Cosmetic tubes are made from a variety of materials depending on the product, desired barrier properties, and environmental considerations. Common tube materials include PE, PCR PE, PP, aluminum, and multi-layer ABL or PBL with EVOH barrier films.
Common Tube Materials
| Material | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| PE (Polyethylene) | Lightweight, flexible, easy to extrude and print. | Hand cream, body lotion, facial cleanser |
| PCR PE (Recycled Polyethylene) | Made from post-consumer recycled material, eco-friendly. | Skincare, sunscreen, small batch packaging |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Higher rigidity than PE, compatible with pump tubes. | Airless tubes, dispensers |
| Aluminum | High barrier, durable, suitable for oxidation-sensitive products. | Toothpaste, sunscreen, cream tubes |
| Multi-layer (ABL/PBL + EVOH) | Multi-layer plastic or laminate with EVOH for oxygen and moisture barrier. | Mineral sunscreen, lotion with active ingredients |
Benefits of Different Materials
- PE and PP are lightweight, easy to print, and suitable for most skincare products.
- PCR PE supports sustainable packaging goals and reduces environmental impact.
- Aluminum tubes offer superior barrier protection and durability.
- Multi-layer laminated tubes with EVOH preserve sensitive formulas for longer shelf life.
- Materials can be combined with soft-touch, matte, or glossy coatings and custom printing.
For more details about sustainable and multi-layer tubes, visit PCR Cosmetic Tubes or EVOH vs ABL Tubes.
Looking for Custom Cosmetic Tubes?
Whether you need PE, PCR PE, aluminum, or multi-layer tubes with EVOH barrier, Xinfly Packaging provides custom colors, printing, and OEM/ODM solutions for beauty brands worldwide.
