A Few Tips for Packing and Shipping Makeup and Skin Care Products
Shipping makeup and skin care products is more than just throwing them in a box. Cosmetics come in a variety of packaging types, each of which presents unique challenges for safe delivery. Whether it’s delicate glass bottles or flexible squeeze tubes, each item must be packed with care to prevent leaks, cracks, or other damage during transit. Here are some tips for safely packing and shipping makeup and skin care products.
Check out shipping rules and regulations. Before packing and shipping cosmetic products, be sure to check the applicable rules and regulations, especially when shipping internationally. For example, in the United States, perfumes containing alcohol can only be shipped by ground because alcohol is a flammable substance that is prohibited for air transport. Similarly, nail polish and nail polish remover must be shipped by ground. As for international shipping, many countries have specific restrictions and certification requirements that you should research before shipping anything.
Wrap each item individually. No matter how many items you’re shipping, each one needs to be individually wrapped, especially if you’re shipping liquids and/or fragile glass bottles. Wrap each item in bubble wrap, with the bubbles facing inward, and secure the bubble wrap with pieces of tape. Bubble wrap protects items from both external shock and moisture. Consider using thermal bubble wrap for heat-sensitive products. Flat items can be placed in individual padded envelopes.
Remember that liquids require extra care. Make sure the cap is tight, secure it with a piece of tape, wrap the bottle in bubble wrap, and place it in a sealable plastic bag that will contain the spill if the product leaks. Some carriers have special requirements for liquid packaging, so be sure to check.
Use a sturdy box and plenty of padding. Corrugated boxes are usually the best choice for shipping makeup and skin care products because they are strong, durable, and lightweight. The box should be just the right size for the items you’re shipping: a box that’s too small could crush the items inside, while in a box that’s too large they could shift and get damage during transit. You should also use plenty of cushioning material (crumpled paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap) to protect the items.
Arrange all items properly inside the box. Careful arrangement is the key to keeping items safe during shipping. Start by lining the bottom of the box with cushioning material that will act as a shock absorber if the box is dropped. Always place heavier items on the bottom to prevent them from crushing lighter items. Light and fragile items should go on top. Containers with liquids should be placed upright. Consider using cardboard dividers to separate items and don’t forget to fill any remaining free space in the box with cushioning material.
Label the package properly. At a minimum, you should mark your package as “Fragile” or “Handle with Care”. If you’re shipping liquid products, don’t forget to include “Liquid” and “This Side Up” labels. Some carriers may have specific labeling requirements for makeup and skin care products; be sure to check.
Consider expedited shipping for temperature-sensitive products. Some cosmetic products are temperature-sensitive, so the sooner they get to their destination, the better, especially in warm weather. For example, coconut oil begins to melt at 75°F (24°C), so you want it to spend as little time in transit as possible to prevent leakage. If you can’t afford expedited shipping, at least send the package early in the week to make sure it doesn’t get stuck at a post office over the weekend.