What Is PET and Why Is It the Most Common Cosmetic Packaging Material?

21/04/2025
6:32 am

Amber glass jars and pump bottles with clear plastic spray bottle. — PET Bottle & Jar

If you’ve ever held a toner bottle, serum jar, or facial mist spray, chances are it was made of PET¹.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is not just the most commonly used plastic in beverage bottles—it's also the king of cosmetic packaging. But what exactly makes this material so popular?

Let’s break it down from the perspective of performance, sustainability, and practicality.

Content hide

1 What Is PET?

2 Why PET Is Widely Used in Cosmetics

2.1 Key Benefits:

3 Common Uses of PET in Cosmetic Packaging

4 Limitations of PET

5 How to Tell If a Bottle Is PET

6 PET vs Other Plastics

7 Final Thoughts

What Is PET?

PET is a thermoplastic polymer belonging to the polyester family. It’s known for its crystal-clear appearance, excellent barrier properties, and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also part of a closed-loop recycling system, labeled as plastic #1².

Originally developed for food and beverage applications, PET is now FDA- and EU-approved for use in cosmetic packaging³. It is considered inert, meaning it won't react with most skincare or cosmetic formulations.

Why PET Is Widely Used in Cosmetics

Skincare and personal care brands around the world use PET for everything from facial cleansers to shampoos, thanks to a mix of cost efficiency, visual appeal, and performance.

Key Benefits:

Clarity & Gloss: PET offers excellent transparency, allowing customers to see the product inside.
Lightweight & Durable: It's strong enough to survive drops but light enough to reduce shipping costs.
Barrier Properties: PET protects formulas from moisture and oxygen, extending shelf life⁴.
Recyclability: It’s one of the easiest plastics to recycle globally.
Versatility in Shape: It can be blow-molded into any shape—from slim sprayers to wide-mouth jars.

Common Uses of PET in Cosmetic Packaging

PET is found across nearly all product categories:

Product Type	Example PET Packaging
Toners & Mists	Transparent spray bottles
Shampoos & Body Wash	Cylindrical pump bottles
Serums	Small dropper bottles
Hand Sanitizers	Travel-size squeeze tubes
Cleansing Oils	Amber-colored PET bottles

If your product is water-based and non-corrosive, PET is likely your safest and most economical choice.

Limitations of PET

While PET is highly versatile, it’s not perfect for every formula or packaging style.

Not Ideal for Oil-Rich or Acidic Formulas: PET may degrade over time with strong essential oils or alcohol-based solutions⁵.
Scratches Easily: While it has good hardness, PET is prone to fine scratches over time.
Limited Heat Resistance: PET may deform under high heat, so it’s not suitable for hot-fill products above 60°C.

In these cases, you may want to consider PP, PETG, or even glass alternatives.

How to Tell If a Bottle Is PET

You can usually identify PET packaging by:

The resin identification code "1" inside the recycling triangle
A smooth, glossy appearance
A hard, rigid feel (not squeezable like PE)
Its light weight and "glass-like" look

If in doubt, ask your supplier for a material specification sheet⁶.

PET vs Other Plastics

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Material	Clarity	Chemical Resistance	Flexibility	Recyclable	Cost
PET	Excellent	Moderate	Low	Widely	$
PETG	Excellent	High	Medium	Partial	$$
PP	Fair	High	High	Widely	$
PE	Opaque	High	High	Widely	$
Glass	Excellent	Excellent	Rigid	Widely	$$$

Final Thoughts

If your brand is looking for packaging that delivers performance, clarity, and environmental responsibility at a low cost, PET⁷ is hard to beat.

It's trusted by global brands and compatible with most mainstream formulations. While it’s not perfect for everything, it’s certainly a packaging staple in the beauty world—and for good reason.

Curious how PET compares to its upgraded cousin? Check out our next article: Is PETG Better Than PET for Skincare Bottles?

PET is a lightweight, strong plastic commonly used in cosmetic bottles due to its clarity and durability. ↩
PET is labeled as plastic #1 in recycling systems and is widely accepted across global recycling programs. ↩
Regulatory bodies such as the FDA have approved PET for use in food and personal care packaging. ↩
PET provides excellent protection against moisture and oxygen, helping preserve product quality. ↩
Formulas with high alcohol or essential oil content may interact negatively with PET, reducing shelf life. ↩
Material data sheets offer detailed information about the physical and chemical properties of PET. ↩
PET is a sustainable packaging choice thanks to its recyclability and lightweight properties. ↩

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About Me

Hi, I’m Shirley, the founder of BEAUTYPLUS. I’ve been working in the cosmetic packaging industry for over 10 years now, and this journey started with a simple love for all things beauty. Like many girls, I’ve always had a passion for makeup and skincare. But what truly captured my heart was the charm of beautiful packaging—it’s like art you can hold in your hand.

This passion led me to dive into the world of cosmetic bottles and packaging. Along the way, I discovered something even more fulfilling: helping startups and emerging brands bring their unique product ideas to life. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s vision transformed into a product that truly stands out. Every time I contribute to their success, it feels like I’m part of something bigger—a story of dreams coming true.

Through BEAUTYPLUS, I aim to be not just a supplier but a partner to my clients, sharing their excitement and supporting their growth. After all, great packaging isn’t just about looks; it’s about telling a story and leaving a lasting impression.

Let’s create something amazing together!