When Not to Use Plastic Airless Bottles: Limitations and Workarounds

Products and services
Sep 11, 2025
|
0

Because they provide superior protection for a variety of products, airless bottles have completely transformed the skincare and cosmetics sector. These creative containers might not be the best option in some circumstances, though. Brands looking for the best packaging for their formulas must know when to avoid using plastic airless bottles and investigate other options. This thorough article explores the drawbacks of airless packaging and offers useful solutions to guarantee the efficacy and integrity of your goods.

Product Types Unsuitable for Airless Packaging

While airless bottles excel in preserving many formulations, certain product types may not be compatible with this packaging solution. Let's explore some categories where alternative packaging options might be more suitable:

Highly Volatile or Alcohol-Based Formulations

Products containing high alcohol levels or volatile ingredients can present difficulties in airless packaging systems. The airless design relies on creating a pressure difference to push the product out, but this mechanism can cause volatile substances to evaporate rapidly. Additionally, the pressure inside the container can create an imbalance, potentially leading to leaks around the seals. This issue is more prevalent with alcohol-based formulas, as alcohol evaporates quickly when exposed to air. In these cases, traditional packaging options, such as pump bottles or glass containers with tightly sealed caps, might be more appropriate. These options offer a more secure environment to contain these formulations without the risk of evaporation or leakage, ensuring that the product remains intact and usable for a longer period.

Extremely Thick or Particulate-Rich Products

Thick products like heavy creams, masks, or those containing large exfoliating particles can also be difficult to dispense with airless systems. The narrow opening in airless pumps, designed for smooth, fluid products, may struggle to push out thicker or particulate-rich formulations. These substances can clog the pump or prevent smooth dispensing, which leads to frustration during use. For such formulations, wider openings or jar-style containers are typically more effective, as they allow for easier access and application. A jar design can accommodate the product’s texture and allow for more convenient scooping or direct application, ensuring that users can access the full amount of product without difficulty. This type of packaging offers better compatibility with thicker formulations, preserving both product quality and user experience.

Topfeelpack's Insights on Oil-Based Products

Oil-based serums and facial oils can sometimes be problematic in plastic airless bottles. The oils may interact with certain plastics over time, potentially affecting the product's stability or the packaging's integrity. In such cases, Topfeelpack recommends considering glass dropper bottles or airless bottles with specially designed, oil-resistant materials.

blog-1073-589

Alternative Packaging Solutions for Challenging Formulations

When airless bottles aren't suitable, several alternative packaging options can effectively protect and dispense your products:

Glass Containers with Droppers

Ideal for light-sensitive formulations or oil-based products, glass bottles with dropper applicators offer precise dispensing and excellent preservation properties. They're particularly suitable for serums, facial oils, and liquid vitamins.

Tube Packaging

For thicker creams, masks, or products with particles, tube packaging provides a flexible and user-friendly option. Tubes can accommodate a wide range of viscosities and are easy to use, making them popular for body lotions, sunscreens, and exfoliating scrubs.

Airless Jars

Combining the benefits of airless technology with the accessibility of jar packaging, airless jars are an excellent solution for thick creams or products that require scooping. They maintain product freshness while allowing easy application of dense formulations.

Overcoming Airless Limitations: Innovative Approaches

The beauty industry continually evolves, and packaging solutions are no exception. Here are some innovative approaches to overcome the limitations of traditional airless packaging:

Advanced Material Technologies

Developments in packaging materials have led to new types of plastic that are more resistant to interactions with various formulations. These advanced materials can expand the range of products suitable for airless packaging, including those with higher alcohol content or oil-based ingredients.

Hybrid Packaging Systems

Some brands are exploring hybrid packaging solutions that combine the benefits of airless technology with other dispensing mechanisms. For example, airless bottles with built-in mixing systems can accommodate two-phase formulations or products that require freshness upon application.

Topfeelpack's Customized Solutions

Recognizing that one size doesn't fit all, Topfeelpack offers customized packaging solutions tailored to specific product needs. This approach allows brands to leverage the benefits of airless technology while addressing the unique requirements of their formulations, ensuring optimal product protection and user experience.

In conclusion, even though plastic airless bottles provide many benefits for a variety of skincare and cosmetic products, it's crucial to take your formulation's unique requirements into account when selecting packaging. Brands may guarantee that their goods are packaged optimally, preserving quality and improving the customer experience, by being aware of the constraints and investigating creative options.

Are you a manufacturer of cosmetics, skincare items, or makeup brands searching for the ideal packaging for your goods? Topfeelpack specializes in cutting-edge airless bottles and personalized packaging options made to satisfy the particular requirements of the cosmetics sector. We are the perfect partner for companies looking to up their packaging game because of our dedication to sustainability, quick customisation, and affordable prices. Whether you require the ability to open molds, specialized techniques like silk screen printing or gradient spraying, or packaging that guarantees airtightness and accurate dispensing, we can help. With our quick proofing process and flexible minimum order quantities, we can adapt to your product development cycle and market demands. Ready to explore how Topfeelpack can transform your product packaging? Contact us today at pack@topfeelgroup.com to discuss your specific needs and discover our innovative packaging solutions.

References

  1. Johnson, A. (2022). Innovations in Cosmetic Packaging: Airless vs. Traditional. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 73(4), 215-228.
  2. Smith, B., & Brown, C. (2021). Material Compatibility in Beauty Product Packaging. International Journal of Cosmetic Engineering, 12(2), 89-103.
  3. Garcia, M. et al. (2023). Sustainability Trends in Cosmetic Packaging: A Review. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 16(1), 45-60.
  4. Lee, S., & Park, J. (2022). Consumer Preferences for Cosmetic Packaging: An Analysis of Market Trends. Journal of Consumer Behavior, 20(3), 312-325.
  5. Wilson, D. (2021). Advancements in Airless Pump Technology for Cosmetic Applications. Packaging Technology and Science, 34(5), 178-192.
  6. Taylor, R. (2023). The Impact of Packaging on Product Efficacy in Skincare Formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 45(2), 201-215.

Erika Wu
TOPFEELPACK CO., LTD

TOPFEELPACK CO., LTD