7 Key Principles of Cosmetics Label Design

Colors, Fonts, and Materials: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cosmetic labels are one of the most important elements of product identification. They are the first thing to catch a customer’s eye and convey key information. In the beauty industry, where visual aesthetics are of paramount importance, a label serves a dual purpose: it must be attractive while also complying with regulations.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a professional label design step by step, using colors, fonts, and materials in a way that reinforces your brand’s message. We’ll also show you how Avery supports small beauty companies in creating durable and eye-catching labels.

An infographic showing the required elements of a cosmetic label, using a jar of “Baume Hydratant” cream as an example. The numbers indicate, among other things, the product name, volume, ingredients, manufacturer information, and barcode.

Key Principles of Cosmetic Product Label Design

Design as a Combination of Function and Aesthetics

A label must be:

legible,
compliant with regulations,
aesthetically pleasing,
durable.

What Must Be Included on a Cosmetic Label

Key elements:

the product name, which also describes the product’s function (7)
the INCI list, which includes information on allergens (8)
PAO—the shelf-life symbol for cosmetic products, known as the “open jar” symbol, is a graphic representation of the product’s shelf life after first opening (5)
nominal quantity, i.e., weight or volume (3)
warnings and precautions to be followed for safe use of the product (4)
the responsible person, along with the company name and address (1)
batch number (6)
EAN barcode (2)

How to Choose the Color Scheme for a Cosmetics Label

The Psychology of Color in the Beauty Industry

Colors influence customers’ emotions:

green is associated with nature and eco-friendly ingredients
white with purity and minimalism
black with prestige and luxury
pastels with delicacy and skincare products
pinks and purples symbolize creativity, but also femininity

Colors for natural, premium, and dermocosmetic products

Natural cosmetics: greens, beiges, browns, earth tones
Premium products: black, gold, navy blue, silver
Dermocosmetics: white, blue, gray, and touches of red

How to choose colors that align with your brand identity

Three rules:

Use a maximum of three primary colors
Remember to create contrast between the background and the text
Check how the label looks under different lighting conditions

Label design for “Bare Hydrating Body Lotion.” The label features two oval sections with product information, set against a warm, marbled background in shades of beige and brown.

Choosing Fonts and Typography for Labels

Readability as a Priority

Clarity is the most important factor on a label:

avoid decorative fonts for the main text
use a minimum of 6–8 pt for ingredients
maintain adequate contrast

How to Combine Fonts

Recommended combinations:

a sans-serif font for headlines
a serif or neutral font for body text
a maximum of two typefaces on the label

Common typographic mistakes—avoid these!

font size that’s too small
lack of contrast
chaotic text structure

Three products from Nutty Cosmetics: a facial cleanser, “Summer Crush” body oil, and facial oil. The products are displayed on a large, lush green leaf, suggesting their natural ingredients.

Label material: paper, film, waterproof materials

The choice of material depends on the type of cosmetic product.

Foil labels for bathroom cosmetics

Ideal for:

shower gels
shampoos
lotions
oils

They are resistant to:

water
moisture
grease
chemicals

Avery Zweckform offers a variety of premium-quality foil options.

Premium paper for natural brands

Matte papers perfectly highlight the eco-friendly nature of the products.

Transparent and metallized labels

Transparent labels create a “no-label look”
Metallized labels add a luxurious sheen

A set of Pearberry cosmetics on a light-colored wooden tray. The packaging features a cohesive, colorful design with a pear motif. A woman’s hands are holding a round metal box containing lotion.

How to Choose the Shape and Size of a Label for Your Packaging

Key Rules:

Match the label to the curvature of the packaging
Avoid labels that are too small for products with a lot of text
Round labels work well on lids
Rectangular labels work well on bottles and jars

Avery offers dozens of sizes, making it easy to find a label that fits any packaging.

A collection of various skincare products in elegant, mostly amber-colored packaging. The collection includes bottles with pumps and droppers, as well as jars. The products are arranged on white rectangular blocks against a neutral background.

Cosmetics Label Design Trends for 2026

minimalism and pastel colors
eco-friendly and recyclable labels and stickers
high-contrast typography
wide margins and a “clean look”
gold accents and premium effects

Examples of Modern Cosmetic Label Designs

White labels with black typography and a pop of color
Transparent labels for premium cosmetics
Matte, eco-friendly labels with a kraft paper texture
Metallic labels for luxury cosmetics

Designing a custom label for hand sanitizer using an online editor. On the left is the finished product; on the right is the program interface showing a label with the text “Hand Sanitizer Mint Breeze.”

How Avery Helps You Create Professional Labels

1. Ready-made templates and Design & Print Online

free online designer
hundreds of templates designed specifically for the cosmetics industry
simple tools for editing fonts, colors, and icons

2. Materials resistant to water, oils, and damage

Perfect for cosmetics that need to maintain their appearance even under harsh conditions.

3. Short runs and flexible printing for small businesses

The ability to print your own labels in any quantity allows you to test new products and label variations without a large investment.