to hold lotions, creams, or gels. These tubes are a smart way to package many products. They are used for things like lip care items too. People like them because you can squeeze out just enough each time. More people are using them all over the world. The global market could reach $2.9 billion in 2025. It might even grow to $4.6 billion by 2035. You can also reuse empty lotion squeeze tubes for fun projects at home.
Key Takeaways
- Empty cosmetic squeeze tubes are useful for lotions, creams, and gels. They let you use the right amount each time. This helps you not waste any product.
- Pick airless tubes for skincare to keep things fresh. These tubes protect products from air. This makes sensitive formulas last longer.
- Eco-friendly choices like PCR plastic and aluminum tubes cut down on waste. They help the planet and support sustainability. Try to find these when you shop.
- You can reuse empty tubes in fun ways. Use them for travel, crafts, or to organize small things. This helps you be eco-friendly and waste less.
- Squeeze tubes are light and strong, so they are great for travel. They stop spills and keep your products safe.
Empty Cosmetic Squeeze Tubes

Features
When you hold empty cosmetic squeeze tubes, they feel light and easy to use. These tubes are special because they mix smart design with useful features. You can check out the main features in the table below:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Commonly made from polyethylene (PE) or PET plastic, offering flexibility in design and production. |
| Design Features | Available in various cap types (flip-top, screw-on) for controlled dispensing. |
| Durability | Resistant to breakage, leaks, and dents, providing a strong barrier against external elements. |
| Ease of Use | Flexible body allows precise control over product dispensing, reducing waste and mess. |
| Portability | Lightweight and compact, making them convenient for travel and daily use. |
| Hygiene | Airless options available to keep sensitive formulas protected from oxygen exposure. |
These tubes are strong and keep your products safe. The soft body lets you squeeze out just what you need. You do not have to worry about leaks or dents. Many tubes have flip-top or screw-on caps, so you can control how much comes out. Some tubes are airless. These keep your creams and gels fresh by blocking air.
These tubes are great for travel. They fit in your bag or pocket. You can bring your favorite lotion or gel anywhere. The light design makes them easy to carry every day.
Tip: If you want your skincare to stay fresh, pick airless cosmetic tubes. They help protect sensitive formulas from air.
Common Types
There are many choices for cosmetic tube packaging. The beauty industry uses several popular types. Each type has its own good points. Here are some of the most common:
- Airless cosmetic tubes
- Aluminium cosmetic tubes
- PCR squeeze tubes (made from post-consumer recycled materials)
- Metal cosmetic tubes
- Collapsible tubes
Airless tubes are good for products that need extra protection from air. Aluminium and metal tubes look shiny and work well for things like hair dye, nail glue, or mascara. PCR squeeze tubes use recycled materials, which is better for the planet. Collapsible tubes let you squeeze out every last bit, so you do not waste any product.
Cosmetic tubes come in many sizes and shapes. You can see the most common sizes and widths in the table below:
| Common Capacities (G) | Common Diameters (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3G | 13mm |
| 5G | 16mm |
| 8G | 19mm |
| 10G | 22mm |
| 15G | 25mm |
| 20G | 28mm |
| 25G | 30mm |
| 30G | 33mm |
| 35G | 35mm |
| 40G | 38mm |
| 45G | 40mm |
| 50G | 45mm |
| 60G | 50mm |
| 80G | 55mm |
| 100G | 60mm |
| 110G | N/A |
| 120G | N/A |
| 130G | N/A |
| 150G | N/A |
| 180G | N/A |
| 200G | N/A |
| 250G | N/A |
You can also see how the sizes compare in this chart:

You might wonder why there are so many choices. The reason is simple. Different products need different packaging. Small tubes are good for samples or travel sizes. Bigger tubes are used for body lotions or hair products. Cosmetic tube packaging lets you pick what works best for you.
Today, there are new trends in cosmetic tube packaging. Many brands now use eco-friendly materials. Some tubes use bio-based PE plastic or recyclable HDPE. Others use special layers to keep products fresh. Brands also use digital printing to make their packaging look cool. You might even see smart materials that show when your product is fresh.
If you like trying new things, you may notice samples often come in small cosmetic tubes. These samples let you try a product before buying a big one. Good packaging keeps samples safe and easy to use.
Note: Brands use creative packaging to share their story and connect with you. Look for tubes with cool designs or eco-friendly labels next time you shop.
Packaging and Materials
Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Plastic squeeze tubes feel light and easy to hold. They are made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET. Each material has its own special use. Polyethylene is bendy and works for face creams and lip balms. Polypropylene is stiff and keeps its shape. It is good for tube bodies and caps. PET makes clear, strong tubes that look fancy.
Plastic squeeze tubes are used for many products. You see them with lotions and gels. They come in lots of shapes and sizes. This lets brands make fun packaging. Here is a table with the good and bad points:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Versatile in design and function | Environmental concerns |
| Cost-effective | Barrier properties |
| Lightweight | Chemical compatibility issues |
| Recyclable | |
| Durable |
These tubes are easy to use and let you squeeze out just enough. They keep your products safe and clean. They also cost less, so brands can sell at better prices.
Laminate Tubes
Laminate tubes look shiny and smooth. The colors and pictures on them stand out. Brands like these tubes because they can print cool designs. This makes the tubes look nice in stores.
Laminate tubes have layers that protect your creams and lotions. They keep out water, air, and light. This helps your products last longer. These tubes are tough and do not break easily. They are also light, so shipping is simple. Here are some features you might like:
- High-barrier protection against moisture, oxygen, and light
- Customizable designs for branding
- Tamper-proof material for safety
- Regulatory compliance for sensitive products
If you want your products to look good and stay safe, laminate tubes are a great pick.
Eco-Friendly Options
You may want to pick eco-friendly packaging for your cosmetics. These use materials like PCR plastic, sugarcane, and aluminum. They help cut down on waste and pollution. These tubes can be recycled, broken down, or composted. Using them helps the planet and lowers pollution.
Eco-friendly tubes use safe materials that do not harm nature. Some brands use sugarcane tubes, which make less carbon. Others use aluminum tubes that you can recycle many times. Kraft paper tubes and bioplastics can break down in compost.
If you care about the earth, look for eco-friendly tubes. You help save resources and support green brands. Good eco-friendly tubes mean you get nice products and help the world too.
Tip: Mono-material tubes are simple to recycle. Check your local rules to recycle cosmetic tubes the right way.
Uses for Empty Lotion Squeeze Tubes

Skincare Packaging
Empty lotion squeeze tubes are everywhere in skincare. They help you use just the right amount. You can squeeze out all the cream or lotion. This means you do not waste any product. Brands like these tubes because they keep things fresh and safe. You can put them in your bag, and they will not leak or break.
Here are some types of lotions and creams found in these tubes:
| Type of Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand creams | Best for smaller personal care products. |
| High-end lotions | Suitable for luxury skincare products. |
| Hair care products | Ideal for thicker formulations like shampoos. |
| Sunscreens | Commonly packaged in squeeze tubes for easy use. |
| Cosmetics | Often require thicker formulations for application. |
These tubes work well for thick creams and gels. They also protect sensitive formulas. Many tubes use airless technology to keep air out. This helps your skincare last longer.
Brands pick empty lotion squeeze tubes for many reasons:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimal Waste | Squeeze tubes allow users to extract nearly all of the product, ensuring minimal waste compared to pump dispensers. |
| Lightweight and Durable | Squeeze tubes are typically lighter and more durable than glass bottles or jars, making them safer for travel. |
| Precision Dispensing | Squeeze tubes allow for precise control over the amount of product dispensed, helping avoid waste. |
| Airless Technology Compatibility | Many squeeze tubes can incorporate airless technology, preserving the integrity of sensitive formulations. |
You get more value because you use almost all the product. You do not have to worry about spills or messes. These tubes fit in your purse, backpack, or pocket.
Laminated tubes give extra protection to products with special ingredients. This helps them last longer and stay stable.
Sometimes, tubes can get small dents or scratches. This does not happen often because they are strong. Some tubes have tiny lines or marks from the factory. These do not change how well the tube works.
| Challenge Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dents | Occur during transportation, though rare due to durability. |
| Scratches | Damage caused by inaccurate measurements and adjustments. |
| Micro Die Lines | Shallow die lines that are inconvenient during anodization. |
| Painting Defects | Issues like fewer microns, dust particles, orange peel, blisters, and overlapping during painting. |
If you care about the planet, you can find eco-friendly tubes. Some brands use recycled plastic or sugarcane. This helps you take care of your skin and the earth.
Makeup and Personal Care
Empty lotion squeeze tubes are used for makeup and personal care too. They work for foundation, BB cream, and lip gloss. You can squeeze out just what you need. This helps you not waste your favorite products.
Squeeze tubes keep products safe inside. This is why people like them.
Some makeup lasts longer in these tubes. The packaging keeps out air and light. This helps your makeup stay fresh. Some tubes use aluminum or special laminate layers. These materials give extra protection and help products last longer.
Aluminum tubing gives better protection because it is thicker. This helps keep products safe.
You can use empty lotion squeeze tubes for travel-size items. Fill them with toothpaste, face wash, or shampoo. They are light and easy to pack. You do not have to worry about spills in your bag.
Sometimes, brands care more about looks than how the tube works. This can make it hard to get the product out. Some tubes do not follow safety or recycling rules. You might feel upset if the tube looks nice but does not work well.
| Pitfall | Description |
|---|---|
| Neglecting Functionality for Aesthetics | Prioritizing aesthetics over functionality can lead to packaging that looks great but doesn’t work well, causing user frustration. |
| Overlooking Regulatory Compliance | Failing to adhere to regulations can lead to legal issues and recalls, which can upset consumers. |
| Underestimating Environmental Impact | Using non-recyclable materials can harm the environment and negatively impact brand reputation, leading to consumer dissatisfaction. |
You can avoid these problems by picking brands that care about both looks and function. Look for tubes that are easy to squeeze and recycle. You will enjoy your products more and help the planet.
Empty cosmetic squeeze tubes give you lots of choices for your daily routine. You can use them for skincare, makeup, or personal care. They keep your products safe, fresh, and easy to use. Next time you shop, look at the different empty lotion squeeze tubes and see which ones you like best.
Creative Uses for Empty Lotion Squeeze Tubes
You may think these tubes are just for the bathroom, but you can use empty lotion squeeze tubes in many places at home. When you find new ways to use them, you help cut down on waste and support eco-friendly ideas. Here are some fun ways to use these tubes every day.
Travel Containers
Packing for a trip can be hard. You can use empty lotion squeeze tubes to organize your travel items. Fill them with shampoo, conditioner, or toothpaste. These tubes save space and keep your bag clean. You will not have to worry about spills or big bottles. Some people use empty lotion squeeze tubes for kitchen condiments too. You can squeeze out ketchup or honey easily. This trick helps you live green and keeps trash out of landfills.
Tip: Airports let you bring small containers, so you can use empty lotion squeeze tubes for your favorite creams and gels when you travel.
Art and DIY Projects
If you like diy, you can turn empty lotion squeeze tubes into paint bottles. Fill them with paint or glue to use just what you need. Kids like to make puppets or sculptures from tubes. You can also use tubes for homemade facial cleansers or lip balms. These projects help you be creative and avoid single-use containers. Using tubes for art supplies keeps your space neat and helps the planet.
- Make arts and crafts with glitter or colored sand in tubes.
- Use tubes for diy slime or to put frosting on cakes.
- Try fun learning tools by filling tubes with sensory stuff.
Organization Hacks
You can use empty lotion squeeze tubes to organize your craft room. Put beads, buttons, or thread in labeled tubes. This keeps your things sorted and cuts down on waste. You can also use tubes for earrings, coins, or office items. A travel organizer works for creams and lotions, making packing simple. These ideas help you live green and support eco-friendly choices.
When you reuse empty lotion squeeze tubes, you show creativity and help the earth. Every small step helps the planet and keeps trash out of landfills.
You can see how empty cosmetic squeeze tubes make life easier. They let you use every drop, save money, and keep your products safe during travel. You get choices for samples or big bottles, and you help the planet by picking recyclable options. These tubes work for lotions, art projects, and even organizing small items. Try new ways to reuse them at home and support eco-friendly habits. 😊
Empty Cosmetic Squeeze Tubes – Frequently Asked Questions
Definitions, materials, sizes, closures, filling & sealing, labeling, testing, sustainability and typical MOQs/lead times for beauty brands.
1) What are empty cosmetic squeeze tubes?
2) What materials are commonly used?
3) What sizes and diameters are typical?
4) Which caps and closures are available?
5) How are empty tubes filled and sealed?
6) What orifice sizes and applicators should I choose?
7) How are graphics and branding applied?
8) What tests should be completed before mass production?
9) Are empty tubes recyclable or eco-friendly?
10) What labeling and compliance points matter?
11) What are typical MOQs and lead times for empty tubes?
12) How should I brief suppliers for accurate quotes?
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