We know how beauty products are packaged is very important from a sustainability point of view, but the jars, tubes and bottles they are housed in also protect the integrity of the ingredients. Luckily for us consumers, product manufacturers take care of all these logistics, but knowing what to look for can be It also helps you make more informed decisions.
For example, if you’ve ever checked the inventory of vitamin C serums on your dressing table, you may notice that they all have one thing in common. Opaque bottle. They come in amber, white, and black, but the important thing is that they are impervious to light. You may also have started to notice brands touting “airless pumps” when launching new products, but you may not be able to see how they differ from regular pumps. His Defne Arikan, founder of Bryhel Cosmetic Laboratories, told POPSUGAR:
The point is, beauty companies and their respective product makers are pretty savvy when it comes to packaging considerations to preserve formulations, extend the life of active ingredients, and keep bacteria at bay. If you’re interested in the most common ground rules for product packaging, read on.
Opaque packaging protects ingredients from sunlight
“Proper storage of cosmetics is essential for optimal power and maximum shelf life.”
Why is it important to put products containing vitamin C in opaque bottles? Rohan Widdison, founder and CEO of manufacturer New Laboratories, says, “Vitamin C is great for whitening, but it’s sensitive to light and unstable, so it naturally degrades over time. It can speed up processes (as well as interactions with heat and air).
Vitamin C is not the only ingredient for which this applies. “Perfumes, essential oils, and most lotions, serums, and oils that contain the vanilla allergen are also light-sensitive,” says Alikan. Because of this, we rarely see products in clear glass or plastic containers.
Airless pump keeps air out and food fresh
Sunlight is not the only factor that threatens the effectiveness of products. Air is also a big factor. Traditional pump bottles use air to eject the product. “When a milliliter of product comes out, at the same time he gets a milliliter of air into the product,” Arikan says. “Air can enter the formula and reduce cosmetic quality.”
Airless pumps, on the other hand, use pressure to raise the piston in the bottle to dispense the formula. “[This] It keeps out contaminants like oxygen and bacteria, ensuring a longer lasting, more effective product,” says Widison.
There is another reason why airless pumps are advantageous.
Certain containers may pose a risk of cross-contamination
As far as general packaging solutions go, there are droppers, tubes, open-faced jars, and bottles with pumps, but depending on who you ask, they might say that certain options are better than others. Jars in particular are often the subject of controversy among some beauty practitioners, based solely on the fact that you have to dip your finger into the pot.
“When it comes to products that degrade in the sun, jars are definitely more protective than pumps and tubes, but they can be more prone to bacteria and germs,” says Arikan. Sticking your finger into it has been shown to affect the integrity of the product, causing it to deteriorate over time,” he added.
To avoid this, use a skincare spatula to apply the product (often included with the product). “It is ideal to wash and dry your hands thoroughly, without using a spatula, before ingesting a small amount of the product,” says Arikan.
However, depending on the quality of the preservation system built into the product, this may not be a concern. “The weaker the preservative system, the more sensitive the cream is to bacteria,” says Alikan. It is possible.
Skin care dropper minimizes germs
Products with droppers, touted for their ability to reduce cross-contamination, often put a small amount of air into the formula, but some brands and manufacturers go one step further. At Vichy, we’ve updated the packaging of all our anti-aging serums to include pharmaceutical-inspired bottles with plastic applicator tips.
“[This] The user can apply the exact amount of serum needed by turning the applicator upside down and squeezing the applicator, allowing for precise dosing,” said Minh-Dan, general manager of Vichy USA. Mr Tran said. “The main advantage of this type of application is that the amount of formula exposed to oxygen and other contaminants is minimized.”
Aluminum bottle ensures best protection
We can’t forget to mention aluminum, a beauty packaging staple used in everything from skincare to hairspray to deodorant. “As a barrier material, aluminum protects against bacteria, UV rays, humidity and temperature changes,” he says Arikan. “Therefore, aluminum bottles are particularly suitable for fragile contents and this packaging is a good choice.” Aluminum tubes and bottles are also often easily recyclable.
As a consumer, you may not have the power to decide what kind of packaging your favorite brand uses for a formula, but with this knowledge, you can store your products properly and shop wisely when possible to get the most out of your product. They can be used for as long as possible.
