If you’ve ever used a soft cleanser, travel-size sunscreen, or hand cream, chances are it came in a tube made of PE1.
PE, or polyethylene, is the industry standard for flexible, squeezable packaging—especially in the form of cosmetic tubes. But what makes this material so widely used? Let’s break down why PE continues to dominate the world of skincare tubes.
What Is PE?
Polyethylene2 is one of the most commonly used plastics globally. In cosmetic packaging, the two main forms are:
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): soft, flexible
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): slightly stiffer but more durable
Both versions offer outstanding resistance to moisture, low-temperature performance, and ease of processing—ideal for packaging that needs to be squeezed, sealed, and shipped.
Why PE Is Perfect for Tubes
From a packaging engineer’s point of view, PE provides the best combination of softness, durability, and production efficiency. Its high elongation and crack resistance ensure that the tube doesn’t split during repeated use.
PE tubes are popular for:
- Cleansers and exfoliators
- Sunscreens
- Hair masks
- Hand creams and balms
- Facial scrubs
The extrusion and co-extrusion process3 allows manufacturers to create multi-layered tubes for enhanced performance.
PE in Mono-Layer vs Multi-Layer Tubes
| Type | Composition | Benefits | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mono-layer PE | 100% LDPE or HDPE | Lower cost, recyclable | Budget creams, face washes |
| Co-extruded Tube | PE + EVOH or barrier materials | Improved oxygen/moisture control | Vitamin C serums, SPF |
| Laminated Tube | PE + foil layer | Best barrier + visual effects | Whitening creams, toothpaste |
Multilayer tubes with EVOH barrier4 are widely used for formulas that require long shelf life and stability.
PE vs Other Tube Materials
| Material | Flexibility | Barrier Performance | Recyclability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE | High | Moderate to good | Widely (#2/#4) | $ |
| PET | Low | Moderate | Widely (#1) | $$ |
| Aluminum | None | Excellent | Widely | $$$ |
| Laminated | Medium | Excellent | Conditional | $$ |
PE wins for comfort in use and low environmental impact when designed with recyclability in mind.
Is PE Recyclable?
Yes—PE is recyclable5 and is classified under resin codes #2 (HDPE) and #4 (LDPE).
However, recyclability depends on:
- Whether the tube is mono-material
- Whether aluminum or EVOH layers are present
- Local recycling system capabilities
To improve sustainability, some brands now use mono-material PE tubes with direct printing6, eliminating the need for labels or foil layers.
When Should You Choose PE?
Use PE if your product requires:
- A soft, squeezable tube
- Good chemical resistance (oils, actives, surfactants)
- Mid-range barrier protection
- Cost-effective high-volume production
- A recyclable packaging solution (preferably mono-material)
If you're formulating water-based creams, gels, or light emulsions, PE offers more than enough protection and comfort.
Final Thoughts
PE tubes are trusted by mass-market and premium brands alike for their ease of use, low cost, and reliable performance. Whether you're packaging daily cleansers or sun care formulas, PE delivers on all fronts.
Want a glass-like look without the fragility? Read our next article: Understanding Acrylic Packaging: Look Like Glass, Cost Like Plastic
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PE is a flexible and chemically resistant plastic widely used in cosmetic tubes. ↩
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Polyethylene comes in various densities (LDPE, HDPE), each suited for different tube stiffness and squeeze strength. ↩
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Co-extrusion allows PE tubes to incorporate barrier layers like EVOH, extending shelf life for active formulas. ↩
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EVOH is a popular barrier material layered into PE tubes to prevent oxygen ingress and formula degradation. ↩
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PE is recyclable in most curbside systems and can be reused when tubes are made from mono-material structures. ↩
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GreenLeaf™ and other mono-material PE tubes reduce environmental impact by simplifying recycling compatibility. ↩
