Short answer: Because they come into contact with water, oil and cream, cosmetic labels should be plastic film: opaque PP for a white base, clear PP for clear and glass bottles, metallized for a premium look. For handmade and natural cosmetics not used in the bathroom, textured paper is popular too. The label should include the product name, ingredients (INCI) list, net quantity, producer details, expiry date and lot number.
In cosmetics, the label matters as much as the product. Shoppers judge a serum or cream by its label first. A poor label peels, fades or wrinkles within days in a steamy bathroom. This guide covers materials, sizes and content for cosmetic labels.
Lavender oil labels: textured paper gives natural cosmetics a premium look
Choosing a Material for Cosmetic Labels
| Product | Recommended Material | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo, shower gel, cream tubes | Opaque PP | Resists water, oil and squeezing; won't tear |
| Glass serum and dropper bottles | Clear PP | No-label look that puts the product colour first |
| Perfume, premium cream jars | Metallized | Luxurious silver metallic look, long life |
| Essential oils, handmade soap, natural cosmetics | Textured paper | Natural, handmade feel. Use PP for products that get wet |
| Authenticity seal | Hologram or QR verification | Brand protection against counterfeits |
More on opaque labels in cosmetics: opaque labels for cosmetics and cleaning products. For luxury packaging with metallized labels: metallized labels in cosmetics.
Make your cosmetic labels water resistant
Opaque PP and clear PP sheet labels: no problems with water, oil or moisture.
What Information Should a Cosmetic Label Include?
Cosmetic labelling is regulated. In general, labels are expected to include:
- Product name and function (if not obvious)
- Name and address of the manufacturer or responsible person
- Net quantity (ml or g)
- Expiry date or period after opening (PAO symbol, e.g. "12M")
- Warnings and precautions
- Lot (batch) number
- Ingredients list (INCI names)
- Country of origin
This is a general framework. Depending on your product category there may be extra requirements, so check the current regulations in your market and consult an expert if needed.
How Does All That Fit on a Small Bottle?
- Front and back labels: Brand and product name on the front, ingredients and legal information on the back.
- Use a box: On very small bottles, some information can go on the outer box.
- Legible type size: Don't go below 6 pt for ingredient text.
Cosmetic oil labels on a sheet: different products, one design language
5 Tips for Cosmetic Label Design
- Design a series: Use one design language across a range and tell products apart by colour or icon. It builds a strong brand block on the shelf.
- Leave white space: In cosmetics, simple design reads as premium.
- Consider white underprint on clear labels: Light text on a dark bottle needs a white underprint to show.
- Watch the curves: On tubes and oval bottles, size the label to the flat area. For sizes: label sizes guide.
- The right file: Vector PDF or 300 DPI. Details: DPI guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should cosmetic labels be water resistant?
Definitely, for products used in the bathroom, shower or with wet hands. Opaque PP and clear PP labels resist water, oil and creams.
Which label for handmade soap and natural cosmetics?
Textured paper stands out for a natural, handmade feel. For products that get wet, choose PP. Details: soap and candle label guide.
Can I print cosmetic labels in small quantities?
Yes. For a new range or a trial run, start small with sheet labels. Details: small-batch label printing.
How can I stop my products being counterfeited?
Add hologram or VOID security labels, or QR verification labels with a unique code on every label.
In Short
Cosmetic labels should be durable, legible and worthy of your brand. Choose PP for products that touch water, metallized or textured for a premium look, and split information across front and back labels. Choose your material on the sheet labels page and see your price right away.
