Cosmetic tube packaging is a game-changer for beauty brands. If you want packaging that protects your product, promotes your brand and is easy for customers to use, tubes are for you. From gels and creams, to lotions and scrubs, tubes are the ultimate cosmetic packaging solution.

According to a report released by Fortune Business Insights, the global personal care packaging market is expected to grow significantly during the next few years. The market, valued at $42.26 billion in 2023, is expected to rise to $83.37 billion by 2032. Of all the uses of tubes, cosmetic and personal care applications represent the largest segment of the global tube packaging industry. Any cosmetics companies not on the tube bandwagon is, quite frankly, behind.

 

Why Brands Choose Cosmetic Tube Packaging

1. Lower Price

There is no denying cost is important in any business decisions. Tubes are one of the most cost-effective packaging solutions to choose.

Due to the ease and speed at which tubes can be produced on a large scale, manufacturing costs are relatively low compared to other packaging materials and methods.

This also means tubes are useful for reactive brands, constantly bringing out new products in line with marketing trends. Because tube packaging can be produced quickly, relatively cheaply and in large quantities, new products can hit the shelf fast.

2. Packaging Versatility

One of the most notable benefits of using tubes for cosmetic packaging is their versatility.

Choose from extruded plastic squeeze tubes, the most general tube type used for a variety of industries including cosmetics; laminated squeeze tubes, most renowned for toothpaste; and aluminium metal squeeze tubes, impenetrable all-aluminium tubes mainly used for paints, adhesives, and foods. Find what works best for your product and brand.

Learn more about choosing the best material for cosmetic product packaging >

Along with choice of tube type, there are also multiple lids choices. For example, there are flip lids or screw top lids. Tubes can also be adapted with a variety of applicator options, such as brush tip for lip gloss or titanium roller ball for serum. You can also apply a secondary lining to further prevent product contamination before reaching the consumer.

Tubes can be branded with ease, ensuring your products stand out and your brand gets remembered. With all-round decoration options, from tube texture to cap colour, tubes provide the ultimate branding opportunity.

3. Eco-friendly

Tubes allow you to make the most out of your product. From being able to fill precise amounts to consumers squeezing out every last drop, tubes help to reduce waste product.

During the manufacturing stage any tube packaging not used can be reused or recycled. Following sale, increased focus on PCR results in more environmentally friendly packaging. Raw materials used to make tube packaging has become more eco-friendly, and this is something brands love to shout about.

In NIQ’s 2023 CPG Sustainability Report, 92 percent of consumers say that sustainability is important to them in choosing a brand today. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, cosmetics companies are keen to promote any environmentally friendly initiates they have, including packaging. With many companies advocating their environmental promises in advertising and branding, any cosmetic company not doing the same is missing out.

4. Product Protection

With secure lids and sturdy exteriors, cosmetic tube packaging provide effective protection for products against possible contaminants, from the air, light exposure and users. This is a huge benefit to both consumers wanting to use the product for a long time, and cosmetics companies wanting to maintain a good reputation.

The simple squeeze dispersion method means users do not come into contact with excess product within the packaging, like they would in a tin, for example. This helps to reduce any contamination or degradation. Where product in a jar gets exposed to the air many times as it is opened, tubes reduce exposure and have only a small opening, preventing contamination. Similarly, the opaque exterior of tubes protects product from light degradation, unlike glass cosmetic packaging.

5. Transportation

As tubes are less bulky than other packaging types, such as bottles, they can be packed more efficiently. Tubes, and especially plastic tubes, are lightweight in comparison to other packaging materials and therefore present the benefit of being relatively cheap to transport too.

An additional benefit to plastic or aluminium tubes is their sturdiness, less prone to damage. Where glass cosmetic packaging may smash, or aluminium tins may dent, tubes remain intact.

6. Usability

Tubes are incredibly easy for consumers to use, requiring only one hand and minimal effort.

Tube dispersing process ensures the exact amount of product wanted is distributed. Provided the tube has the perfect lid to match the product, users can get the amount they want, without creating waste.

Users can also get to the bottom of the product and not leave a single drop. This is a huge benefit of tubes, as consumers want to make the most of the product they have spent money on.

 

Bonus Benefit – Transferability

We promised 6 benefits, but it turns out tubes make such great cosmetic packaging, we just had to include one more!

Tubes make great full-size product packaging as well as minis or samples! Take the design of your full-size product and scale it down to create smaller branded tubes. These mini products can be used as samples, sold as testers, or airport mini essentials!

At Fillcon, we know a thing or two about cosmetic sampling and the great benefits it can have for business. Get in touch with our cosmetic sampling experts today.

 

Cosmetic Tube Packaging in 2025

Cosmetic tube packaging continues to evolve with sustainability, convenience, and branding at the forefront of innovation in 2025. As the demand for eco-friendly packaging and customisable designs grows, brands are shifting towards biodegradable, refillable, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) tubes to align with consumer preferences.

Major Trends in 2025

  • Eco-Friendly Innovations & Sustainable Materials: Many brands are switching to biodegradable options like sugarcane-based plastics.
  • Smart & Interactive Packaging: Several brands use QR codes and NFC tags. These technologies provide easy access to ingredient transparency and personalised brand engagement.
  • Growing Demand for Travel-Friendly & Mini Tubes: As more consumers travel, compact, leak-proof, and TSA-approved tubes are increasingly sought after.

 

Choose Cosmetic Tube Packaging with Fillcon

Fillcon specialises in manufacturing and filling a wide range of tubes, bottles, sachets, and more across various industries. From household and medical products to industrial and mechanic wipes, Fillcon handles diverse projects, all delivered to the highest ISO 9001 standards.

As experts in cosmetic sampling solutions, Fillcon offers industry-leading tube packaging with fill doses starting from 3ml and minimum order quantities as low as 10,000. Their environmentally conscious solutions help brands enhance their sustainability efforts while ensuring top-quality packaging.

Contact us today to create the perfect cosmetic tube packaging for your brand!