Cosmetic Labeling – Materials, Printing and Branding

Cosmetic labels contain extremely important information about the products they are applied to. With attractive design, suitable materials and label printing technology, they can also become a key element in product marketing. In order to achieve these functions, cosmetic labels must meet many different labeling requirements and standards. In this blog post, you can learn about the main parameters to consider when ordering cosmetic labels.
The European Union has specially formulated strict cosmetic labeling regulations. You should familiarize yourself with these rules before printing labels.

Cosmetic labeling must contain the following information:

Product purpose: Customers need to understand the purpose of the product;
Weight: This is the actual weight of the product when completed. The weight of its packaging must not be included;
Ingredients: According to regulations, all ingredients must be visible on the label in descending order – the most commonly used ingredient first and the least used ingredient last;
Warnings and instructions for use: must be clearly marked on the product to avoid accidents caused by improper use;
Contact information: Name and address of manufacturer, distributor or person responsible. You must also indicate the country of origin of the cosmetic product;
Validity date and shelf life after opening (e.g. 30 months);
Batch number: so that the individual ingredients of the final product can be traced.

cosmetic labels
If your cosmetic label does not include this data or contains misleading information, mislabeled products may be subject to regulatory penalties.
Other information we recommend you include are features that can make your product stand out from the competition. These characteristics are “bio,” “organic,” “vegan,” “hypoallergenic,” and “not tested on animals.” If this information is true about your product and not misleading, you can include it in your cosmetic labels and appeal to your target customers.
Including this important information on cosmetic labels is often a challenge for manufacturers because cosmetic packaging and labels are often small in size. The imprint here must be of extremely high quality so that the fine print is clear and the barcode (if present) is easily scannable in retail stores.
In recent years, the amount of mandatory information required to be included on beauty product labels has gradually increased. These regulatory requirements have led to growing demand for three-sided and multi-layer labels.

Cosmetics multi-layer labels
Multi-layer labels are also known as triple-layer, double-layer or double-sided self-adhesive labels, and peel and reseal labels. They usually contain two or three layers, with the upper layer being a sticker placed on top of another sticker.
The bottom layer has a very strong adhesive that adheres the entire label to the product. These labels have a special adhesive on the top layer (and middle layer). It allows you to peel it off repeatedly, read the information on its back and re-glue it effortlessly.
They are suitable for flat and curved products. These versatile labels offer the flexibility to stick and peel repeatedly, allowing manufacturers to include a large amount of information in a small area. They are also frequently used when information needs to be printed in multiple languages.
In addition to multi-layer, there are a variety of standard self-adhesive cosmetic labels. Possible materials for producing these labels are paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc.
If made correctly, high-quality self-adhesive paper labels can be an ideal economical solution. They are suitable for small-sized products that have a short shelf life and are not used in humid environments. They come in various colors depending on the cosmetic brand.
However, most cosmetics are used in high humidity environments. They are also frequently exposed to water, steam, alcohol, oil and other substances. Therefore, paper labels are not a suitable solution for most cosmetic products as these factors can damage the ink and the label itself.
To avoid this, a more suitable option is a foil label that is more durable and tear-resistant. The main types of foil labels suitable for cosmetic labels are polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Due to the sturdiness of polyester labels, they are not suitable for products with uneven or curved surfaces. This is why they are not used in the cosmetic industry.
Labels for uneven surfaces Polyethylene labels are made of white or transparent materials and are suitable for flexo, letterpress, offset and thermal transfer printing. They are available in matte or glossy finishes. The PE material is flexible and ensures good adhesion to products with curved or uneven surfaces as well as flexible packaging. It is also highly durable, ensuring the label maintains its integrity throughout the life of the product.

Polypropylene labels are probably the most commonly used cosmetic labels. They ensure good adhesion and ink protection and add to the attractive appearance of the product. These plastic labels are available in the following types:
Clear Polypropylene Labels: These cosmetic labels are the ideal solution for products that are exposed to moisture on a daily basis. In addition to their waterproof properties, clear polypropylene labels are often used because they provide the desired “label-free” effect. They improve the appearance and imprint of the product.
White Polypropylene Labels: They are also waterproof but have a clear white color. These durable labels maintain the color and quality of printed images and text even when exposed to harsh and humid conditions.
Another option for creating cosmetic stickers and labels with attractive designs is to print on labels with a gold or silver coating. This can give the impression that the product with the label is produced by a high-end cosmetics brand. Gold or silver foil can also be added to printed labels – adding an interesting detail to your product design.

If you’re not sure which solution is best for your product labels, talk to the label manufacturer or designer you hired. They will provide you with the best options based on your specific application and budget.

Be sure to consider the environment in which the product and its label will be used, including during logistics operations. This information will help you choose the right materials and adhesives for your labels, as well as whether additional protection is needed, such as varnish or lamination. The most commonly used material for laminated cosmetic labels is polyester. It can be matte (for a matte lamination) or glossy finish.
Glazing is also a common method, and both types of added protection prevent the ink on the label from becoming smudged or scratched. They also protect the label itself from heat and moisture.

Adhesive
In addition to the regulations on the content of printed text on cosmetic labels, there are also regulations on their physical condition. They note that labels must remain securely attached to the product throughout its life cycle, including storage and logistics operations. If you print a custom label with an interesting design that complies with EU requirements for mandatory information, it will only be useful if it remains attached to the product long enough.
In order to achieve this, the adhesive must be suitable for the use and transport conditions of the cosmetic product. If the product will not be used in wet environments, a high quality standard full temperature adhesive will suffice.
However, as we’ve already mentioned, most personal care products are regularly exposed to water, large amounts of moisture, oils, alcohol, etc. Without an adhesive that is durable enough, your product labels may peel or their integrity may be compromised, making them illegible or unscannable. In most cases, in addition to being solvent-resistant, the adhesive must also be resistant to tearing or cracking. This is very important, especially if your product is squeezed during use.
When choosing an adhesive, it’s also important to consider the materials your labels and packaging are made of. To create the impression of a high-quality brand, many manufacturers opt for soft-touch packaging. In these cases, a very strong permanent adhesive is required to obtain a good enough bond. Likewise, clear labels made from clear foil require an ultra-clear permanent adhesive.
Choosing a high-quality adhesive, carefully coordinated to your specific requirements, will help you protect the integrity of your labels. It will also help you comply with regulatory rules and maintain the aesthetic quality of your labels.

Cosmetic label design and special effects
The appearance of your cosmetics is the first thing that makes an impression on potential customers.
There are many different materials, coatings and techniques you can use to make your cosmetic packaging more original and attract the attention of your customers. The use of decorative elements creates the impression of a high-end product. Using specific effects, such as cold or hot foil stamping, can make packaging look more luxurious. Another example is a holographic imprint, which provides protection against counterfeiting.
Special printing techniques also give products a creative appearance, such as embossing via screen printing. This method makes your label look bulky and entices potential customers to touch and view the product. These techniques can help sell your products and turn your company name into a recognizable brand.
Cosmetic labels serve multiple functions. They help with inventory counting, contain important information and can increase protection against product counterfeiting. But in order to increase sales and awareness of your brand, you need to focus on the most important feature of cosmetic labels – their ability to become a powerful tool for brand marketing.
Creating high-quality, durable, versatile cosmetics labels with beautiful and interesting designs isn’t always easy. That’s why you trust the experts to help you print high-quality labels quickly and efficiently.

For superior makeup label solutions that merge quality materials, advanced printing techniques, and effective branding, Hangzhou Sinoco Industry Co.,Ltd stands out. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, they specialize in crafting labels that not only enhance the visual appeal but also uphold the integrity of the product. Their expertise in materials, printing, and branding ensures that your cosmetic products stand out on shelves while meeting industry standards.

In conclusion, makeup labels are intricate tools that encapsulate a brand’s identity, communicate essential information, and attract consumers’ attention. Understanding the interplay between materials, printing techniques, branding, and quality assurance is crucial for both consumers and manufacturers. Hangzhou Sinoco Industry Co .,Ltd offers the perfect blend of expertise and innovation to elevate your makeup label game to the next level.