The usage scenario: Cosmetic labels for tins, jars, pouches, doy packs, bags and bottles
Cosmetic packaging: it is not only the medium for legally required product information, but above all an emotional eye-catcher that appeals to the consumer and encourages them to make a purchase.
With cosmetic products, the appearance of the packaging and the label is the first impression – and that’s what counts!
High-quality cosmetic labels offer a flexible labelling solution – and emphasise the character of the product. They can be used on a wide variety of packaging types and transform unprinted packaging into unique products.
What is the purpose of cosmetic labels?
Cosmetics labels fulfil two key functions. Firstly, they convey the message intended to encourage the consumer to make a purchase: a high-quality label with an appealing design that complements the packaging perfectly transforms the packaging and its contents into a harmonious, attractive overall product. Furthermore, they fulfil the labelling requirements laid down by law for cosmetics.
Labelling requirements for cosmetics
To ensure that consumers are fully informed, a wide range of information must be provided on the packaging of cosmetic products.
Labels are particularly flexible here, as they can also be ordered in small and medium runs and can be updated promptly in the event of changes.
In accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation, the following details must be clearly legible and permanently affixed.
- Manufacturer’s name and address: identifies the manufacturer or packager of the cosmetic product and enables contact details to be found
- Intended use: describes what the cosmetic product is intended for, for example as a moisturiser
- Net content: the quantity of the cosmetic product in millilitres or grams at the time of filling, for price comparisons
- Additives: such as sulphur dioxide in dried fruit, must be declared if they exceed certain limits (more than 10 mg/kg for sulphur dioxide and sulphites).
- Best-before date (BBD): indicates the date until which the product retains its safety and efficacy, for the protection of consumers (for products with a shelf life of less than 30 months when unopened). Digitally printed cosmetic labels, when finished with a matt protective varnish or matt laminating film, are ideal for overprinting with thermal transfer printers, and can thus be marked with the best-before date directly during the production process.
- Shelf life after opening: the ‘open jar’ symbol and a month indication specify the shelf life of the cosmetic product after it has been opened for the first time (for products with a shelf life of over 30 months when unopened)
- Batch number: The batch number, also known as the lot number, is a freely selectable combination of numbers and/or letters and enables traceability back to the production batch in the event of quality issues or recalls.
- Ingredients: all ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight in accordance with the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), to ensure transparency and easy identification of the substances.
- Directions for use: warnings and precautions for safe use and risk prevention
- Country of origin: describes the country of manufacture and provides information on the place of production
What are the benefits of labels for cosmetics?
- Flexible application: Labels for cosmetics require a fairly large surface area to convey all the information in accordance with the regulations. The information can be spread across several labels; for example, a label on the front for the product message and a label on the back to meet the various labelling requirements set out in the EU Cosmetics Regulation. In the case of jars or cream tins, a lid or base label is often used as well.
- Can be updated promptly: Labels can also be ordered in small and medium print runs and can be updated quickly in the event of changes, such as to ingredients or labelling requirements.
- Suitable for different packaging sizes: the size of the cosmetic label can be individually adapted to any packaging.
- Adaptable to different types of packaging: Depending on the surface material and shape of the packaging, there are different requirements in terms of label size, material and adhesive strength. Labels offer flexible solutions in this regard.
- Cost-effective: unprinted basic packaging for cosmetics can be sourced in large quantities more cost-effectively than printed packaging in small quantities. Within a cosmetics range – for example, soaps with different fragrances and ingredients – only the label differs, whilst the basic packaging remains the same. This turns the unprinted basic packaging into a unique product, whilst also simplifying stock management.
Materials for cosmetic labels
Skincare products and cosmetics are exposed to demanding environmental conditions and stresses, such as humidity in the bathroom, contact with soap and oily substances, or even direct contact with water. Labels for cosmetics should not only look good, but also remain legible over the long term – not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to comply with statutory labelling requirements.
For use in the cosmetics sector, film labels are particularly recommended due to the environmental conditions; they are especially well suited to continuous use in damp conditions and when exposed to soap or oil.
The often uneven surfaces require flexible label materials that adhere particularly well. Particularly in the case of film packaging, it makes sense to use film labels made from the same material, so that the packaging can be recycled as a single material.
The adhesive has the important task of permanently bonding the cosmetic label to the product. The film materials are coated with a moisture-resistant and durable pressure-sensitive adhesive, which impresses with its high adhesive strength on many different surface materials.
Additional finishes such as matt or gloss protective varnish or laminating films make the print particularly smudge- and scratch-resistant.
The solution: Custom-printed cosmetic labels from HERMA
With HERMA’s online Label Configurator, it’s really easy to order a wide variety of printed cosmetic labels, even in small and medium quantities. Anyone wishing to have cosmetic labels printed can receive them as digitally printed rolls, made from high-quality materials and designed to match their cosmetic packaging. Multiple designs (print layouts) can be produced particularly cost-effectively through combined printing. Also ideal for seasonal products and promotions.
Configure labels for cosmetics and personal care products online and order straight away
The online configurator gives you complete freedom of choice: define your label in the quantity you require. The price is displayed immediately, even for multiple designs. Now simply upload your print data – and your custom-printed cosmetic labels will be with you in just a few days!
- Simple and transparent: enter the properties, number of varieties and quantity. Real-time price display, no hidden costs
- Customised design: freely selectable shape, size, winding and print
- Attractive price: highly automated processes - attractive prices for you!
- Short delivery time: customised cosmetic labels - in just a few days
- Simple ordering process: configure, upload print files, submit your order.
Order cosmetic labels in just a few clicks!
Step 1: Configure as desired.
Select the desired properties and winding direction on the right. The preview image shows you how your cosmetic labels are placed on the roll. For this application, we recommend a protective coating or film lamination. Enter the total quantity and number of varieties (print motifs). The price for your labels is displayed in real time. With the BASIC print data check, we check your print data free of charge. If you order the PREMIUM data check, we will correct your print data as far as technically possible and send you a print approval PDF. If there are any errors that we cannot correct, we will contact you.
Step 2: Upload print data, send order
Add your configuration to the shopping basket and proceed to the order overview. After logging in or registering (as a new customer in the shop), you can enter the quantity per print motif/type and upload the appropriate PDF print data.
Please note the instructions for print data transmission
Payment by invoice, credit card, or prepayment.
More about payment options
Free shipping within the EU. For delivery outside the EU, these flat shipping rates apply.
Which film is suitable for cosmetic labels?
- PE film, white, glossy, permanent adhesive: The beautiful, glossy film surface showcases your product to perfection. Adheres securely even to uneven surfaces. Resistant to dirt, oil and moisture. Ideal for PE packaging (single-material recycling)
- PE film, transparent, glossy, permanent adhesion: Transparent PE labels offer a ‘no-label’ look; the label appears almost invisible. Adheres securely, even to curved surfaces. Resistant to dirt, oil and moisture. (Please note the instructions regarding the use of opaque white in the digital print data).
- PP film, white, glossy, permanent adhesion: The attractive glossy film surface skilfully showcases your product. Adheres securely even to uneven surfaces. Resistant to dirt, oil and moisture. Ideal for PP packaging (single-material recycling)
- PP film, transparent, glossy, permanent adhesion: Transparent PP labels offer a ‘no-label’ look; the label appears almost invisible. Adheres securely, even to curved surfaces. Resistant to dirt, oil and moisture. (Please note the instructions regarding the use of opaque white in the digital print data).
These label materials have been tested on a wide variety of surfaces and offer excellent adhesion properties. This is also relevant from a legal perspective: the EU Cosmetics Regulation requires that mandatory information be indelible, easily legible and clearly visible on the container and packaging. A permanently adhesive, durable label meets this requirement throughout the product’s entire lifespan, particularly in the case of cosmetics that are exposed to moisture, oils and frequent handling.
For this application, we recommend a protective coating or laminating film to make the labels smudge-proof and scratch-resistant. These finishes also offer reliable protection against moisture and dirt. And their matt or glossy appearance adds that special something to your packaging.
If you want to print the best-before date on the labels afterwards using thermal transfer printing, please choose the matt protective varnish or matt laminating film.
Do you require special formats, different materials or closure labels?
You can order rectangular and round labels via the Configurator. We’d be happy to produce other label shapes to your specifications – please get in touch.
Other label materials are also available – we’ll work with you to select the material best suited to your packaging from our wide range of self-adhesive materials, all produced in-house.
For large print runs, we offer production using conventional printing presses as an alternative to digital printing.
Seal labels, which securely seal your product, act as a kind of seal and tamper-evident closure. At the same time, they must be easy to open for the consumer. Using film materials, special die-cuts and perforations, we offer you bespoke seal labels that are individually tailored to your packaging.
We would be happy to provide you with a personalised quote.
Send us an e-mail with your requirements - we will get back to you! Contact us by e-mail
At a glance: What sets HERMA’s labels for cosmetics and personal care products apart?
- High quality: Cosmetic labels made from PE or PP film, available in white or transparent, emphasise the quality of your product with their attractive, glossy finish. They also conform smoothly to curved surfaces. Digital printing delivers excellent print results whilst offering a high degree of flexibility.
- Flexibility: Whether you need different packaging materials, a wide range of products or various pack sizes, cosmetic labels offer a flexible solution to meet all your requirements. The size and material of the cosmetic label can be customised to suit your needs. Using the online configurator, you can order small and medium-sized print runs to your specifications, and the labels can be updated promptly should any changes be required to the print content.
- Secure adhesion: HERMA’s cosmetic labels adhere securely to different packaging materials, ensuring that all information remains permanently on the product, from packaging through to sale, right up to the consumer, and throughout the product’s shelf life. The strong adhesive ensures a secure bond with the packaging, even during subsequent use by the consumer, e.g. in damp environments or when in contact with soap or oil.
- Robust and permanently legible: Cosmetics labels made from PE or PP film meet the high demands of practical use and remain attractive and clearly legible over time. Additional finishes make the print smudge-proof, scratch-resistant and resistant to dirt, oil and moisture.
- Cost-effective: Many designs and print layouts can be produced particularly cost-effectively and flexibly using digital printing, even in small and medium print runs. This also brings benefits in terms of packaging storage.
- Order online with fast delivery: use the Label Configurator to design your ideal label in just a few clicks, upload your print files and place your order. We’ll take care of the rest – your cosmetic labels will be with you in just a few days.
Frequently asked questions about cosmetic labels
Digitally printed roll labels in other applications
Of course, the Configurator can also be used to configure other labels and order them online.
- Glass labels for many different foods
Jars of jam, fruit spread, mustard, pesto, dip, sauces, apple sauce, vegan spreads, ready meals in jars, spices in jars and much more - with glass labels from HERMA, you can create a customised, high-quality product. - Labels for olive oil and vinegar labels
Find out how robust yet supple HERMA film materials meet the requirements of oil and vinegar labels with flying colours. - Honey labels
High-quality labels that highlight the character of the delicious contents. - Coffee and tea labels
Find out more about coffee and tea labels and HERMA's solutions for bag packaging of all kinds. - Spice labels
Whether in bags, jars or metal tins: discover HERMA's labelling solutions for spice packaging.
We would be happy to advise you on these applications.
Send us an e-mail with your requirements - we will get back to you. Contact us by e-mail



