Why Use Cosmetic Plastic Tubes: Benefits and Advantages
Cosmetic plastic tubes are a healthy, durable, and eco-conscious choice widely used in the beauty industry. They are in a rise in the cosmetic sector because of durability and flexibility compared to standard glass packaging. You can trust them to do the job right. They’re safe, practical, and designed to keep formulas fresh from the first use to the very last.
Nowadays, global cosmetics are looking for eco-friendly, innovative packaging solutions. Both users and brands prefer sustainable, customizable, travel-friendly, and reliable packaging. Plastic tubes tick all of these boxes. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and hygienic, allows for easy use and carry options. When you have a plastic tube, you don’t have to worry about heavy, fragile jars or bottles every time you want to apply your favorite sunscreen or moisturizer.
According to Allied Market Research, the global cosmetic packaging market is projected to reach $55.9 billion by 2032, with plastic tubes leading due to consumer demand for convenience and sustainability.
At Cosmetic Tubes, we make packaging simple. Our tubes are safe, customizable, and designed to reflect your brand’s look while protecting what’s inside. With us, you get packaging that feels good, works great, and speaks to eco-conscious customers.
Types of Cosmetic Plastic Tubes
Not all cosmetic tubes are the same. Tubes come in different sizes and materials. Different styles work better for different cosmetic products, and choosing the right one makes a big difference for your brand. Here are the main types you’ll see in the beauty industry:
Extruded Tubes
These are the standard plastic cosmetic tubes made from polyethylene (PE). They’re flexible, tough, and affordable. You’ll find them used for lotions, gels, and everyday skincare.
Laminated Tubes
- ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate): Protects against air and light, great for sensitive formulas, but harder to recycle.
- PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate): Offers strong protection too, but easier to recycle, making it better for sustainable packaging.
COEX Tubes
Built with several plastic layers for extra strength. These tubes are good for formulas that need a longer shelf life or extra barrier protection.
Airless Pump Tubes
These come with a pump system that stops air from getting in. They’re perfect for serums, eye creams, and premium skincare where keeping the product fresh is key.
Refillable and Eco-Friendly Tubes
Many brands now use refillable packaging or tubes made with recycled plastic. These options cut down on plastic waste, lower the carbon footprint, and support the circular economy.
Why Use Cosmetic Plastic Tubes?
Cosmetic plastic tubes are the global standard for safe and practical beauty packaging. According to Cosmetics Europe, plastic packaging protects sensitive formulas from oxidation and contamination, ensuring product stability and longer shelf life. Brands worldwide choose tubes because they are lightweight, portable, and cost-effective, making them ideal for skincare, haircare, and makeup.
A Grand View Research report highlights that over 70% of cosmetic packaging in Asia and North America uses plastic tubes due to convenience and branding flexibility. With recyclable and bio-based plastics now available, international markets are adopting eco-friendly tubes to balance consumer demand and sustainability.
Top Benefits of Cosmetic Plastic Tubes
When you think about the products you use every day, from face cream to toothpaste, chances are they come in a cosmetic plastic tube. And there’s a good reason for that. Tubes are practical, safe, and increasingly eco-friendly packaging options that both you and your favorite cosmetic brands can trust. Let’s break down why.
Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
You don’t want heavy bottles or fragile jars in your bag, right? Plastic cosmetic tubes are light, flexible, and easy to carry. They fit perfectly in a purse, gym bag, or even your pocket.
Health and Safety Aspects
Cosmetic plastic tubes use safe, approved materials that meet beauty packaging standards. The sealed structure keeps out bacteria, air, and dust, protecting product quality. Formulas stay fresh, uncontaminated, and effective for longer.
Hygienic and Long-Lasting
Nobody likes dipping fingers into jars. Tubes keep your cosmetic products clean by reducing contamination. You just squeeze out what you need, which also helps extend the shelf life of your creams, serums, or gels.
Strong and Reliable
Despite being light, plastic tubes can withstand drops, pressure, and daily use. Tubes offer durability, which means less risk of leaks or broken packaging. Something we all appreciate when traveling or tossing a tube into a busy drawer.
Cost-Effective and Energy-Saving
Tubes are one of the most cost-efficient packaging solutions. They’re cheaper to make and ship because they use less energy and fewer resources to manufacture compared to glass. That’s why so many cosmetic companies stick with them.
Customizable for Every Brand
One of the coolest things about tubes is how easily tubes can be customized. Whether it’s a sleek matte finish, bold colors, or eco-conscious labels, tubes provide your brand the chance to stand out in the beauty industry while showing your target audience that you care about both quality and sustainability.
Plastic Cosmetic Tubes vs. Other Packaging Options
| Option | Pros | Cons | Tubes Win Because… |
| Plastic Tubes | Light, flexible, hygienic, customizable, recyclable | Less “luxury” look | Balance of cost, durability, and sustainability |
| Jars | Premium, easy scoop | Contamination, oxidation, heavy | Tubes keep products cleaner, last longer, and travel better |
| Bottles | Familiar, large volume | Bulky, leaks, and hard to squeeze | Tubes are portable, controlled, and waste less product |
| Glass | Luxury, reusable | Heavy, fragile, high footprint | Tubes use less energy, are safer, and eco-friendly |
| Pumps | Precise dosing | Complex parts, hard to recycle | Tubes are simpler, recyclable, and easier to empty |
| Sachets | Cheap, small, single-use | Tear easily, wasteful | Tubes are refillable, reducing plastic waste |
Sustainable Cosmetic Tube Packaging
The way we use cosmetic packaging is changing in the cosmetic industry. Brands now look for eco-friendly packaging that creates less waste and supports sustainability goals.
Many new tubes are made from recycled plastic, which lowers the need for new materials and reduces the carbon footprint. Some are designed to be fully recyclable, making them easier to process after use.
Another option is refillable packaging. You keep the same outer tube and replace only the inside. This simple idea cuts waste and supports a more circular economy. Brands that prioritize advancement in recycling are on trend now within the beauty industry.
Environmental Impacts of Plastic Cosmetic Tubes
Plastic packaging has long been linked to environmental impact, and cosmetic tubes are no exception. For years, most were made with mixed materials that were difficult to recycle, leading to more plastic waste and a higher carbon footprint. This created a challenge for the beauty industry, especially as more consumers became eco-conscious and demanded better sustainable packaging.
The good news is that change is underway. Many cosmetic companies are now shifting to eco-friendly packaging options, such as post-consumer recycled plastics and recyclable mono-material tubes. These solutions reduce the demand for virgin plastic and support the circular economy. Some brands even go a step further with refillable packaging, giving you a way to reuse the same tube and cut down waste.
For you, this means the products you love can align with your values. The rise of sustainable cosmetic packaging brings real environmental benefits while moving the industry closer to its sustainability goals and a future of sustainable beauty.
How to Select the Right Cosmetic Tube
Choosing the right cosmetic tube isn’t just about picking a container. It’s about finding cosmetic packaging that keeps your product safe, feels good in your customer’s hands, and fits your brand values. Here’s what you should look at before making a choice.
Think About Your Product
Start with what’s inside. If you’re selling sensitive cosmetic products like serums, retinol, or vitamin C creams, you’ll need a plastic cosmetic tube that protects against air and light. Tubes made with special barrier layers stop oxidation and give your product a longer shelf life.
Keep Sustainability in Mind
Customers today care about eco-friendly packaging. They want brands that aim for real sustainability goals. That’s why many companies now use recycled plastic, recyclable tubes, or even refillable packaging. These options cut down on plastic waste, lower the carbon footprint, and support the circular economy. Choosing these solutions shows your brand cares about sustainable beauty and attracts eco-conscious buyers.
Match the Tube to How It’s Used
Different products call for different designs. Tubes can be customized with slant tips for lip balms, rollers for eye creams, or airless pumps for high-end skincare. A smart design makes your packaging more practical and strengthens your brand image.
Balance Cost and Quality
You also have to think about your bottom line. Glass looks fancy, but it’s heavy, breakable, and expensive to ship. A plastic cosmetic tube is lighter, safer, and takes less energy to make. It’s a more cost-efficient option that still gives you plenty of quality and sustainability.
Cost Breakdown of Plastic Tubes
When you look at the cost of a plastic cosmetic tube, it really comes down to the choices you make. A basic tube usually runs between $0.10 and $0.30 each if you’re buying in bulk. If you want something more eco-friendly, like tubes made with recycled plastic, the price can move up to around $0.25 to $0.60 per piece. Size also plays a role-larger tubes simply need more material, so they cost more.
Design is another big factor. A simple printed label keeps costs low, but if you’re aiming for custom colors, metallic finishes, or unique textures, you might be paying closer to $0.50 or more per tube. Closures matter too. A basic screw cap is the cheapest, but if you go for airless pumps or fancy flip-tops, expect an extra $0.20 to $0.50 added on.
On average, most cosmetic plastic tubes fall somewhere between $0.10 and $1.00 each. The more custom features you add, the closer you get to that higher end.
FAQs About Cosmetic Plastic Tubes
Question: What are the main types of cosmetic plastic tubes?
Answer: The most common types include extruded tubes, laminated tubes (ABL and PBL), COEX tubes, airless tubes, and refillable tubes. Each has different benefits depending on the product and your sustainability goals.
Question: Which cosmetic tube is most eco-friendly?
Answer: Refillable packaging and recyclable mono-material tubes are the most eco-friendly packaging options. Many brands also use post-consumer recycled plastics to reduce plastic waste and cut their carbon footprint.
Question: How do I choose the right tube for my product?
Answer: It depends on the formula and the brand’s values. Sensitive cosmetic products may need a barrier tube like COEX or airless, while everyday lotions can use extruded plastic tubes. If your brand focuses on sustainable beauty, choose tubes made with recycled plastic or eco-friendly packaging.
Question: Are all cosmetic plastic tubes recyclable?
Answer: Not all. PBL and mono-material tubes are generally more recyclable, while ABL tubes with aluminum layers are harder to process. Brands looking to reduce their environmental impact often switch to recyclable or sustainable cosmetic packaging.
Final Words
At the end of the day, choosing the right cosmetic plastic tube is about more than packaging. It’s about protecting your product, showing off your brand, and meeting today’s sustainability goals. With options like eco-friendly packaging, recyclable tubes, and even refillable packaging, you can pick what fits both your product and your customers best.
With Cosmetic Tubes, your packaging stands out. We create recyclable, durable, and customizable cosmetic tubes that fit your brand’s style and values. Our sustainable packaging gives you both beauty and strength, designed to support your vision and impress your customers.
