Why Custom Box Inserts Make or Break Cosmetic Packaging

Custom box inserts are the secret weapon for premium beauty brands.

As a cosmetic packaging manufacturer with 12+ years experience, we’ve seen how the right insert:

• Protects fragile compacts & glass bottles
• Creates luxurious unboxing experiences
• Displays products like $100+ skincare sets
• Reduces returns from damaged goods

Let’s explore the 8 most popular options used by top beauty brands:

1 Paperboard Inserts – The Classic Choice

Best for: Eyeshadow palettes, lipstick boxes, face powder compacts, and perfume gift sets

• Ideal for lightweight yet structured designs that need a premium feel.
• Paperboard’s smooth surface supports vibrant printing for branded makeup boxes(e.g., seasonal blush kits or holiday lip gloss collections).
• Eco-conscious brands love it for recyclable custom box inserts in minimalist skincare packaging.

 

2 Corrugated Inserts – Shock Absorption Heroes

Best for: Glass serum droppers, pressed powder compacts, and fragile highlighters

• Perfect for multi-product kits (e.g., 10-piece makeup sets) where layered cushioning prevents transit scratches.
• Fluted layers absorb impacts for glass nail polish bottlesand delicate makeup brushes.
• Recycled corrugated material aligns with eco-friendly custom inserttrends for clean beauty brands.

 

3 Rigid Chipboard Inserts – Luxury in Your Hands

Best for: High-end eyeshadow palettes, 12-piece skincare gift boxes, and luxury perfume sets

• Handles weighty products like ceramic moisturizer jars and mirrored compacts.
• Elevates luxury makeup packagingwith a thick, durable base for unboxing experience videos.
• Popular in limited-edition holiday collections where structure = perceived value.

 

4 Foam Inserts – Precision Protection

Best for: Delicate glass foundation bottles, fragile glass ampoules, single eyeshadows, and sample vial sets

• Die-cut foam snugly cradles ampoulesto prevent cracks and serum leakage during shipping.
• Custom slots hold 10ml vitamin C ampoule setsupright, avoiding tip-overs in transit.
• Water-resistant foam protects clinical-strength serumsfrom humidity damage.
• Ideal for premium skincare brands Like AnteAGE shipping anti-aging ampoule collectionswith glass droppers

 

4.1 Foam Insert

Regarding performance, there are eco-friendly and non-environmental EVA, as well as anti-static EVA and fireproof EVA.

In terms of hardness, there are many kinds, 38 degrees, 50 levels, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, etc. In regards to color, there are white, black, shade, and so on.

White, as well as black, are some of the most common shades. However, the color is different. Some shades require to be personalized.

Regarding performance, there are eco-friendly and non-environmentally friendly EVA, along with anti-static EVA and fire-resistant EVA.

 

4.2 EPE Pearl Cotton Insert

In terms of efficiency, there are environmental EPE pearl cotton lining and anti-static EPE pearl cotton lining.

There are called pearl cotton inner box, pearl cotton inner assistance, and pearl cotton tray.

In terms of density, there are low-density and also high-density ones. The typically made use of density is 18KG, 25KG, 27KG, greater density, 30KG, 35KG, etc.

The shades are white, black as well as red.

4.3 Sponge Insert For Packaging Boxes

Sponge lining of the packaging box environmentally friendly sponge lining, anti-static sponge lining, and a fire-resistant sponge is lining in terms of performance.

There are also other names, such as sponge internal support, inner sponge box, sponge tray. In regards to thickness, there are likewise low-density and also high-density points.

The density is divided into 13D, 15D, 18D, 22D, and so on, in addition to secondary cotton and extra rugged cotton.

The shades are black, white, and also color. Indeed, the color component needs to be customized unless there is a prefabricated color.

 

5 Molded Pulp Inserts – Eco Warrior’s Choice

Best for: Organic shampoo bars, biodegradable lip balm tubes, and refillable skincare jars

• Mimics product shapes for zero-waste brands (e.g., compostable blush packaging).
• Shock-absorbing ridges secure glass oil bottles in vegan skincare subscription boxes.
• Pair with seed paper labels for guilt-free eco-friendly custom inserts.

 

6 Mushroom Packaging – Futuristic & Green

Best for: Vegan lipstick sleeves, zero-waste eyeshadow tins, and refillable moisturizer pods

• Mushroom roots bind agricultural waste into custom molds for unique shapes (e.g., heart-shaped blushes).
• Compostable inserts appeal to Gen Z-focused brands marketing “Insta-worthy” sustainable unboxing.

 

7 Velvet Inserts – Touch of Luxury

Best for: custom hair extension packaging, $200+ fragrance gift sets, diamond-cut lipstick boxes, and jewelry-inspired skincare

• Velvet-lined trays prevent scuffs on gold-plated compacts or crystal perfume atomizers.
• Deep hues (emerald, burgundy) match luxury branding for holiday makeup collections.

 

8 Molded Plastic Inserts – Crystal Clear Display

Best for: Travel-size skincare kits, lip gloss subscription boxes, eyelash kits, and sample-packed beauty advent calendars

• Transparent PETG plastic showcases glossy lip tints or shimmer highlighters.
• Stackable tiers display 5–10 mini products (e.g., trial serums) without hiding labels.
• Lightweight design keeps subscription box shipping costs low.

 

How to Choose Cosmetic Box Inserts?

Factor	Best Options
Eco-Friendly	Mushroom, Pulp, Paperboard
Luxury Feel	Velvet, Chipboard
Maximum Protection	Foam, Corrugated

 

Why Work With Custom Beauty Box?

As China-based experts in beauty packaging:

• Free custom dielines
• Fast sample order in 3 work days
• MOQ 1,000 units for small brands
• FDA-compliant materials

 

[Get free dielines for your packaging!]