Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-05 Origin: Site
When you walk down the personal care aisle, what makes you stop? Is it a catchy name? A bold color? Or is it the unique feel of the packaging in your hand? For cosmetic brands, the vessel is just as important as the formula inside. While the market is flooded with generic containers, custom empty lip balm tubes offer a strategic advantage that goes beyond simple containment.
For businesses looking to launch a new line or rebrand an existing one, understanding the nuances of lip balm packaging is crucial. It’s not just about holding the product; it’s about brand identity, user experience, and sustainability. Whether you are a small startup mixing batches in a kitchen or a large-scale manufacturer, the right packaging choice can define your market position.
This article explores the critical role of empty lip balm tubes in product success, examining material choices, design flexibility, and why squeeze tubes are becoming a favorite in the industry.
Lip balm is a staple in millions of pockets and purses worldwide. Because it is a high-use, carry-everywhere item, the packaging must be durable, portable, and easy to use. However, "lip balm packaging" is a broad term that covers various styles, each suited for different formulations.
The two most common categories are rigid stick containers (twist-up) and flexible squeeze tubes. While stick containers are traditional for solid waxes, lip balm squeeze tubes have gained immense popularity for gels, glosses, and softer balms.
To help you decide which vessel suits your product best, here is a breakdown of the differences between standard options:
Feature | Twist-Up Stick | Squeeze Tube |
Product Viscosity | Best for solid, wax-based balms | Best for gels, liquids, and soft creams |
Application Style | Direct application (drag across lips) | Squeeze onto applicator or finger |
Hygiene | Good, but cap must stay on tight | Excellent; minimizes product exposure to air |
Durability | Rigid, can crack under pressure | Flexible, bounces back after squeezing |
Customization | Limited surface area for art | 360-degree printing capabilities |
Choosing the right type depends heavily on your formula. If you are creating a hydrating lip gel or a high-shine gloss, the squeeze tube is the superior choice for functionality and consumer ease.
Squeeze tubes are rapidly becoming the industry standard for modern lip care brands. They offer a tactile experience that rigid plastics cannot match. When a customer picks up a soft-touch tube, it implies a premium feel.
From a manufacturing perspective, squeeze tubes offer excellent barrier properties. Materials like PE (Polyethylene) or multi-layer laminates protect delicate ingredients—such as Vitamin E or essential oils—from oxidation and contamination. This ensures the product remains effective from the first squeeze to the last.
One of the biggest advantages of empty lip balm tubes in the squeeze format is the variety of applicator heads available. The head determines how the product is dispensed and applied to the lips.
Applicator Type | Description | Best Use Case |
Slanted Tip | Angled plastic tip with a small hole. | Standard for glosses and balms; allows direct application. |
Dome Head | Rounded, smooth surface. | Great for massage-like application of treatments. |
Roller Ball | Metal or plastic ball that rotates. | Ideal for thin, liquid oils or cooling serums. |
Needle Nose | Fine, pointed tip. | Precise application for highly concentrated treatments. |
When sourcing empty lip balm tubes, the material is not just a technical detail—it is a brand statement. The shift toward sustainability means that consumers are checking the bottom of the tube for recycling codes just as often as they check the ingredient list.
At Majesty Packaging Co., Ltd., we specialize in a variety of materials to suit different environmental goals and aesthetic needs.
This is the standard for squeezable tubes. It is durable, flexible, and widely recyclable. It comes in varying densities (LDPE, MDPE, HDPE) which affect how "squeezable" the tube feels.
ABL tubes feature a thin layer of aluminum sandwiched between plastic layers. This provides superior protection against light, air, and moisture. It is ideal for active ingredients that degrade easily, such as SPF lip balms or medicated treatments.
PBL offers a great middle ground. It uses EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) as a barrier instead of aluminum. This allows the tube to retain its shape better than ABL (which can dent) while still offering strong protection. It also allows for high-quality, photo-realistic printing.
For brands focused on eco-friendliness, PCR materials are derived from recycled plastics. Using PCR tubes signals to your customers that your brand is committed to reducing plastic waste.
An empty lip balm tube is a blank canvas. In a crowded market, generic white tubes with sticker labels often get overlooked. Custom manufacturing allows for direct offset printing, silkscreening, and hot stamping, which elevates the perceived value of the product.
Consider the finish of the tube. A glossy finish makes colors pop and catches the light, making it great for fruity or fun flavors. A matte finish offers a sophisticated, velvety touch that appeals to the luxury or organic market.
Furthermore, the cap is an often-underutilized design element. Whether it’s a color-matched screw cap, a flip-top for one-handed use, or a metallized gold cap for a touch of elegance, every component contributes to the overall aesthetic.
Finding a reliable supplier is the backbone of a successful beauty brand. You need a partner who understands the balance between cost, quality, and lead times.
Majesty Packaging (Jiangmen) Co., Ltd. has been a leader in the field since 2004. With over 20,000 square meters of production space and advanced equipment, we provide tailored solutions for brands of all sizes. We offer a comprehensive range of customization options, from tube diameter (13mm to 60mm) to diverse printing processes.
Whether you need a specific Lip Care Tube or are exploring options for other cosmetic lines, working with a manufacturer that prioritizes quality assurance is essential.
MOQs vary depending on the complexity of the design and the material chosen. Generally, custom manufacturing requires a higher volume than buying stock white tubes, but it offers significantly better branding opportunities.
Generally, no. Squeeze tubes are filled from the open end (the tail) after the cap is already attached. The product needs to be viscous enough to stay in the tube but fluid enough to be pumped. Solid waxes usually require twist-up stick containers.
Yes, most PE and PP tubes are recyclable. However, multi-layer tubes (like ABL) can be harder to recycle in standard facilities. We recommend checking local recycling guidelines or opting for mono-material designs if recyclability is a top priority for your brand.
Lip balms typically range from 8ml to 15ml. The capacity is determined by the tube diameter and length. A 16mm or 19mm diameter is standard for lip products.
The humble empty lip balm tube is more than just a container; it is a tool for application, a guardian of the formula, and a billboard for your brand. By choosing the right material, applicator, and design, you can create a product that consumers love to use and are proud to carry.
As you plan your next product launch, remember that quality packaging reflects the quality of the product inside. If you are ready to explore custom solutions that fit your specific needs, visit Majesty Packaging Co., Ltd. to see how we can help bring your vision to life.
