Cosmetic Packaging: Light Protection and Material Suitability for Various Formulas (Vitamin C, Peptides, AHA/BHA)
Question
I have questions regarding cosmetic packaging:
1. Regarding light protection, is opaque white packaging as effective as amber packaging? Which one is better, or are they similar?
2. Besides Vitamin C, which ingredients require amber packaging? Is it necessary for lotions containing Adenosine complex, peptide, and amino acid?
3. Can plastic packaging sold by Myskinrecipes be used for gels containing AHA and BHA, or should only glass bottles be used?
Answer
Packaging Selection
Based on the information provided:
Opaque White vs. Amber Packaging: It's not possible to definitively say which is better or if they are the same. The level of light protection depends on how opaque the specific packaging is, whether it's white or amber. For formulas with light-sensitive ingredients, it's recommended to test the specific packaging by shining light through it.
Other Ingredients for Amber Packaging: The primary reason for using opaque packaging (like amber) is for retail display purposes, as products are placed on shelves. All cosmetic ingredients can degrade when exposed to sunlight, but at different rates. For personal use, if you store the product away from direct sunlight (many people even keep them in the fridge), opaque packaging is not strictly necessary. However, if you are making products to sell and cannot control the storage conditions, opaque packaging is recommended for any formula, regardless of specific ingredients like Adenosine complex, peptide, or amino acid, to help protect against potential light exposure during display or storage.
Plastic Packaging for AHA/BHA Gels: Yes, plastic packaging sold by Myskinrecipes can be used for gels containing AHA and BHA. These ingredients are not severely corrosive, and plastics are capable of withstanding them. Even highly concentrated AHA is transported in plastic containers from the factory. Plastic is only unsuitable for highly corrosive acids, which are not used in cosmetic formulations.