Cosmetic & Skincare Packaging Quality Standards and Testing Tools

I. General Quality Standards and Core Requirements

Material Safety

• No harmful chemical leaching (e.g., BPA, plasticizers, heavy metals)

• Complies with:

• For clean packaging: microbial limit or ISO 11737 challenge test may be required

Functional Requirements

• Leak-proof, no contamination

• Chemical resistance to alcohol, oils, acids, etc.

• UV blocking rate ≥ 90%

• Pumps must dispense within ±5% accuracy and last ≥5,000 actuations

Appearance & Printing

• Color deviation ΔE ≤ 1.5

• Print adhesion ≥ 4B (ISO 2409)

• Ink safety compliant with EN 71-3 (heavy metal migration)

Sustainability

• Recyclable materials must be properly marked

• Preferred materials: PCR, FSC-certified paper, bio-based plastics

• Certifications: Blue Angel, Carbon Trust, Cradle to Cradle

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II. Testing Focus by Material

Paper Packaging (Boxes, Labels)

• Moisture content: 5–12%

• Humidity resistance: no deformation after 24h at 90% RH

• Meets ISO 5628 (stiffness), EN 71-3 (ink safety)

• Tools: Moisture Analyzer, Stiffness Tester, Humidity Chamber

Glass Packaging (Bottles, Jars)

• UV blocking ≥ 90%

• Thermal shock resistance from -20°C to 150°C

• Airtight under vacuum -0.08 MPa

• Dimensional accuracy: ±0.1 mm

• Tools: UV Spectrophotometer, Thermal Shock Tester, CMM

Plastic Packaging (Bottles, Tubes, Caps)

• Resistant to oils (tested via ASTM D543)

• Heat resistance ≥ 80°C

• Plasticizer migration ≤ 0.1 ppm

• High light transmittance (PET ≥ 90%)

• Tools: GC-MS, Haze Meter, Impact Tester

Metal Packaging (Caps, Containers)

• Salt spray corrosion ≥ 48h (ASTM B117)

• Coating adhesion ≥ 4B

• Burst pressure ≥ 1.5 MPa

• Tools: Salt Spray Chamber, Leak Tester, Pressure Gauge

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III. Functional Tests for Cosmetic Applications

• Pump/dropper life cycle: ≥5,000 actuations within ±5% output range

• Spray uniformity: no clogging or dripping

• Odor test: no off-smell after 7 days at 60°C

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IV. Global Standards & Certifications

Regulatory Compliance

• EU: REACH, RoHS, EPR, EU 10/2011

• USA: FDA 21 CFR, Prop 65, CPSC

• China: GB/T 27588, GB 4806 series

Sustainability Certifications

• FSC

• Blue Angel

• Carbon Trust

• Cradle to Cradle

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V. Product-Type-Specific Testing

• Skincare: Sealing & formula compatibility (ISO 8317 for child resistance)

• Perfume: Spray quality & glass strength (QB/T 2665)

• Makeup: Print durability & structural reliability (ASTM D5264)

• Kids Products: No toxic migration or small parts (EN 71, CPSC 16 CFR 1501)

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Takeaway: Great packaging isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance, safety, compliance, and sustainability. Testing to international standards ensures your brand stands out in the global beauty market.