- Regulatory Compliance: From Accurate Information to Legal Responsibility
As a cosmetic product, the primary function of a lip gloss label is to comply with regulations across global markets. This is not only the foundation for market entry but also a reflection of the brand’s commitment to consumer rights. The core principle is: build trust through standardized information.
Mandatory Information Requirements
Label content must meet the legal standards of different regions:
China: Per the Regulations on the Administration of Cosmetics Labels, ingredients must be listed using INCI nomenclature, net content should be marked in “g” or “ml”, and font height must be at least 1.8mm.
EU (EC 1223/2009): Labels must show the Period After Opening (e.g., “12M”), and vague claims like “natural” or “pure” are prohibited unless the product is organically certified.
USA (FDA): Though relatively lenient, imported cosmetics must indicate the country of origin and distributor. Medical claims (e.g., “treats” or “medicated”) are forbidden.
These details safeguard consumer safety—for example, listing phenoxyethanol alerts sensitive-skin users and reflects ingredient transparency.
Claim Boundaries
Marketing claims like “8-hour wear” or “transfer-proof” must be substantiated. The EU requires scientific backing (lab data or user trials), or brands face penalties. In China, efficacy claims must be filed with the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration). This drives brands to stay cautious: for instance, Hourglass uses “long-wearing” instead of exact wear time, maintaining luxury appeal while ensuring compliance.
- Information Architecture: From Complete Display to Cognitive Efficiency
Lip gloss tubes have limited label space (typically 5–10cm²). Label layout must prioritize information for fast consumer recognition. The goal: let users grasp core value within 3 seconds, avoiding cognitive overload.
Pyramid Structure of Information
Top Layer (20–30%): Key identifiers—brand logo should dominate (e.g., YSL’s gold letters on a black label); shade numbers should be visually distinct (e.g., “#09 Classic Red” with a color swatch); symbols like a cup icon with a slash can replace text like “transfer-proof.”
Middle Layer (40–50%): Aids decision-making—simplified ingredient highlights like “with Vitamin E” instead of full chemical names; icons (e.g., a wand applying gloss to lips) clarify usage better than text.
Bottom Layer (20–30%): Builds trust—batch number, filing codes, and distributor info should be clear but can use smaller fonts (2–3 pt) to avoid crowding.
Scenario-Based Flexibility
Label content should adjust by sales environment:
Duty-free sales: Add multi-language labeling (e.g., Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean) for international travelers.
Natural/Organic positioning: Highlight certifications (e.g., EU ECOCERT) prominently to reinforce market differentiation.
- Materials and Craftsmanship: From Functional Fit to Sensory Branding
Label materials are not simply about cost—they must fit the product’s properties (oily content, shape), usage scenarios (humidity, handling), and brand image (mass-market vs. luxury). The principle is: communicate brand value through physical properties.
Material Functionality
Lip gloss is oil-based, so labels must resist smudging:
BOPP matte film resists oil, ideal for budget gloss tubes.
PET material tolerates heat and prints high-resolution gradients, perfect for color-rich matte lip products.
Clear adhesive labels on glass create a “no-label” minimalist look, matching luxury brand aesthetics.
Labels must also withstand logistics:
High-end gloss often uses foil laminate film for abrasion resistance during long-haul shipping.
Mass-market brands opt for coated paper with gloss lamination to balance cost and durability.
Craft as Emotional Expression
Production techniques serve as the silent language of brand tone:
Tom Ford uses hot stamping on logos to deliver a premium metallic texture.
Niche eco brands emboss kraft paper for a raw, “unpolished” feel.
Pop Mart lip glosses for younger consumers use UV raised printing for tactile cartoon elements that boost interaction.
These choices translate abstract brand values into tangible physical experiences.
- Design Aesthetics: From Visual Appeal to Identity Alignment
Lip gloss labels serve as an aesthetic conversation between the brand and its target audience. The goal is not just visual beauty, but to foster emotional connection and group identity.
Color and Symbol Encoding
Color schemes and symbols must match the audience:
Perfect Diary uses pink-purple gradients and bow icons to attract 18–25-year-olds with “sweetness.”
Office-focused products use Morandi tones (e.g., dusty rose, muted gray-pink) to project professionalism.
Chinese cultural brands like Florasis pair red and black with cloud patterns to evoke national pride.
These aren’t random designs—they decode and reflect the aesthetic preferences of specific consumer segments.
Whitespace and Rhythm
Luxury brands use ample white space (30%+), like Chanel, whose gloss label may feature only a logo, shade number, and a fine line—projecting “restrained elegance.”
Mass-market labels use busy colors and prints (e.g., Maybelline’s fruit motifs) to draw quick attention.
This contrast reflects how visual rhythm aligns with psychological expectations: luxury consumers seek “refined quality,” while fast-beauty shoppers prioritize “quick identification.”
