[Reading Science] The Secret of Cosmetic Containers

Various cosmetic containers. They are equipped with multiple layers of airtight seals and light-blocking colors, among other scientific features.
[Photo by YouTube screen capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The worst factor affecting cosmetics is said to be air. This is because cosmetics can be contaminated simply by coming into contact with air or the container. However, not all cosmetics are stored in airtight containers. Some cosmetics are designed with droppers that are intentionally exposed to air during use, and some are pump-type containers that do not allow the entire content to be used.

Containers for cosmetics come in various forms like this. It can be said that this is a measure to preserve the performance of cosmetics that have been developed with great effort. These cosmetic containers are nothing less than a concentration of scientific technology.

Cosmetic containers must have the function to preserve the original ingredients and functions by preventing oxidation, evaporation, and other chemical reactions caused by exposure to air. They must prevent contaminants such as fine dust and microorganisms in the air from entering, and also protect the product from deterioration and discoloration caused by exposure to light.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) in the United States has published research results through the "Cosmetic Safety Guide" stating that cosmetic ingredients can deteriorate when exposed to oxygen, and that the shape of the container is important to prevent and protect against this. Because of this, there are separate companies that make cosmetics and companies that make containers, highlighting the importance of containers.

Eco-friendly cosmetic containers by Innerbottle Co., Ltd., winner of the Red Dot Design Award.
[Photo by Gyeonggi-do]

The most common containers are transparent containers that expose the contents directly to light or jar-type containers that require dipping with fingers. These containers provide the best environment for bacteria to penetrate, causing the ingredients to deteriorate each time the cosmetics are used. Therefore, the top priority when making cosmetic containers is "airtightness."

To prevent oxidation caused by contact with air, pump containers are preferred, and multiple valves are installed at the pump inlet in several stages to achieve perfect airtightness. Sometimes, a pouch-type container is separately inserted inside a plastic container to provide double protection for the contents.

Plastic tubes are containers designed to block air inflow and preserve the product in a sterile state. They prevent air from entering before, during, and after use when the contents come out of the tube, thereby extending the shelf life after opening.

Most containers are made of bio-ceramics. Bio-ceramics can preserve products for a long time and have hydrophilicity, which does not cause harmful effects on biological tissues. Materials made of aluminum have a high reflectance to light and infrared rays, preventing deterioration caused by light and heat.

Containers that are not completely airtight have a high possibility of deterioration due to exposure to light and air even after the contents are used. Therefore, some containers are designed so that the pump inlet is exposed outside the container only when the product is used, minimizing the parts inside the pump that come into contact with air. Containers with pumps that are exposed by slightly twisting or pressing have unique designs that make them too precious to throw away.

Cross-section of a commonly used plastic cosmetic container pump. Even this small pump is meticulously equipped with double or triple mechanisms to block air contact, and to top it off, a ball is placed in the empty space to completely eliminate the gap.
[Photo by YouTube screenshot]

Special attention is also paid to pumps. Products that were previously made with droppers are gradually being replaced by pump types these days. A method is used where a ball is embedded in the pump inlet to completely block contact with air.

Powder-type cosmetics for enhancing whitening effects, essences, and moisturizers are placed in brown bottles to block heat and light. Recently, regulations have changed to prohibit the use of brown bottles, causing companies to be busy preparing alternative containers.

Thanks to the steady development of container technology, there have been no major problems in changing colors. However, it is said that more costs must be spent to make eco-friendly products. It can be seen that the era is moving from a time when containers had to have technology, design, and practicality to qualify for use, to an era that prioritizes "eco-friendliness" more.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.