Cosmetic packaging: structure, label compliance, and design process

Each time you change the advertising text on the label, it requires a complete reprint. Each time a declaration file is rejected due to incorrect claims, it delays the launch. Cosmetic packaging is not just about beautiful design: the shell structure, label content, and regulatory compliance must align from the start. This page helps you gather enough information 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 elements: graphic labels or direct printing on the shell, and the outer paper box. These are two different technical files, 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, if you are still changing formulas or have not finalized the number of codes, investing in complete design too early will incur costs for revisions.

Costs, time and quantity

The overall cost of a cosmetic packaging project depends on three main factors: the number of product codes (SKUs), the chosen shell structure (airless pumps are more expensive than standard plastic bottles), and the print quantity. Generally, the cosmetics industry has costs that are moderate to high compared to other packaging sectors. This is due to higher technical printing requirements and material quality.

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: each time you change the advertising text or label content after printing, it incurs reprinting costs based on quantity and material. Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not act as a printing house. Sinh Vũ provides a standard technical file (3mm bleed, 5mm safety margin, minimum 300dpi images, export PDF/X-4, font converted to outlines) for you to get quotes from suitable printing houses.

What does Sinh Vũ need from you to get started

To allow Sinh Vũ to accurately assess the scope and provide suitable advice, 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 send the information from the list above through the contact form. Sinh Vũ will respond with a proposal for the scope and specific approach for your product line.

This article is for reference. The scope, pricing, and specific commitments of Sinh Vũ are detailed in the proposal and signed contract.