The beauty industry is a competitive marketplace, and to keep product design innovative, the concept of airless technology has been utilized for several items.
What are the types of airless technology available?
Airless technology can be classified into three categories:
Bag in Bottle (plastic bottles or jars)
It consists of a bottle with an inner bag and an airless pump. As the consumer activates the pump the bag collapses, without air entering the system. With this system, there is more freedom of choice in bottle size and shape. The bag can be colored so no dye for the product is needed. UV can also be added to the bottle.
Piston System (plastic bottles)
A piston system is a pressure control system; when consumers press the pump, the piston rises up. Evacuation of product with a piston system is almost 100%. That is why this system is so popular with cosmetic brands.
Bag on Valve (BOV) (plastic bottles or aluminum cans)
The product is contained inside the bag and propellant remains outside the bag, inside the can or bottle. BOVs work with aluminum cans and plastic bottles, but a very specific grade of plastic is required to withstand the pressure exerted onto the bottle. With a BOV system, products can be dispensed in any form, whether it is a liquid, gel, cream or another highly viscous substance, and in any position. BOVs are environment-friendly, and protect the product from contamination.
What are the benefits of airless technology?
• When you pump, the bottom disc moves up, so no air is ever introduced into the formula and it is protected from external contaminants, which ensures a longer shelf life.
• Since the pump moves all the way to the top, there is no leftover product, and almost every drop is out.
• No inflow of external air prevents the ingredients (actives) from oxidizing into the air, thus protecting them, and ensuring more potent formulations. This allows a small amount of preservative to be used, thereby preventing skin irritation and other side effects.
• Traditional dispensing system generally leads to lot of wastage, but airless technology effectively eliminates this problem.
• The bottle doesn’t have to be sitting upright to pump the content outs. In the event of traveling or artist in the field, the contents can be dispensed immediately upon removing from storage without waiting for the content to shift and settle to the bottom. Moreover, the dosing accuracy is extremely consistent and specific.
Even though all cosmetic brands don’t use airless technology, pretty soon the trend will undergo a paradigm shift with most of them turning to this highly feasibly option.
References:
- ‘Innovative design: airless technology in the cosmetic industry’, Packaging Gateway, 15-Feb2018. https://www.packaging-gateway.com/features/innovative-design-airless-technologycosmetic-industry/ (accessed Mar. 28, 2020).
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