Labels

Custom Cosmetic Labels: Materials, Regulations & Design Guide

12 Feb 2026 Updated: 11 Apr 2026 1 min read

At a Glance

  • Matte vinyl is the dominant material in the beauty industry
  • All cosmetic labels must include INCI ingredients and Responsible Person details
  • Vinyl labels are waterproof, oil-resistant, and handle-proof
  • Minimum text x-height of 1.2mm required under EU regulations
  • Clear vinyl lets product colour show through for foundations and serums
  • No minimum order quantity for custom cosmetic labels

Why Cosmetic Labelling Is Unique

Cosmetic labels must withstand water, oils, lotions, and frequent handling while maintaining a premium appearance and complying with strict UK and EU regulations.

Best Materials

Matte white vinyl is the dominant choice — fingerprint-resistant, waterproof, oil-resistant, and gives the premium look consumers expect. Clear vinyl is essential for products where contents colour is a selling point. Metallic finishes add luxury positioning.

UK and EU Requirements

The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) requires: product name, INCI ingredients list, net weight/volume, batch number, PAO or best before date, Responsible Person name and address, country of origin, and warnings. Minimum text x-height is 1.2mm.

Design Best Practices

Keep hierarchy clear — brand and product name prominent, regulatory text legible but secondary. Use colour coding across product ranges. Leave space for batch codes. Test labels on your actual product containers before bulk ordering.

Ordering

StickerNation prints custom cosmetic stickers and labels on matte, gloss, clear, and metallic vinyl — all waterproof and oil-resistant. No minimum order. Design free online.

Frequently Asked Questions

UK law requires product name, INCI ingredients list, net weight, batch number, PAO or best before date, Responsible Person name and address, country of origin, and warnings.

Matte white vinyl is the most popular. It resists fingerprints and oil while giving a premium appearance. Clear vinyl is ideal when showing product colour.

Vinyl labels resist standard cosmetic oils and lotions. For products with concentrated essential oils, test a sample first.

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