What are the different types of tubing?

When people search for "What are the different types of tubing?", they are likely asking about tubing used in industrial, medical, food, or other industries.

However, in the cosmetics packaging industry, "tubing" generally refers to flexible tubing packaging used to hold creams, lotions, gels, cleansers, sunscreens, and other personal care products.

Common types of cosmetic tubing include:

• Plastic extruded tubing
• Single-layer tubing
• Co-extruded tubing
• Composite tubing
• Aluminum-plastic composite tubing
• Pulse-plastic composite tubing
• Aluminum tubing
• PCR recycled plastic tubing
• Bio-based tubing
• Airless tubing
• Applicator tubing

Different tubing types vary significantly in material structure, barrier properties, flexibility, appearance, cost, product compatibility, and sustainability.

For cosmetic brands, the truly important question isn't:

"Which tube looks best?"

but rather:
"Which tube structure best suits my formulation, dispensing method, brand positioning, manufacturing process, and sustainability goals?"

For example, a regular moisturizer might be fine with a PE plastic tube, while certain sunscreens or environmentally sensitive formulations might require a tube structure with stronger barrier properties.

If a brand prioritizes recyclability, it might consider single-material tubes or PBL (polyester blended tube) structures.

If a brand focuses more on a premium visual appeal and product protection, it might consider high-barrier composite tubes.

Therefore, understanding different types of tubes before choosing packaging materials can help brands reduce the risk of problems such as:

• Poor dispensing
• Leakage
• Excessive product residue
• Incompatibility between formulation and packaging materials
• Excessively high packaging costs.

1. Plastic Extruded Tubes

Plastic Squeeze Tubes are one of the most common types of tubes used in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

They are typically made of polyethylene, or PE, including different types such as LDPE and HDPE.

Some tube structures or caps may also be made of PP material.

PE tubes are widely used because they are:

• Lightweight
• Good flexibility
• Durable
• Relatively controllable cost
• Suitable for mass production

The softer LDPE structure provides an easier squeezing experience, while the stiffer structure provides better appearance stability.

Plastic extruded tubes can be used for:

• Facial cleansers
• Face creams
• Moisturizers
• Body lotions
• Hair care products
• Sunscreen
• Gel products

For brands seeking softness, easy squeezing, and cost-effectiveness:

Plastic Cosmetic Tubes are often a practical choice.

However, the barrier properties of ordinary plastic hoses are not entirely the same as those of hoses with special composite structures.

Therefore, if the formulation is sensitive to oxygen, light, or other external factors, further evaluation is needed to determine if a hose with higher barrier properties is required.

2. Single-Layer Cosmetic Tubes

Single-layer tubes have a relatively simple wall structure, typically using a single polymer material as the main component.

One advantage of this structure is:

Simple material structure.

For products that don't require particularly high barrier properties, a single-layer PE tube may be sufficient.

For example:

• Regular moisturizers
• Facial cleansers
• Body care products
• Bath products
• Daily skincare creams

all may use this structure.

Its main advantage is simplicity.

Basic packaging functionality can be achieved without adding multiple complex barrier layers.

However:

Simple structure doesn't necessarily mean better.

If the formula is sensitive to oxygen, light, moisture, or fragrance loss, a structure with higher barrier properties may be more suitable.

3. Co-Extruded Tubes

Co-Extruded Tubes are tube structures formed by co-extruding multiple layers of different materials.

A typical structure is:

PE + EVOH barrier layer + PE

EVOH has good oxygen barrier properties, therefore it can be used in cosmetic packaging requiring higher barrier properties.

Co-extruded tubes can be designed with a multi-layer structure according to product requirements.

This means that different material layers can perform different functions.

For example:

Outer layer → Provides structure and appearance

Middle layer → Provides barrier properties

Inner layer → In direct contact with the formulation and provides compatibility

Therefore, if a standard single-layer plastic tube cannot meet the formulation requirements, brands can consider:

Co-Extruded Cosmetic Tubes

This type of structure may be suitable for:

• Sunscreen products
• Active ingredient skincare products
• Fragrance-containing products
• Sensitive skincare products
• Formulations sensitive to oxygen permeability

The advantage of co-extrusion technology is that:

Different layers perform different functions.

It's not simply about making the tube "more advanced," but rather a packaging engineering design tailored to the formulation's needs.

4. Cosmetic Laminated Tubes

Laminated Tubes are tubes made of multiple layers of film materials.

Unlike traditional extruded tubes, laminated tubes typically involve:

First, creating a multi-layered composite film → then forming the tube.

Laminated tubes are ideal for brands that need to consider the following factors:

• Barrier properties
• Flexibility
• Printability
• Appearance customization
• Formula compatibility

Two particularly important types are:

ABL and PBL

They may look very similar, but their internal barrier structures differ.

This further affects:

• Product protection
• Flexibility
• Sustainability
• Cost
• Subsequent recycling

5. ABL Tubes – Aluminum-Plastic Composite Barrier Tubes

ABL = Aluminum Barrier Laminate

In Chinese, it can generally be understood as:

Aluminum-plastic composite barrier tubes

As the name suggests, its multi-layered structure includes a very thin aluminum barrier layer.

The aluminum layer provides strong:

• Oxygen barrier
• Light barrier
• Moisture barrier

Therefore, for products requiring high barrier performance, ABL tubes are a worthwhile option.

For example:

• Sunscreen
• Functional skincare products
• Contact creams
• Specialty cosmetics
• Products sensitive to external environments

Brands to consider:

ABL Cosmetic Tubes Another feature of ABL is its unique metallic texture.

Different printing and surface treatments can achieve:

• Metallic feel
• High-end feel
• Professional feel
• Medical aesthetic feel
• Technological feel

However, it's important to note:

Because ABL contains an aluminum layer, its material structure is more complex than a single plastic tube.

Therefore, when planning sustainable packaging, the following should also be considered:

Product protection performance + Packaging lifecycle + Target market recycling system

6. PBL Tubes – Plastic Composite Barrier Tubes

PBL = Plastic Barrier Laminate

In Chinese, it can be understood as:

Plastic barrier composite tubes.

The biggest difference between PBL and ABL is:

ABL uses an aluminum barrier layer, while PBL uses plastic barrier materials.

For example, EVOH can be used as a high-barrier material in multi-layered plastic structures.

PBL can achieve, to a certain extent, a combination of:

barrier performance + flexibility + plastic substrate structure.

It can be used in:

• High-end skincare products
• Serums
• Creams
• Cleansers
• Skincare products
• Some sensitive product formulas.

For brands developing advanced plastic packaging:

PBL Cosmetic Tubes are a structure worth evaluating.

However, it is important to note:

Not all PBL tubes can be simply defined as "recyclable."

Ultimately, recyclability depends on:

• The specific material structure,
• The materials used in each layer,
• The local recycling facilities, and
• The recycling system of the target market.

Therefore, brands cannot simply assume that a product is environmentally friendly or recyclable just because it has "PBL" in its name.

7. Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes

Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes are also an important type of cosmetic packaging.

They differ from ABL (Aluminum Plastic Bracelet).

ABL consists of:

Plastic + Aluminum Barrier Layer + Plastic

Traditional aluminum tubes, on the other hand, use:

Aluminum as the primary tube material.

Aluminum has better:

• Light-blocking properties
• Oxygen barrier properties
• Moisture barrier properties

Therefore, it can be used for products with high protection requirements.

For example:

• Functional skincare creams
• Professional skincare products
• Ointment-like products
• Specialty cosmetics

Aluminum tubes also have a very significant characteristic:

They usually retain their shape after being squeezed, unlike plastic tubes which readily return to their original shape.

Therefore, consumers can control the dispensing by squeezing.

However, they differ from plastic tubes in:

• Filling
• Sealing
• Manufacturing process
• Appearance

Therefore, if a brand is considering:

Aluminum Cosmetic Tubes it needs to confirm in advance whether the entire production and filling process is compatible.

8. PCR Cosmetic Tubes

With the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, another type of tube has emerged on the market:

PCR Cosmetic Tubes.

PCR stands for:

Post-Consumer Recycled

That is:

Post-consumer recycled materials.

It doesn't use virgin plastic entirely, but incorporates a certain proportion of post-consumer recycled plastic into the packaging.

For brands looking to reduce their use of virgin plastic:

PCR Cosmetic Tubes (PCR cosmetic tubes)

can be an evaluable option.

However, PCR materials may also affect:

• Color consistency
• Surface finish
• Material properties
• Printability
• Cost

For example, some PCR materials may exhibit slight color variations.

Therefore, brands should ideally conduct actual sampling and confirmation before mass production.

9. Bio-based Cosmetic Tubes

Another developing type of packaging is:

Bio-Based Tubes.

Bio-based plastics can utilize renewable raw materials, rather than relying entirely on fossil resources.

For example:

Sugarcane-based PE

is a typical example of a bio-based material.

Here's a very important concept:

Bio-Based does not equal Biodegradable.

In other words:

Bio-based ≠ Biodegradable.

For example, bio-based PE can have performance similar to traditional PE, but its raw material source is different.

Therefore, for brands looking to create an eco-friendly skincare product line:

Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Tubes there isn't just one way to achieve this.

It might include:

• PCR materials
• Bio-based materials
• Single-material structure
• Lightweighting
• Reduced material usage
• Packaging structure suitable for local recycling systems

Ultimately, the choice should be based on the brand's true environmental goals.

10. Airless Tube Packaging

Airless is a special dispensing method related to tube packaging.

Unlike traditional squeeze tubes, airless systems use an internal structure to help the product move towards the dispensing port, rather than relying entirely on the consumer squeezing the tube.

It's suitable for brands that want to achieve:

• More stable dispensing
• A more premium user experience
• Reduced repeated air exchange during use
• Better product evacuation
• More precise pumping

Potential applications include:

• Facial serums
• Premium face creams
• Skincare products
• Some sensitive skincare products
• Some makeup products

Brands may consider:

Airless Tube Packaging However, airless isn't necessarily better just because it's "more technologically complex."

The following still need to be considered:

Formula + viscosity + dispensing volume + packaging cost + consumer usage methods.

11. Applicator Tubes

Not all cosmetic tubes are simply:

Squeeze out product → Apply with your hand.

Some tubes come with a dedicated applicator.

For example:

• Angled applicator head
• Brush head
• Rollerball head
• Metal head
• Silicone head
• Precision nozzle

These designs can change how consumers use the product.

For example:

Eye care products may require a precision applicator head.

Lip products may require different contact surfaces.

Therefore:

Applicator Cosmetic Tubes They are especially suitable for products where:

"The way you use it is part of the product experience."

In this case, the tube is no longer just a container.

But rather: "Packaging + Application Tool" Two-in-one.

12. What are the differences between different types of hoses?

You can quickly understand this using the table below:

Tube Types	Key Features	Potential Applications
PE Extruded Tube	Flexible, Relatively Controllable Cost	Creams, Lotions, Cleansers
Single-Layer Tube	Simple Material Structure	Daily Skincare
Co-Extruded Tube	Multi-Layer Functional Structure	Sensitive Formulas, Sunscreen
ABL Tube	Aluminum Barrier Layer	High Barrier Requirements
PBL Tube	Plastic Barrier Structure	High-End Skincare
Aluminum Tube	High Barrier, Retains Deformation After Extrusion	Professional Skincare, Specialty Products
PCR Tube	Contains Recycled Plastics	Environmentally Friendly Product
Bio-Based Tube	Uses Renewable Raw Materials	Eco-Friendly Skincare
Airless Tube	Controlled Discharge	Serums, Treatments, High-End Skincare
Applicator Tube	Integrated Application Function	Eye, Lip, Specialty Products

This comparison reveals that:

There is no single "best cosmetic tube" that suits all products.

The truly suitable tube depends on your:

Formula + Usage + Product Positioning + Blocking Needs + Cost + Sustainability Goals.

13. How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Tube?

Before purchasing a Cosmetic Tube, brands should focus on evaluating the following aspects:

① Formula Viscosity

Is your product:

• Liquid?
• Lotion?
• Cream?
• Thick Cream?
• Gel?
• Ointment?

The thicker the product, the more necessary actual discharge testing is.

② Formula Sensitivity

Does your formula require additional protection against:

• Oxygen?
• Light?
• Moisture?
• Fragrance Loss?

If the answer is "yes," then a standard single-layer tube may not be the most suitable choice.

③ Product Positioning

Does your product belong to:

• Mass Consumer Goods?
• Professional Products?
• High-End Products?
• Luxury Products?
• Eco-Friendly Products?

Packaging should be consistent with the product positioning.

④ Packaging Capacity

For example:

15ml eye care product

Compared to:

200ml body lotion

Clearly, these require completely different packaging approaches.

⑤ Dispensing Method

Is the consumer:

• Squeezing the tube?
• Pumping the pump?
• Direct application?
• Using a dedicated applicator?

This question should be determined before choosing the final tube structure.

⑥ Sustainability Requirements

If the brand prioritizes environmental protection, consider:

• PCR (Polymer Producer) bio-based materials
• Single-material structure
• Lightweight
• Reduced material usage
• Structure compliant with local recycling systems

However, don't assume that packaging labeled:

"Eco-Friendly"

is necessarily more environmentally friendly.

It should be judged from the perspective of the entire packaging structure and lifecycle.

Summary

So:
What are the different types of tubing?

In the cosmetics and skincare packaging industry, common tubing types include:

Plastic extrusion tubing, single-layer tubing, co-extruded tubing, composite tubing, ABL tubing, PBL tubing, aluminum tubing, PCR tubing, bio-based tubing, airless tubing, and applicator tubing.

Each structure addresses a slightly different problem.

For example:

Standard PE tubing may be ideal for daily moisturizers.

Co-extruded or composite tubing may be better suited for formulations requiring higher barrier properties.

ABL tubing provides the strong barrier properties offered by an aluminum layer.

PBL tubing provides a plastic-based barrier structure.

Aluminum tubing offers better product protection and a unique extrusion experience.

PCR and bio-based tubing support different sustainable packaging strategies.

Airless and applicator tubing focus more on:

Dispensing method and user experience.

Therefore:

The best cosmetic tubing is not necessarily the most expensive, nor is it necessarily the most structurally complex.

A truly suitable tube should match:

Formula + Barrier Requirements + Discharge Method + Capacity + Brand Positioning + Production Requirements + Sustainability Goals

For brands developing new skincare or cosmetic products, partnering with a professional:

Cosmetic Tube Packaging Manufacturer

can help brands evaluate different tube structures, conduct formula compatibility testing, and determine the appropriate:

Materials + Size + Cap + Finishing + Discharge Structure

The ultimate goal is not simply:

“Choose a pretty tube.”

But rather:

“Choose a tube that works perfectly from the filling line to the end consumer.”

FAQ

What are the most common cosmetic tubes?

Common ones include:

• PE plastic extruded tubes
• Composite tubes
• Co-extruded tubes
• ABL tubes
• PBL tubes
• Aluminum tubes and PBL tubes

What's the difference between ABL and PBL tubes?

ABL = Aluminum Barrier Laminate

This is an aluminum-plastic composite barrier tube, using aluminum as the internal barrier layer.

PBL = Plastic Barrier Laminate

This is a plastic composite barrier tube, using plastic barrier materials such as EVOH.

The two may differ in:

• Barrier performance
• Material structure
• Appearance
• Flexibility
• Recycling methods

Which cosmetic tube is best for sunscreen?

No single tube is suitable for all sunscreens.

Depending on the sunscreen formula, brands may consider:

• PE co-extruded tubes
• PBL
• ABL
• Other high-barrier structures

Ultimately, testing should be conducted based on the actual formula and barrier requirements.

Can aluminum tubes be used in cosmetics?

Yes.

Aluminum tubing can be used in certain:

• Skincare products
• Functional skincare products
• Specialty cosmetics
• Cream products

Especially suitable for products that prioritize light protection, barrier properties, and a professional appearance.

What is a PCR cosmetic tube?

PCR stands for:

Post-Consumer Recycled

That is, post-consumer recycled materials.

Adding a certain proportion of post-consumer recycled plastic to PCR cosmetic tubes helps brands reduce their dependence on virgin plastics.

However, the actual appearance, performance, and recyclability of PCR need to be determined based on the specific material structure and target market.

Can PBL tubes be recycled?

It cannot be generalized.

Whether they can be recycled depends on:

• Specific material structure
• Each layer of material
• Local recycling system
• Recycling infrastructure in the target market

Therefore, brands cannot assume that a product is recyclable simply because it has the name "PBL".