A cosmetic product is nothing – or at least it cannot be used – without its packaging. However, these multi-functional packages may also provoke the instability of the product! In this respect, the key word is “compatibility”. This is what was pointed out by Vincent Cazelles, Director of Packaging Development at Pierre Fabre, during the technological workshop organized by Cosmed on December 3, 2013, in Toulouse, France.
What is packaging used for in cosmetics? Do not answer this question too quickly: you might forget a few of its functions, which Vincent Cazelles started by listing. He explained packaging is supposed to:
• contain,
• protect,
• deliver,
• inform,
• convey an image.
“Yet all these functions can be performed only if primary packaging and the formula are compatible!”, he insisted, “and this is true from the filling phase to the end-of-use”.
Packaging and its functions
Then Vincent Cazelles considered each function one by one to highlight what may hinder them, and should thus be monitored.
Containing while keeping the whole product content
To this aim, several characteristics should be checked:
• watertightness, by taking into account dimensional variations,
• permeability, by limiting perspiration or exudation phenomena,
• disassembly, delamination (of welding or sticking in case of multi-layer packs), internal varnish resistance (for aerosols or tubes),
• the deterioration of the material, and in particular possible stress cracking.
Protecting while keeping the product intact
Attention should be paid to factors that are likely to damage the product:
• the external atmosphere, which constitutes an evaporation or drying factor, and data related to watertightness,
• the light, …
