Cobalt blue glass bottles are not only striking and stand out on our counters, but they also help keep our favourite skincare products their best for longer, making them an ideal beauty packaging choice.
Ever wondered why this particular material is used for beauty products? Well, it’s all in science, history and the advantages the colour provides. Check out why cobalt blue bottles are effective for beauty product packaging and how their unique properties protect ingredients from photochemical reactions.
The Science Behind Cobalt Blue Glass
The benefits of cobalt blue glass are rooted in its ability to protect light-sensitive ingredients such as Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs), retinol and salicylic acid. Packaging such ingredients in cobalt blue glass bottles helps preserve them and keep them in optimal condition.
The dark blue hue of the glass is perfect for blocking out the light, ensuring the contents remain safe from photochemical reactions. It’s our way of providing the best possible protection and preserving our product’s integrity. We take our commitment to quality very seriously, and using cobalt blue glass is a great way to ensure our products are as fresh and effective as possible.
A Look Into the History of Cobalt Blue Glass
Exploring the history of cobalt blue glass gives us a glimpse into why it has become such a popular choice for beauty packaging. Cobalt aluminate glass is thought to date back to around 2000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia.
Before the 19th century, apothecaries used dark-coloured bottles, such as amber, dark blue, and green, to store ingredients. Since early apothecaries learned the importance of protecting ingredients from light, amber has become the chosen colour for glass bottles.
The manufacturing process for cobalt blue glass has been around for centuries and has been used for its significance in jewellery and art. Alternative colours, such as orange for modern plastic prescription bottles, have been used for other purposes.
“Blue glass was chosen as part of our branding to help Skinfood Naturally’s products stand out on the shops’ shelves, but the colour also represents knowledge, health, confidence, loyalty, truth, professionalism and security–all values I uphold and champion within my business and want my customers to experience as well,” says Sarah Butler, Founder of Skinfood Naturally.
Today, cobalt blue glass is used in contemporary beauty packaging, such as Skinfood Naturally’s products, to protect them from photochemical reactions caused by light.
Cobalt Blue: The Ideal Choice for Beauty Product Packaging
Cobalt blue glass is visually appealing due to the deep, rich hue. “Blue is a mentally-relaxing colour with a pacifying effect on the nervous system, and this mirrors my brand’s focus on the importance of good mental health and wellbeing,” Sarah adds.
Cobalt blue has become a trending packaging colour. Consumers are drawn to its vibrant colour, which stands out on the shelves and in bathroom cabinets. The deep blue colour is also associated with cleanliness and trustworthiness, making it the perfect storage solution for today’s beauty products.
The material is functional too. Cobalt blue glass benefits from light protection technology, which helps preserve the integrity of the product inside. Compared to alternative packaging options, this blue hue provides superior protection from photochemical reactions caused by light.
Advantages of Using Cobalt Blue Bottles for Beauty Products
“Apart from being strikingly beautiful and looking pretty, cobalt blue glass is functional as part of the preservative system, helping to boost product’s longevity,” says Sarah.
Cobalt blue glass helps to protect the delicate natural ingredients in skincare products from light degradation by filtering both visible light and UV rays, as opposed to green glass used in the drinks industry, which only filters visible light.
Blue glass is a more natural and sustainable choice of packaging than plastic as it requires less energy to produce and recycle, can be reused multiple times or repurposed, and, unlike plastic, doesn’t leach chemicals into the product inside.
Benefiting from light protection technology, cobalt blue offers superior protection and aesthetic appeal when packaging beauty products. It provides a range of advantages, all of which convey product preservation and performance.
Advantages of Cobalt blue glass include:
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Protection: Cobalt blue bottles help protect skincare products from photochemical reactions caused by light.
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Effectiveness: The colour helps keep out light and preserve the skincare product for longer.
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Sustainable: Cobalt blue glass requires less energy to produce and recycle and can be recycled or reused multiple times.
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Aesthetics: The cobalt blue colour adds a touch of sophistication and beauty to any product, making it more desirable to customers.
These advantages make cobalt blue the ideal choice for packaging beauty products.
Ingredients Vulnerable to Photochemical Reactions
A photochemical reaction is a chemical reaction triggered or accelerated by light. In the context of skincare products, photochemical reactions can have both positive and negative effects.
Photochemical reactions’ positive effects include:
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Photostability: Photochemical reactions can help increase the stability of certain skincare ingredients, such as antioxidants, by preventing their degradation or breakdown when exposed to light. Photostability allows the skincare product to remain effective for longer.
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Enhanced activity: Some skincare ingredients, like retinoids, can undergo photochemical reactions upon exposure to light, enhancing their activity. A boost in activity can improve efficacy in managing various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Photochemical reactions’ negative effects include:
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Photodegradation: When exposed to light, certain skincare ingredients, such as vitamins (an example is vitamin C) and some botanical extracts, can undergo photodegradation. The effect can result in skincare products losing their beneficial properties and reducing their product efficacy.
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Formation of free radicals: Some photochemical reactions can generate free radicals, which are highly reactive and can damage skin cells, proteins, and DNA. Reactions like these can lead to premature ageing, inflammation, and other skin concerns.
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Photosensitivity: Some individuals may develop photosensitivity or increased sensitivity to light when using certain skincare products. Photosensitivity can manifest as skin irritation, redness, or even sunburn when exposed to sunlight.
To minimise the negative effects of photochemical reactions in skincare products, manufacturers often employ strategies such as using light-resistant packaging, adding stabilisers to prevent photodegradation, and conducting stability testing to ensure product efficacy and safety. Additionally, it is important skincare users follow product instructions, including avoiding excessive sun exposure when using photosensitive skincare products.
Some ingredients, such as essential oils, are vulnerable to photochemical reactions if exposed to light. That’s why we choose cobalt blue packaging for our products – to ensure the product’s ingredients remain stable and safe and that we preserve them properly.
How Cobalt Blue Bottles Shield Beauty Ingredients From Light
Cobalt blue glass helps keep products safe and effective by shielding beauty ingredients from light. These bottles offer several benefits to the skincare industry, allowing us to preserve product potency and protect ingredients from photochemical reactions.
Our bottles provide:
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UVA and UVB protection to help keep ingredients stable
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Reinforced durability to ensure product safety
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Aesthetic appeal
Cobalt blue glass offers a unique way to protect skincare ingredients while still looking beautiful and stylish. The material helps us preserve product potency and enhance our skincare experience.
Exploring Versatility
Experience the versatility of cobalt blue glass in beauty packaging–it’s not just about protection but also style. When exploring innovation, design benefits, and market demand, cobalt blue glass has become popular for beauty products.
Not only does it offer a unique look, but it also provides sustainability advantages over other materials. Consumer perception is key in packaging, and cobalt blue glass offers a sense of quality and exclusivity.
Skinfood Naturally uses cobalt blue glass as its packaging of choice for all its products in its new range. “Our Radiance Boost Cleanser is currently in recycled plastic due to supply chain issues at the time of manufacture of that batch,” says Sarah. “However, this is temporary, and after our relaunch, all products, including trial and travel kits, will be in cobalt blue glass bottles,” Sarah adds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do You Use Cobalt Blue Glass?
We use cobalt blue bottles for their reliable protection, airtight seal, and attractive design. Easy cleaning and enhanced shelf life make them great for storing and protecting our products. Our cobalt blue bottles are durable and provide the perfect container for our customers.
Does a Cobalt Blue Bottle Have Any Other Benefits Besides Providing Protection From Light?
We use cobalt blue bottles for more than just protection from light. They also provide UV protection, temperature control, and aesthetic appeal. Plus, the glass quality offers chemical resistance and greater durability than other materials. So cobalt blue bottles are an excellent choice for those seeking quality, beauty, and functionality.
Are Cobalt Blue Bottles Environmentally Friendly?
We use cobalt blue bottles because they have sustainable recycling options and are reusable containers, which help reduce waste. Shipping logistics are improved, and the manufacturing process is efficient. Waste management is easier and more effective, making the bottles an environmentally friendly choice.
Is a Cobalt Blue Bottle More Expensive Than Other Types of Bottles?
We compare the cost, UV impact, lifespan, recyclability, and manufacturing process of cobalt blue bottles to other types of bottles. Cobalt blue bottles are slightly more expensive but offer better protection from UV light and a longer lifespan. They are also easily recyclable, and their manufacturing process is efficient.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Cobalt Blue Glass?
We use cobalt blue bottles due to their UV resistance, but they have drawbacks. They can be heavier than other materials, limiting design options. Sealing and production costs may also be higher. Despite these drawbacks, cobalt blue bottles remain a great choice to protect our products from light and ensure quality.
