What Plastic Packaging Is Best for Cosmetics?

Choosing the right plastic for cosmetic packaging requires balancing safety, functionality, sustainability, and cost. With increasing environmental concerns and strict safety regulations, the decision has become more complex than ever.

For most cosmetics, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PP (polypropylene) are the best plastic options—they're FDA-approved, chemically stable, and widely recyclable. For premium products, PCR (post-consumer recycled) versions of these plastics offer sustainability benefits without compromising quality.

Let's examine the ideal plastic choices for different cosmetic applications and requirements.

What Is the Best Plastic for Cosmetics?

The optimal plastic depends on your product formulation, packaging format, and sustainability goals.

PET plastic¹ is best for liquid products (toners, serums) due to its clarity and chemical resistance. PP works better for thicker formulations (creams, balms) because of its flexibility and heat resistance. Both are food-grade safe and accepted by most recycling programs.

Cosmetic Plastic Comparison Chart

What Is the Most Sustainable Packaging for Cosmetics?

Sustainability in cosmetic packaging involves material choice, design, and end-of-life considerations.

The most sustainable option combines PCR plastics² with refillable systems—reducing virgin material use by 70-100%. Aluminum and glass are infinitely recyclable alternatives, while emerging bioplastics like PLA (from corn starch) offer compostable solutions for certain applications.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Material Options

• 100% PCR PET/PP
• Bio-based plastics (PLA, PHA)
• Aluminum containers
• Glass with recycled content

Design Strategies

End-of-Life Programs

• Take-back initiatives
• Partnered recycling
• Industrial composting
• Upcycling collaborations

What Is the Best Container for Cream Cosmetics?

Cream formulations require specific packaging features to maintain product integrity and ensure user convenience.

Airless pumps³ made from PP plastic are the best containers for cream cosmetics—they prevent contamination, allow complete product use, and maintain formula stability. For thicker creams, wide-mouth jars with PP or PET inserts work well when paired with hygienic spatulas.

Cream Packaging Comparison

Airless Pumps

• Best for: Face creams, serums
• Materials: PP body, PET bottle
• Benefits: No product waste, hygienic
• Drawback: Higher cost

Jars

• Best for: Body butters, masks
• Materials: Glass/plastic with PP insert
• Benefits: Luxurious feel
• Drawback: Potential contamination

Tubes

• Best for: Hand creams, spot treatments
• Materials: LDPE/PP laminate
• Benefits: Portable, controlled dispensing
• Drawback: Not fully emptyable

Specialty Options

• Pump jars (combines jar and pump)
• Twist-up sticks
• Dual-chamber containers
• Squeeze pods

What Plastic Is Safe for Skin?

Cosmetic packaging plastics must meet strict safety standards to prevent chemical leaching and skin reactions.

FDA-approved plastics⁴ like PET, PP, and HDPE are safest for skin-contact cosmetics—they're non-reactive and don't leach harmful chemicals. Avoid PVC (contains phthalates) and polystyrene (may leach styrene) in direct product contact applications.

Plastic Safety Guide

Approved for Cosmetics

1. PET (#1)

   • Stability: Excellent
   • Common Uses: Bottles, jars
   • Safety Note: Avoid heat exposure

2. PP (#5)

   • Stability: Heat-resistant
   • Common Uses: Caps, containers
   • Safety Note: Most versatile

3. HDPE (#2)

   • Stability: Chemical-resistant
   • Common Uses: Opaque bottles
   • Safety Note: Dairy-grade safe

Plastics to Avoid

• PVC (#3): Contains plasticizers
• PS (#6): Can leach styrene
• PC (No #): Contains BPA
• Unmarked plastics: Unknown composition

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic for cosmetic packaging requires careful consideration of product compatibility, user experience, and environmental impact.