Glass bottle, vial, blue, 18 mm, 50 ml

This is a glass bottle in a vial shape with a nominal volume of 50 ml and a threaded neck of 18 mm, designed for preparations that are sensitive to light. Blue glass reduces a portion of incoming light, making it suitable for facial serums, facial and body oils, plant tinctures, tonics, essential oil blends in a carrier oil, and homemade massage oils. Glass is chemically inert, does not react with the contents and does not absorb fragrance components, so the scent stays in the bottle rather than being absorbed by the packaging wall. Vial is the name for the shape with a straight body, narrow neck and a pronounced shoulder.

Key properties

• Light protection – blue glass reduces the amount of light reaching the contents, helping to slow colour fading and oxidation of sensitive ingredients such as vegetable oils or vitamins. This is not complete darkness, so preparations that are very sensitive to light should still be kept away from direct sunlight.
• Chemical stability of glass – glass does not react with oils, alcohol or aqueous solutions and does not absorb scents. It is also suitable for essential oils diluted in a carrier oil and for alcoholic tinctures.
• Narrow 18 mm neck – the contents are dispensed drop by drop or in a thin stream, which suits concentrated preparations where only a small amount is used at a time.
• Reusability – glass can be washed, disinfected and refilled without absorbing the scent or colour of the previous contents.

Practical use

The bottle is intended for cosmetic products. The packaging material is suitable for use with cosmetic preparations and meets the relevant legislative requirements; a declaration of conformity is available with the product. It is suitable for both oil-based and water-based contents: facial oils, oil serums, water-based serums, tonics, hydrolats in smaller packaging, alcoholic tinctures and extracts. For water-based and hydrolat preparations, do not forget to include a preservative. The packaging does not protect the contents from microbial growth.

Fill to the nominal volume, not to the brim. The nominal volume is the quantity the packaging is designed for under normal filling conditions. The total volume to the brim is the physical capacity up to the neck and is slightly larger. The difference provides a reserve for the glass dropper tube, the pump or sprayer tube, and for expansion of the contents when the temperature changes. If the bottle is filled to the brim, the contents will overflow when the dropper is fitted and the closure will not seal properly.

Closures and combinations

The bottle is compatible with closures of the same neck type as specified in the parameters: caps, droppers, pumps and mechanical sprayers. Ready-made bottle and closure sets are available from Handymade. When combining components yourself, we recommend verifying the seal integrity and dosing with the specific formulation. Thick serums are drawn up by the dropper more slowly; a pump may dispense more of a thin oil than desired.

Good to know

• Glass and heat – a sudden change in temperature (hot contents into cold glass or vice versa) can damage the glass. Allow oil blends and emulsions to cool to approximately room temperature before filling.
• Labelling – the straight body of the vial is convenient for labels. The usable area dimensions can be derived from the diameter and height given in the parameters. Apply the label to dry, degreased glass.
• Transparency – blue glass tints the appearance of the contents blue, so you cannot distinguish the true colour of the preparation or a slight cloudiness through the wall. Check colour and clarity during filling, not through the packaging.
• Weight and fragility – glass is heavier and more fragile than plastic. Take this into account when shipping and for products that customers carry in a bag or take when travelling.
• Recycling – glass can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality, and at the end of its life the bottle belongs in glass collection. Separate the plastic or metal closure and the dropper with its silicone or rubber bulb before disposal.

Frequently asked questions