Packaging & Labels

The following information should be taken as an educational guide only, not as legal advice. Always consult a lawyer for final questions.

TERMINOLOGY

Package: a container or wrapping, other than a shipping container or wrapping, in which a consumer commodity is delivered or displayed to retail purchasers.

Label: a written, printed, or graphic display of information on the container of a cosmetic.

Principal Display Panel (PDP): PDP is the part of a label that the consumer sees or examines when displayed for retail sale.

General Requirements For Labeling

Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information

Cosmetics Labeling Guide

  • The display that the consumer sees at the time of purchase must include the required information. It also means that the panel size must be large enough for the consumer to read.

  • The font’s size and style must be easy to read and meet the minimum requirements of height. There are different requirements for the information of the PDP, warning statements, and product name.

  • The background must contrast from the label’s lettering for an easy read. For example, white background for black lettering is high contrast, while pink lettering on a red background may be difficult.

  • Nothing should block the required information.

  • As always, you need to follow the general requirements for labeling. The font size for the warning must be in bold and no smaller than the required pt. font.

  • Your formulas ingredients must be in descending order of predominance and also follow the general requirements for labeling. You should include all ingredients used unless it is a trade secret (which has its own complex process). The font size for ingredients must not be smaller than the required pt. size font.

  • All information for all required information must be in English. If a foreign language is represented all required info must be in the same foreign language.

Navigate Packaging

Steps 1 - 6

  • Step 1: Choose Your Packaging

    Find the packaging you want by searching wholesale options under the Lab Supplies List under “Packaging”.

    TIP: I always encourage my students to order samples on the chosen whole website or directly requested from the manufacturer.

  • Step 2: Find Your Packaging & Box Dieline

    The screen-printing area (dyelines) can be found on the manufacturers website or by request.

    Dyelines are the guidelines/blueprint for the labeling on your packaging that will give your customers all the information they need in order to choose and use your product effectively.

    EXAMPLE - Die Line (Document)

    Note: Outer packaging is different from inner packaging is different from product packaging.

  • Step 3: Create Your Design

    1. Draw out your design on paper

    2. Find similar packaging styles you like/that catch your eye. You will want to do this with the box as well.

    3. With the box, gently break it down until it's a single flat piece of cardboard. Take a piece of paper and sketch out the box, exactly as it is with the cardboard including the glued flaps. This is where you are able to get creative If you want. Feel free to rearrange the orientation or flaps, do so. If you want to make it wider, thinner, shorter or longer

    4. (Optional) Create a mood board if you want more creative control before handing it off to a designer. Choose your color ranges, swatches, and the overall message and feeling you want for your packaging.

  • Step 4: Find a Designer

    1. Search for a local designer via Facebook, Instagram, Craigslist, or Google. You can also try websites such as Fiverr, Upwork or 99 Designs.

    2. Ask your designer for a .pdf file and center it on an 8.5x11" file. Before doing this, know that the paper and print size will need to be exactly as it is on the box.

      If this step is possible for you, print it out, tape it together and try it with your product.

  • Step 5: FDA Check It

    This step is your responsibility, not the designers. During this step you may find that you may have to rearrange some things to make it FDA compliant.

    Cosmetics Labeling Guide

    Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information

    If it is in your budget, you can hire an FDA lawyer to check the final design before it goes to print. You can use a site like UpCounsel to find an FDA lawyer which can be a cheap and quick option.

  • Step 6: Order Samples

    If you have the budget for it, always order a custom sample (or a few samples) made from your design directly from the print manufacturer. Sometimes a manufacturer will offer a refund of the sample fee during final production.

  • Note: Improper Packaging or Labeling

    This is a violation of FDA Guidelines and create bad business.

    Example 1: The label doesn’t state the product’s name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.

    Example 2: The container or its fill weight information is misleading.