Skincare is a broad and complex category in beauty, with products ranging from everyday face cleansers to specialized treatments infused with the latest active ingredients. Brands are launching advanced formulas to combat acne, dryness, wrinkles, dark circles, and other skin concerns. Suppliers are offering a range of new skincare packaging options, including airless bottles and jars, pump innovations, tubes, and dispensing applicators.

According to industry forecasts, the global skincare market is expected to generate nearly $200 billion in revenue worldwide by the end of 2025. The U.S. leads the market, according to Statista, with $26 billion in revenue this year. Rising sales are predicted to continue in the U.S., as the market is expected to grow to an estimated value of over $30 billion by 2032, Fortune Business Insights reports. 

 “The U.S. skincare market is characterized by a high degree of innovation,” Grand View Research states. Brands are investing in R&D to develop new formulations, while partnering with suppliers to launch packaging that looks luxurious, functions well, and is eco-friendly.

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The Packaging is Critical to a Formula’s Success

Experts say that multi-functional products, often in pastel-colored packages, are a current trend that appeals to younger generations of skincare consumers. But skincare packaging isn’t just about aesthetics, notes Alexander Kwapis, Head of Global Innovation, R&D, and Engineering at Fusion Packaging. “It’s about protecting complex formulas and ensuring precise dispensing to elevate the user experience. The packaging is critical to a formula’s success,” he says. 

Alain Dijkstra, CEO of Nuon Medical Technologies, says, “Skincare packaging is unique because it must balance aesthetic appeal, functionality, protection for delicate formulas, and user convenience—all at the same time.” 

Skincare brands aim to ensure packaging provides added-value and an enjoyable user experience. Nuon Medical partners with brands to take skincare packaging to the next level with its technologies. “Our advanced applicators deliver the product, while acting as treatment tools,” says Dijkstra. “This reflects a broader industry trend where beauty packaging and devices are merging to create hybrid solutions to elevate the at-home skincare routine,” he says. 

Consumers expect skincare to “do more,” according to Steven Ostrower, President of The Penthouse Group. “Extensive skincare routines are turning bathrooms into spas, providing an at-home luxury escape that crosses over into wellness,” he says. “And packaging helps deliver a luxurious experience,” he adds. 

Functionality & Protection are Key for Skincare Packaging

Skincare packaging can enhance a product’s efficacy and elevate the user experience, but compatibility with a formula is essential. “Recent innovations in skincare ingredients include barrier-boosting bioferments, next-generation peptides, retinoid alternatives like granactive retinoid, and encapsulated forms of Vitamin C,” says Kristin Corso, Vice President of Marketing at IBG/Roberts Beauty. “We’re seeing these ingredients in new types of product formats—and these formulas require sophisticated packaging solutions,” she says.

Airless packaging and UV-blocking solutions are often necessary to protect sensitive ingredients. “Also, for some actives, we recommend airless pumps with a calibrated dose control or dual-chamber system that will preserve stability, while improving both shelf life and product performance,” Corso explains. 

Peptide-based or protein-rich skincare formulas are not always compatible with all metals and plastics, Corso notes. “Some materials can cause a formula to destabilize, and this issue will only appear during long-term stability testing,” she says. “Prioritize selecting a package based on formula compatibility and user testing, not appearance or cost,” Corso suggests.

Rick Ponte, Vice President of Project Engineering at APC, also says that early compatibility testing will prevent unexpected issues from arising later. “Ensure your formula’s viscosity is compatible with your dispensing system. But also consider how the consumer will perceive the dosage,” he says. “A luxury skincare brand’s serum, for example, should dispense a precise amount of product to ensure the consumer won’t think it’s too much or not enough,” he explains. 

When Early Collaboration is Crucial

Nuon Medical partners with brands to incorporate high-tech features into packaging. “Ensuring that features such as microcurrent, LED, or cooling applicators, for example, will work seamlessly with a cream or serum, requires early collaboration and technical alignment,” says Dijkstra. “Another frequent issue is the consumer usability factor—a design may look great on paper, but can be too complex in real-life use,” he says.

To prevent issues, Nuon Medical applies its CURVE model to all projects throughout the package development process. “CURVE” is an acronym for Customer Understanding, Reverse engineering, Value add, and End use experience/value. “This framework ensures we cover every angle, from customizing designs for a brand’s unique positioning to stress-testing a package’s usability,” explains Dijkstra. “Using this method, we can offer material suggestions, decorating options, and ensure long-term reliability—all while embedding sustainability into a package,” he says. 

Design Trends for Skincare Packaging

Design trends are changing—and skincare packaging looks more diverse than ever. Color is one important aspect of packaging design. Color trends have shifted from an all-white clinical look to playful pastels in recent years, but a few of the newest skincare launches may indicate new color trends on the horizon.

HydroPeptide recently launched Collagen ReActivate PM Lifting Treatment Moisturizer + Retinol. It’s in a refillable glass jar in striking cobalt blue. It has a plastic inner refill designed to easily snap in and out.

Grimoire New York’s collection looks stylish, with bottles and jars in blue, orange, red, and gray. Reframe, founded by Savannah James, features double-wall bottles and jars in bold, unexpected orange, purple, and green. 

Younger Skincare Consumers Still Prefer Pastels

Younger skincare consumers still prefer pastels, some say. “Brands often choose rose quartz, lavender, and mint to convey calmness, which appeals to Gen Z and Gen Alpha,” says Emma Narayan, Marketing Manager of PKG Group. 

Saint Crewe, a skincare brand marketed to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, selected a custom light blue and orange color palette for its bottles and jars. “We worked on the shades for our packaging and brand identity for months,” says Erin Piper, Founder of Saint Crewe. “We picked the blue and orange combo early on because we were so drawn to it immediately—and we’ve gotten incredible feedback,” she says. “I remember sitting outside with my mom to see how the sunlight blended with the colors,” she explains. 

Saint Crewe’s packaging looks minimalist and modern, which is a design trend that many brands are gravitating toward, according to Liana Cook, Vice President at ABA Packaging Corporation. “Skincare brands often choose monochromatic color palettes with simple graphics or retro looks,” she says.

Some of the skincare brands ABA Packaging works with are choosing the supplier’s aluminum bottles and decorating them with soft, neutral hues. Others prefer to leave the aluminum finish intact. “Keeping the raw silver finish draws attention to the aluminum and conveys that it’s a sustainable package,” Cook says.

Neutral Colors and Earth Tones Are a Trend

Neutral colors and earth tones are a significant trend in skincare, suppliers say, and one we may see on shelves more. Sage green and terracotta are popular choices for skincare packaging, according to Cook. “Earthy colors seem to align with the growing popularity of clean formulas,” she says.

IBG’s Corso says more brands are gravitating toward soothing color palettes. “Sage green, warm terracotta, and lavender stand out for their clean, wellness-driven and premium appeal,” she says.  

Emma Narayan, Marketing Manager at PKG Group, says that, along with sage green and terracotta, some brands are using clay gray and dusty rose. “Earthy neutral colors emphasize clean beauty and authenticity, which are important aspects for a skincare brand to convey,” she explains.

APC’s Ponte also says that many skincare brands aim to convey “clean and natural” with their color choices. “Skincare brands are pairing earth tones with minimalist silhouettes, soft-touch matte finishes, frosted or translucent resins, and subtle luxury cues like metallic collars and weighted components,” he says.

Beige, light gray, and soft browns are the most often requested colors, according to Verena Regina Fiori Ferreira, Marketing Director of Virospack. “These signal purity, wellness, and environmental awareness,” she says.

Sarah Orlowicz, Brand Marketing Specialist at Coverpla, says warm amber and mossy green are popular colors for skincare packaging. “Clean natural aesthetics is one of the strongest design trends right now, and our Klee bottle is aligned with this trend,” she says. “It has a distinctive square base that feels both modern and grounded. It pairs well with a variety of pumps to suit different formulations,” Orlowicz explains. Coverpla’s Klee bottle, shown, is paired with a wood-colored collar and dropper.

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Dispensing Systems for Skincare

Skincare brands aim to deliver products that consumers will enjoy applying, so packaging needs to work effortlessly. The way a product dispenses is a crucial part of the package. Airless packaging is critical for certain types of skincare formulas. 

Estee Lauder launched a new next-gen serum, Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt. It’s in a square translucent amber-colored bottle with a pump that dispenses the serum, effortlessly. Press the actuator, and the pump perfectly releases the right amount of product, hygienically. 

The eye treatment is clinically proven to lift, sculpt, and redefine. It’s powered by the brand’s exclusive Tripeptide-32 Night Peptide technology. It contains Sculpting Hexapeptide-8 and the polymer-hyaluronic acid blend, 2HA Volume Filler.

Packaging Suppliers Offer Serum Solutions

APC Packaging says its 0.15 ml micro-dosage airless pump is ideal for many types of serums. “The pump delivers a controlled, small dosage to prevent product waste,” Ponte says. “We specialize in designing pumps with tailored spring strengths, and can customize dip tube dimensions and dosage outputs,” he explains.

Additionally, Coverpla’s Orlowicz notes that ensuring a package will dispense a product efficiently requires attention to every detail during package development. “Performance is every bit as important as design when it comes to skincare packaging,” she says. “We ensure the fit and seal of the pump, dropper, and cap are aligned. If the threads on the bottle and closure don’t match, functionality suffers,” she explains. 

Switching to a more targeted delivery system was the goal for one skincare brand that worked with APC. “The brand replaced its droppers with fingertip applicators that were more precise,” says Ponte. “We often work with brands to test all product formats, from watery serums to dense balms, to choose the best dispensing system for a product,” Ponte says.  

Lumson’s New Mono-Material Recyclable Pump

Sustainability is so important for beauty packaging, and pumps are sometimes criticized for not being recyclable—but this may be changing. Lumson has launched a new 100% recyclable pump called Free. It is completely metal-free, and its performance rivals pumps with metal springs. It will be available for industry-scale production beginning in October 2025.

“The pump’s innovative engine guarantees precise dosing and a comfortable user experience,” says Cécile Pompili, Strategic Marketing Manager at Lumson. It took five years of research and development to engineer the pump. The team at Lumson collaborated with Italy’s largest science and technology university, Politecnico Di Milano, to develop it. 

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Lumson’s Free pump is available in two eco-friendly versions—airless, when combined with a PP bottle and a PP-EVOH pouch; and atmospheric, when combined with a PP bottle. “The pump has a RecyClass Recyclability certification, and is fully compatible with the PP stream,” says Pompili. 

Lumson will produce the new pump at its headquarters in Capergnanica, Italy. The supplier is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, which includes 20 years honing its expertise in producing high-end cosmetic dispensing systems. Lumson produces over 125 million pumps each year, including lotion, spray, cream, and airless pumps.

More Airless Packaging Innovations

Suppliers continue to advance sustainability and design with investments in new types of airless packaging. APC Packaging is expanding its refillable jar and airless packaging collections. “We’re investing in mono-material and glass-compatible systems. We’re also offering decorating options that align with eco-luxury positioning,” says Ponte. “Airless pumps remain dominant as a leading packaging format for skincare,” he adds. 

APC Packaging’s Mono-Material Airless System is 100% recyclable polypropylene (PP). The outer bottle and actuator are designed for re-use, while the system’s inner cartridge is recyclable. It’s an intuitive refillable design. “Pushing a button releases the inner assembly so the user can easily replace the bottle. It slides effortlessly and snaps back into position,” Ponte says.

The bottles can be manufactured using 75-100% PP PCR. “This is one of our newer innovations that has quickly become one of our most-requested solutions,” says Ponte. “This airless packaging is lightweighted to reduce resin use, and engineered with minimal part counts,” he explains. 

New Airless Packaging Designs

ABA Packaging’s new Aspen and Sage Mono-Material Airless Systems are available in 15 ml, 30 ml, and 50 ml sizes. The eco-friendly bottles are 100% recyclable polyethylene. A bio-based material is also available. “These airless bottles are ideal for serums, creams, lotions, gels, and treatments that require airless protection,” says Cook.

PKG Group’s airless bottle styles inlcude slim, tall, and bulkier curvy shapes—with many different profiles and actuator options. “As a leader in airless dispensing solutions, we have a variety of packages to house all types of skincare products,” says Narayan. PKG Group’s Eco Up & Down airless package features a refillable insert and twistable shoulder design. “It makes refilling easily and delivers a luxury look,” says Narayan. The bottle uses the supplier’s One Material Pump engine.

PKG Group’s airless bag-in-bottle technology allows for complete product evacuation and design flexibility. The supplier uses this technology in its Dual Dish Airless Jar, which holds two separate formulations that combine when dispensed.

FusionPKG’s Innovative Pump Design

FusionPKG has a new airless packaging innovation—its Verve Airless FreeForm+. The airless bottle is 100% PET and compatible with existing recycling streams. 

FusionPKG can work with skincare brands to develop signature silhouettes and produce shapes that, up until now, were not possible in traditional airless packaging. “Brands are no longer confined to cylindrical shapes for functionality, and now have limitless design freedom,” says Kelly Kopa, Director of Marketing at FusionPKG. 

Fusion’s team, led by Kwapis, based the new design on the supplier’s patent-pending Airless FreeForm+ technology. “I dreamed of creating a premium shatterproof, airless, glass-like mono-material system that could be molded into unique shapes without the need for an extensive assembly. We were able to eliminate the cylindrical piston and traditional double-wall construction typically required in airless pumps,” Kwapis explains. “It’s a breakthrough innovation that redefines what’s possible in beauty packaging,” he says.

The pump’s inner dispensing mechanism is integrated within a single thick-wall PET structure that provides impact-resistance—and mimics the prestige look of glass. The product inside is never exposed to air until dispensing. “It’s a sealed system that effectively helps preserve sensitive skincare formulas,” says Kopa. 

FusionPKG uses a five-step manufacturing process to produce the package. The process includes: outer preform injection; PET over-molding; inner preform molding; alignment and assembly; and blow-molding the final shape. “We leveraged traditional PET injection-molding and blow-molding in an inventive sequence to achieve what was previously unattainable.It’s a technical breakthrough in package production,” says Kopa. The package won the 2025 Ameristar Award for Design Excellence.

Droppers are Still Appealing

Many skincare brands include a dropper pack in their collections. According to reports, the demand for cosmetic droppers doesn’t seem to be slowing. The global market for cosmetic droppers is estimated to generate $94.5 million in 2025, according to Future Market Insights. By 2035, analysts forecast it to be worth $137.2 million. Innovation is fueling the market, the report says, as suppliers are developing new types of droppers, including push-button styles. 

Virospack excels in customizing droppers and dispensing systems to complement a formula’s viscosity. Its team considers a product’s application requirements and the consumer’s expectations. “Packaging for skincare requires a deep understanding of the relationship between a formula’s texture and the way it will be dispensed,” says Ferreira. “We ensure not only functional compatibility, but also a premium user experience. Dosage accuracy, hygiene, and sustainability are built into our dropper packs,” she says.

Virospack offers push-button styles and high-dosage droppers, which are ideal for more viscous concentrated serums or boosters. “And for denser textures, pump dispensers provide the necessary strength and user convenience,” she says. “Not all serums are alike,” she adds. 

Virospack’s High-Dosage Push-Button droppers are available in PCR. “These offer a precise .65 ml dose for concentrated formulas,” says Ferreira. The supplier offers decorated glass pipettes to pair with its droppers, as well as glass bottles, both of which it produces in-house. Virospack also offers Heat Transfer Printing on Glass Bottles.

All Types of Jars Are Popular 

Skincare collections often include jars, which have a timeless appeal for many consumers. But suppliers say requests are rising for jars equipped with airless pumps. “Jars are still strong for creams and masks, and we predict this demand will remain. But there is a shift toward skincare packaging that offers better formula protection and hygienic dispensing—and jars with airless pumps are gaining traction,” says APC’s Ponte. 

Suppliers are offering traditional jars elevated with innovative features or decorations. Coverpla launched its new Elena jar earlier this year, and it’s ideal for prestige brands. Designed to house creams, balms, and masks, the high-density plastic jar features several luxurious details. 

“Our Elena jar is sleek, circular, and has a sharp-angled profile. It features a matte texture built directly into the tooling. It feels cool and weighty, with a ceramic-like touch and a subtle metallic sound,” says Orlowicz. 

Skincare Tubes Are In Demand

Squeeze tubes are rising in popularity for skincare, suppliers say. “A squeeze tube is compact, portable, and easy to use. When compared to a jar, it prevents contamination during use,” says John Ulibarri, Senior Account Executive at JSN.

Choosing the best type of tube for a skincare formula includes pairing it with the right cap or applicator tip and orifice. “Choosing the correct size orifice ensures precise dispensing for an enjoyable user experience,” says Ulibarri. 

Related: Why Tubes Have Become a Go-To Choice

Products that contain natural oils and certain ingredients often require a tube with an EVOH barrier, Ulibarri advises. “JSN’s tubes protect all types of formulas while maintaining sustainability. Plus, they’re recyclable,” he says.

JSN’s high-end decorating capabilities for its skincare tubes include silkscreen printing, hot-stamp foils, and more. “Skincare brands often request our tubes with these types of decorations,” says Ulibarri.

IBG/Roberts Beauty’s team says requests from skincare brands for its tubes are rising. “Our tubes are popular due to their versatility, convenience, and compatibility with a wide range of skincare formulas,” says Corso.

Narayan says PKG Group’s airless tubes are in demand. “Our tubes combine advanced airless technology, product protection, hygienic dispensing, and convenience—and they’re preferred by many brands,” she says. PKG Group launched its first eco-friendly paper tubes last year.

ABA’s Cook says she often receives requests from skincare brands for its aluminum tubes. “Plastic tubes have long been a standard for skincare, but aluminum tubes are an alternative that many clean beauty brands are choosing to differentiate from competitors,” she says.

ABA Packaging produces its aluminum tubes in Europe, and brands can manufacture them using 100% PCR. “Our eco-friendly decorating capabilities allow brands to achieve their sustainability goals without sacrificing brand identity,” says Cook.

Is High-Tech Skincare Packaging the Next Trend?

There’s a growing demand for at-home skincare devices that can fast-track the path to healthier skin, according to a report by Precendence Research. “Integrating smart technology into skincare devices is allowing users to personalize their skincare routines for optimal results,” the company says. “The latest technological advancements may soon shape the future of skincare,” the report predicts.

Nuon Medical is offering brands various ways to use its technologies to create packaging with high-tech features. The company’s portfolio includes cooling tips for eye care, microcurrent-integrated applicators, LED light therapy tools, microneedling applicators, and much more.

“We can help skincare brands develop functional packaging by utilizing our latest applicator technologies to ensure a product delivers visible results,” says Dijkstra.

Nuon Medical’s range of specialized applicators, including applicator caps, can enhance a skincare product’s efficacy while delivering a sensorial user experience. The company’s team can work with a brand to custom-develop a smart applicator cap, tailored to a specific skincare formula.

Nuon Medical’s skin measurement tool can be embedded in a jar’s cap. It has sensors to monitor the skin’s hydration level. A package might incorporate a cooling tip, or offer built-in massaging capabilities. “Our concepts are especially well-suited for face creams, eye creams, and treatment masks, where precise application and enhanced user experience are key,” says Dijkstra.

Nuon’s advanced applicators are removable, for re-use. They easily separate from packaging components for recycling. “We combine functionality with sustainability to offer smart skincare solutions that will exceed both brand and consumer expectations,” says Dijkstra.

More Specialized Applicators & Tools

Specialized applicators and tools are becoming more sought after by skincare consumers. As a result, skincare brands are becoming more interested in integrating applicators into a package, such as a cooling tip on a tube, suppliers say. Applicators not only deliver sensorial benefits, but they can also enable precise dosing. 

Related: Cosmetic Applicators & Makeup Brushes Designed for Results

“We offer many types of applicators that can transform a package to enhance the effectiveness of a formula,” says Corso. IBG/Roberts’ packaging with specialized applicators are especially popular for eye products, spot treatments, and sun protection. Its offerings include metal cryo tips, dissolving microneedle patches, ergonomic rollers, precision droppers, and more.

Tools Deliver a Sensorial Experience

Applicator tools can help ensure a skincare product delivers a luxurious experience. The Penthouse Group offers various multi-purpose applicator tools designed to optimize a product’s functionality. “Only tools that meet our strict standards make the cut. They must be durable, easy to use, and effortless to clean,” says Ostrower.

The Penthouse Group’s multi-functional applicators include a sleek Zinc Alloy Spatula with a Silicone Scrubbing Cover. Designed for hygienic product application, the spatula offers a cooling touch. The silicone cover has a fine bristle pattern, which is perfect for gentle scrubbing, cleansing, and exfoliation. The supplier’s Gua Sha Scraper with Silicone Scrubber enhances the user experience by acting as a cleansing tool with massaging benefits. “The dual-purpose tool combines the benefits of traditional Gua Sha with modern functionality. Pair it with a serum or oil, and it can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, relieve stress, and promote lymphatic drainage,” says Ostrower.

Virospack offers a selection of applicators that combine precision with a sensorial experience. “One of the strongest trends today in skincare packaging is the growing demand for specialized applicators, from massaging tips, to cooling metal applicators and precision droppers designed for target treatments,” says Ferreira.

APC is another supplier offering metal cooling tips, ceramic applicators, antimicrobial silicone applicators, and more. “We see strong momentum in this category,” says Ponte. 

What’s Next?

Skincare packaging will continue to transform, fueled by the latest tech innovations, predicts the team at Nuon Medical. “Consumers are no longer satisfied with basic packaging. We’ll continue to focus on developing bespoke cosmetic and skincare applicators that go beyond traditional designs,” says Dijkstra.

One supplier developing new types of skincare packaging is PKG Group. Later this year, the company will launch its new Paper Stick package. “Additionally, we are working on developing more luxury packaging concepts built around airless bag-in-bottle technology, so stay tuned,” says Narayan.

Ferreira says Virospack is closely monitoring the evolution of smart and circular skincare formats. “We anticipate integrating these trends into our future launches,” she says.

On a final note, experts say we can expect to see more refillable packaging innovations for skincare. We predict brands will continue to collaborate with suppliers to ensure skincare packaging remains highly functional and luxurious, while becoming more eco-friendly.

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