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In cosmetic packaging systems, a “jar” is not a single, uniform container type. Even when cosmetic jars appear similar in shape or size, they often differ significantly in opening mechanisms, sealing structures, and inner–outer component design. These structural differences affect not only the appearance and cost of the packaging, but also sealing performance, user experience, and the protection of formula stability, especially for creams, eye creams, balms, and functional skincare products.
For this reason, when addressing the question “what types of cosmetic jars are there,” a more professional and practical approach is to classify jars based on structural design rather than material alone. This article focuses on five of the most common and widely adopted cosmetic jar structures, explaining their characteristics and practical applications to help you make more informed packaging decisions.
1.Basis for Classifying Cosmetic Jar Structures
Cosmetic jars are typically classified based on the structural relationship between the jar body and the closure, as well as the sealing mechanism, rather than solely by material such as plastic or glass. In practical packaging applications, structural design plays a more decisive role than material alone in determining sealing performance, ease of use, and the level of protection provided to the product formula.
From a packaging engineering perspective, the key structural differences among cosmetic jars mainly involve opening and closing mechanisms (such as screw caps or flip tops), sealing design (whether gaskets or enclosed systems are used), and the presence of single-wall or double-wall constructions. These structural factors directly affect air exposure, suitability for high-activity or low-preservative formulations, and long-term packaging stability. As a result, classifying cosmetic jars by structure provides a more accurate and practical framework for packaging selection.
2.5 common cosmetic packaging can structures
In practical applications, the structure of cosmetic packaging cans is not infinitely subdivided, but gradually stabilized through long-term mass production, filling, and market validation. The following 5 types of structures are currently the most common, mature, and clearly applicable packaging can types in the cosmetics industry. Each structure has clear differences in sealing methods, user experience, and suitable product forms.
| Jar Type | Structural Definition | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screw Cap Jar | A basic jar secured by a threaded lid | Simple structure, cost-effective, widely compatible | Face creams, body creams, hair masks | Sealing depends on gasket quality and user handling |
| Inner Cup Jar | A double-wall jar with an inner container and outer shell | Enhanced aesthetics, high design flexibility | Mid- to high-end creams, functional skincare | More components, higher assembly and cost |
| Airless Jar | A jar using pistons or movable bases to limit air backflow | Reduced oxidation, improved formula protection | High-active or low-preservative formulas | Higher filling precision and packaging cost |
| Flip Top Jar | A jar with a hinged lid for one-handed opening | Convenient and efficient to use | Body care products, hand creams | Lower sealing performance |
| Thick Bottom Jar | A jar with reinforced base or heavy wall construction | Strong shelf presence, premium appearance | High-end skincare, gift sets | Increased material usage and cost |
（1）Screw Cap Jar
A screw cap jar is a basic cosmetic packaging jar in which the lid is secured to the jar body through a threaded closure.
It is the most widely used and structurally mature jar type in the cosmetic industry.
Structurally, screw cap jars rely on thread engagement combined with an inner gasket or liner to achieve sealing. When tightened, the lid applies axial pressure to the jar opening, helping reduce air exchange. This simple structure requires minimal components and places relatively low demands on manufacturing and filling processes.
In terms of application, screw cap jars are best suited for formulas with relatively stable properties and lower sensitivity to air exposure, such as face creams, body creams, hair masks, and basic skincare balms. Their main advantages include cost efficiency, high compatibility across product lines, and flexibility in size and appearance. However, because sealing performance depends heavily on gasket quality and user handling, screw cap jars are generally not recommended for highly active or oxidation-sensitive formulations.
（2）Inner Cup Jar (Double Wall Jar)
An inner cup jar is a double-wall cosmetic packaging structure consisting of an inner container that holds the product and an outer shell designed for appearance and branding.
This structure is not merely about increased thickness, but about separating functional performance from visual design.
Structurally, an inner cup jar typically includes three main components: the inner cup, the outer shell, and the closure. The inner cup comes into direct contact with the formula and is responsible for filling and sealing, while the outer shell enhances aesthetics, tactile feel, and brand presentation. These components may be made from the same or different materials, allowing greater design flexibility.
In practice, inner cup jars are commonly used for mid- to high-end creams, functional skincare products, and premium product lines. Their key advantages include enhanced visual depth and the potential to reduce long-term costs or improve sustainability through inner cup replacement. However, compared to standard screw cap jars, inner cup jars involve more components and higher assembly requirements, which can increase production complexity and overall cost.
（3）Airless Jar
An airless jar is a cosmetic packaging structure designed to minimize or prevent air from re-entering the container during use.
Unlike conventional jars, the purpose of an airless jar is not to create a perfect vacuum, but to continuously reduce the product’s exposure to air throughout its usage lifecycle.
Structurally, airless jars typically incorporate pistons, movable bases, or pressure-compensation mechanisms. As the product is dispensed, the internal volume adjusts upward or contracts accordingly, preventing outside air from flowing back into the container. This design significantly reduces oxidation, evaporation, and the risk of microbial contamination.
In practical applications, airless jars are well suited for formulations with high active ingredient content, sensitivity to oxygen, or low-preservative systems, such as anti-aging creams and functional skincare balms. Their key advantage lies in superior formula protection and improved hygiene. However, airless jars require higher mold precision, more complex filling processes, and stricter quality control, which generally results in higher packaging costs.
（4）Flip Top Jar
A flip top jar is a cosmetic packaging jar that features a hinged lid connected to the jar body, allowing one-handed opening.
Unlike screw cap jars, flip top jars are designed primarily to enhance convenience and speed of use rather than maximize sealing performance.
Structurally, flip top jars typically consist of a jar body, a hinged lid, and a snap-lock closure mechanism. Users can open the lid with a simple upward motion, without twisting or removing the cap. This design reduces handling steps and improves usability in high-frequency application scenarios.
In practice, flip top jars are commonly used for body care products, basic moisturizing creams, hand creams, and everyday cosmetic formulations. Their main advantage lies in ease of operation and user-friendly design. However, because their sealing capability is generally lower than that of screw cap or airless jars, flip top jars are not recommended for formulas that are highly sensitive to air exposure or contamination.
（5）Thick Bottom / Heavy Wall Jar
A thick bottom or heavy wall jar is a cosmetic packaging jar designed with a reinforced base or double-wall structure to enhance stability and visual weight.
The primary objective of this structure is not improved sealing, but rather to convey a sense of premium quality through enhanced physical presence and durability.
Structurally, thick bottom jars feature reinforced bases, thickened walls, or double-layer constructions that increase overall weight and stability. This design helps prevent tipping during display and use, while also delivering a more substantial and premium tactile experience.
In practical applications, thick bottom jars are commonly used for high-end skincare collections, gift sets, and products positioned at higher price points. Their key advantages include strong shelf presence and enhanced perceived value. However, these benefits come with increased material consumption and higher production costs, which should be carefully considered in relation to brand positioning and pricing strategy.
3.Which Cosmetic Jar Structures Are Suitable for Different Products?
In practical packaging selection, there is no single “best” cosmetic jar structure that fits all products. The suitability of a jar structure depends primarily on formulation characteristics, usage frequency, and intended usage scenarios. Differences in sealing performance, ease of use, and hygiene control determine which cosmetic products each structure is best suited for.
Based on long-term industry practice, relatively stable and reliable correlations have emerged between cosmetic jar structures and product categories. Using these structural mappings allows brands and manufacturers to narrow down packaging options efficiently during the early design stage.
| Product Type | Recommended Jar Structure | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Face creams / Body creams | Screw cap jar, Inner cup jar | Stable formulas with moderate sealing needs and balanced cost and appearance |
| Eye creams / Small-volume balms | Airless jar, Inner cup jar | Small dosage products requiring higher hygiene and stability |
| High-active skincare products | Airless jar | Minimizes air exposure and reduces oxidation and contamination risks |
| Body care / Hand creams | Flip top jar | High-frequency use with convenient one-hand operation |
| Premium skincare / Gift sets | Thick bottom jar, Inner cup jar | Emphasizes shelf presence and perceived brand value |
4.Four Key Factors When Choosing a Cosmetic Jar Structure
After understanding the characteristics and applications of different cosmetic jar structures, the next challenge is determining which structure is the most appropriate when several options appear viable. In practice, packaging selection usually requires a comprehensive evaluation based on the following four key factors.
（1） Formula Requirements for Sealing and Stability
Formulation characteristics are the primary determinant of jar structure selection.
Products containing high levels of active ingredients, oxidation-sensitive components, or low-preservative systems require packaging structures that minimize air ingress and contamination. In such cases, airless jars or structures with stronger sealing performance are more suitable.
For more stable formulations with lower sensitivity to air, simpler and more cost-effective structures such as screw cap jars or inner cup jars are often sufficient.
（2） Usage Frequency and Application Scenarios
Packaging structure should align with how and how often the product is used.
High-frequency products that prioritize convenience—such as body care items used in daily or household settings—benefit from easy-open designs like flip top jars. Products with lower usage frequency or smaller dosage requirements typically place greater emphasis on hygiene and sealing performance.
（3） Brand Positioning and Visual Presentation
In the cosmetics and skincare industry, packaging plays a critical role in brand perception.
For mid-range to premium products, jar structures must not only function well but also convey visual quality, tactile experience, and shelf presence. Inner cup jars and thick bottom jars are often used to enhance perceived value.
Conversely, products positioned for mass markets or price-sensitive channels may prioritize mature, widely available structures with stable supply chains.
（4） Cost Control and Mass Production Feasibility
Finally, cost and manufacturability must be carefully considered.
More complex structures generally involve additional components, higher mold costs, and stricter assembly and filling requirements. Packaging decisions should align with target pricing, order volume, and supplier capabilities to ensure commercial feasibility alongside functional suitability.
5.Common Mistakes in Selecting Cosmetic Jar Structures
In many projects, issues with cosmetic jar selection arise not from technical limitations, but from misaligned decision logic. Some packaging choices that seem reasonable at first can create problems during mass production, consumer use, or market launch. Below are the most common mistakes observed in the industry.
Mistake 1: Prioritizing Appearance Over Structural Function
One of the most frequent mistakes is placing excessive emphasis on visual design while overlooking structural performance.
Packaging that looks appealing but fails to provide adequate sealing, stability, or usability can negatively impact both user experience and formula protection.
Mistake 2: Treating Material Selection as Structural Selection
Packaging decisions are often reduced to questions such as “glass or plastic,” but material choice does not replace structural evaluation.
Even with the same material, differences in closure design, sealing mechanisms, and wall construction can lead to significantly different performance outcomes.
Mistake 3: Overengineering Packaging for Low-Risk Formulations
Not every product requires a highly complex packaging structure.
Using airless jars or multi-layer designs for stable, price-sensitive formulations can unnecessarily increase costs and reduce pricing competitiveness. This scenario represents overengineering beyond actual product needs.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Mass Production and Supply Chain Constraints
Some jar structures perform well in concept or sampling stages but face challenges during large-scale production due to mold precision, assembly yield, or filling efficiency.
Failing to assess manufacturing feasibility early can result in packaging solutions that are technically sound but commercially impractical.
6.Summary: Key Takeaways on Cosmetic Jar Structures
From both engineering and practical perspectives, the primary differences among cosmetic jars lie in structural design rather than material or appearance. Each structure offers distinct advantages in sealing performance, usability, formula protection, and cost efficiency, making it suitable for specific product scenarios.
The five most common and well-established cosmetic jar structures in the industry are:
Screw cap jars: Simple, versatile, and cost-effective for stable formulations
Inner cup jars: Double-wall designs that balance functionality and aesthetics for mid- to high-end products
Airless jars: Structures that minimize air exposure, ideal for high-active or low-preservative formulas
Flip top jars: Convenience-focused designs for high-frequency body care products
Thick bottom jars: Reinforced structures that enhance stability and premium shelf presence
In practice, there is no universally “best” jar structure. Effective packaging decisions require a holistic evaluation of formulation needs, usage conditions, brand positioning, and manufacturing feasibility. A structure-based selection approach helps reduce packaging risks and ensures better alignment between the product and its container.
