Cosmetic packaging: structure, label compliance, and design process

Every time an advertisement on a label is changed, it requires reprinting everything. Every time a disclosure document is rejected due to incorrect claims, it results in a delayed launch. Cosmetic packaging is not just about beautiful design: the structure of the container, label content, and regulatory compliance must align from the start. This page helps you grasp enough to make decisions before starting the project.

What is cosmetic packaging?

Cosmetic packaging typically follows a two-layer system. The inner layer comes into direct contact with the product: bottle, jar, tube, pouch. The outer layer is a paper box used for display and brand communication. Most skincare products have both layers.

Common structures in the cosmetics industry in Vietnam and internationally:

• Airless pump: pushes the product using a vacuum chamber, protecting oxygen-sensitive formulas like retinol or vitamin C, targeting mid to high-end segments. Common volumes range from 30ml to 50ml.
• Dropper bottles: glass or plastic pipette, controlling small doses drop by drop, commonly used for 30ml serums.
• Laminated tube: common for facial cleansers and foundations, with capacities ranging from 50ml to 100ml, printed directly on the surface.
• PP (polypropylene) plastic jar: used for general-purpose cream, 50ml capacity, lower cost than an air-tight pump.
• Three-side seal sachet package: used for single-use moisturizing masks, printed on complex composite film.
• Glass bottles and two-piece rigid boxes: used for niche perfumes and luxury lines, standard volumes from 30ml to 100ml, with a 10ml travel size.

Most cosmetic projects require the simultaneous design of two things: graphic labels or direct printing on the packaging, and the outer paper box. These are two different technical files, each with different printing constraints.

When to choose, when not to

Complete cosmetic packaging (good structural shell plus well-designed outer box) is suitable when you have a specific product, clear positioning, and are truly preparing to enter the market. Conversely, investing in complete design too early, when formulas are still changing or SKU numbers are not finalized, will incur costs for redesign.

Costs, time and quantity

The overall cost of a cosmetic packaging project depends on three main factors: the number of SKUs, the chosen shell structure (air-tight pumps are more expensive than standard plastic jars), and the printing quantity. Generally, the cosmetics industry has moderate to high costs compared to other packaging sectors due to higher technical printing and material requirements.

Regarding printing molds: stock packaging is significantly cheaper than custom bottle molds. Custom molds require a large enough MOQ and upfront mold costs, which are part of the negotiation with the packaging supplier, not part of the design.

Important note: any changes to the advertisement or label content after printing will incur reprinting costs, calculated by quantity and material. Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not act as a printer. Sinh Vũ provides standard technical files (3mm bleed, 5mm safe area, minimum 300dpi images, export PDF/X-4, font converted to outlines) for you to get quotes from suitable printers.

What does Sinh Vũ need from you to get started

To allow Sinh Vũ to accurately assess the scope and advise on suitable directions, you need to provide:

• List of products: SKU numbers, types (serum, cream, cleanser, perfume...), expected volume and packaging type.
• Sales market: domestic, export, or both. If export: specific target market (EU, U.S., South Korea...) due to significantly different labeling and compliance requirements.
• Cosmetic registration status: has a file been submitted to the Drug Administration, or is it still in the preparation stage?
• The expected claim: Sinh Vũ will review and advise on compliant phrasing before it goes into design to avoid reprinting later.
• Overall budget for design and launch timeline.
• Special requirements: multilingual labels, refillable packaging, batch code labels, or specific import compliance requests.

The clearer the inputs, the more accurately Sinh Vũ can advise from the first round. A brief for cosmetics that lacks target market information often leads to redesigning the label after the graphics have been completed.

Practical experience of Sinh Vũ

You can send the information listed above through the contact form, and Sinh Vũ will respond with a proposal for the scope and specific approach for your product line.