Lip Balm Tube, plastic, green

Lip balm container with a twist-up mechanism and a nominal volume of 5 ml, designed for solid and semi-solid preparations applied directly from the packaging. The content is pushed up by rotating the bottom section, so there is no need to touch it with fingers during use. Suitable for home and small-batch lip balms, solid perfumes, balm sticks for dry skin on hands and elbows, or small balm sticks made with plant butters and waxes.

The container is manufactured in the European Union from polypropylene (PP), a lightweight and shatter-resistant plastic that can be carried in a pocket or handbag without concern. The green colour transmits less light than clear plastic, which is beneficial for formulations containing plant and essential oils sensitive to light, and also helps distinguish individual variants within a product line. According to the technical documentation, the material is suitable for use with cosmetic products, and a declaration of conformity has been issued for the container.

Suitable applications

• Lip balms – the classic use; a solid blend of butters, waxes and oils sets firm, is pushed up by twisting, and applied directly to the lips.
• Solid perfumes – wax-based compositions with fragrance or essential oils, applied to the wrists or neck.
• Treatment sticks – solid preparations for dry areas of skin, cuticles or dry heels, where precise local application is an advantage.
• Samples and gift sets – the small volume is practical for trial-size packaging and smaller gift combinations.

Nominal and total volume

The nominal volume is the volume for which the container is intended under standard filling conditions. The total volume to the brim is greater, as it includes the space between the top edge of the container and the surface of the fill. This difference is the headspace allowance for the cap and for thermal expansion of the contents. The container should therefore be filled to the nominal volume, not to the brim. An overfilled container is harder to close and the balm will press against the inside of the cap.

Filling and handling

Before filling, twist the mechanism all the way down so the piston is in its lowest position and the fill occupies the full nominal volume. The blend is poured into the container in liquid form after the butters and waxes have been melted. Polypropylene withstands the temperatures typical of lip balm filling; if the blend has been heated significantly above the melting point of the wax, allow it to cool slightly before pouring. Fill the container in a single pour and leave it to set undisturbed at room temperature. Rapid cooling in a refrigerator causes a depression in the centre or separation of the fill from the wall.

Before first use, wash the containers and optionally sanitise them with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol and allow them to dry completely. Residual water in the mechanism would become enclosed in the fill when the warm blend is poured in. After thorough cleaning and removal of all fill residue, a used container can be refilled.

Good to know

The container is supplied with its cap; no separate closure needs to be selected. A wraparound label adheres well to the cylindrical body; the usable surface area corresponds to the dimensions stated in the product specifications. When designing the label, bear in mind that the rotating bottom section remains free.

The fill should not be too soft. A balm with a low wax content may break or smear around the edge when twisted; conversely, a very hard blend is difficult to apply. Always test the wax-to-oil ratio on a small batch directly in this container. Polypropylene is commonly recyclable and an empty container belongs in sorted plastic waste.

Frequently asked questions