Cosmetic packaging
[1][2] Cosmetic products are substances intended for human cleansing, beautifying and promoting an enhanced appearance without altering the body's structure or functions.
The Native Americans of the Americas made small containers woven from basketry materials, including pine needles.
In Ancient Egypt toiletry items began in the Predynastic Period with ivory cosmetic articles; also bone, stone, or pottery.
The desert sun or Nile floodwaters during inundation produced a need for facial-eye protection, using 'eyepaint' or eyeliner, when working in the flooded lands; theoretically it was also used by males.
The cosmetic container shall carry the name of the distributor, the ingredients, define storage, nominal content, product identification (e.g., batch number), warning notices, and directions for use.
The secondary packaging shall, in addition, carry the address of the distributor and information on the cosmetic's mode of action.
These labels include contact information, ingredients, expiration dates, warnings and instructions.
Labels not only identify products and their origins, they help provide consumers with the facts that cannot be confusing or misleading.
Ideally, the container is made of durable material to give the product a long shelf life.
The aesthetics of the container are considered extremely important since cosmetic products are mainly sold on brand image.
The most important information, particularly if the product is prone to misuse, must be displayed on both the primary and secondary packaging.
Although the FDA does not have the resources to inspect all cosmetic products on the market, it can issue penalties for various violations involving packaging and labeling.
Whenever it is difficult to detect for the consumer, the number of units should be listed on the outer package, which should contain details about how to use the product and warnings on what to do if it is misused.
The packaging must be sufficient to protect the mechanical, thermal, biological, and chemical properties of the product.
While the FDA does not have many restrictions on ingredients for cosmetic products, it does require that certain chemicals and colorants be listed.
One of these requirements involves the manufacturer issuing a safety report before putting the product on the market.
[12][13][14] Standard ISO 22715 provides specifications for the packaging and labeling of all cosmetic products that are sold or distributed at no charge; i.e. free samples.
[4] In addition to cosmetic containers meeting the requirements of ISO, they must also comply with regulations set by the European Union and the United States.
[12][13][14] The main issues to remember about labels on cosmetic containers is that they provide safety guidance, including instructions for use and proper disposal.
In the United States, companies must comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
While the FDA does not have strict requirements for ingredients, they must still be listed on the primary container or secondary package.
Some of the factors that affect container durability include how the product substance responds to usage, chemical composition and biology.
Aluminum has become a popular type of container due to its lightweight yet sturdy quality, flexibility, durability and recyclability.
Plastic packaging materials are controversially discussed because of their polluting effects in particular to the marine environment.
In 2014, a scientific study estimates the amount of floating plastics in the world's oceans to 5 trillion pieces with an accumulated weight of 250,000 tons.
