How Many Cosmetic Boxes are Produced in the United States Each Year?

The cosmetic industry never stops innovating, not just with products but with packaging, too. You’ve probably noticed many bold, stylish makeup boxes and complete cosmetic kits that steal the spotlight in stores and unboxing videos. They’re not just there to protect what’s inside; they’re designed to make a statement. These boxes let brands shine, build connections, and leave a lasting impression on their customers and supporters.

And with so much focus on visual appeal and branding power, it makes you wonder how many cosmetic boxes are made in the U.S. every year. And more importantly, how much do they shape the packaging world overall?

The State of Cosmetics Packaging

The global beauty industry produces an estimated 120 billion packaging units annually. [1] While exact figures for cosmetic boxes are unknown, they play a key role in both protection and aesthetics. While the cosmetic bottles, jars, and tubes contain the product themselves, cosmetic boxes serve as the outer packaging, the first thing customers see. They’re designed and printed to grab attention, tell the brand’s story, and safeguard the cosmetics once they hit the shelves.

Of course, with a stylish industry such as beauty, a few packaging styles lead the way.

Folding cartons are the go-to choice for sleek, branded packaging.

Rigid setup boxes offer durability and elegance, perfect for complete makeup kits.

TCosmetic mailer boxes are ideal packaging for online orders, subscription boxes, or gift sets.

Money-wise, the global personal care packaging market was valued at $42.26 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double to $83.37 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.92%. [2] Zooming in on the U.S., the personal care packaging market alone is expected to grow from $4.86 billion in 2025 to $5.72 billion by 2030, growing steadily at 3.34% annually. [3]

What’s Driving the Industry?

What’s the major driver behind the cosmetic packaging boom? Subscription boxes!

The global beauty subscription box market was valued at over $2.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to skyrocket to $10.7 billion by 2030, growing at a rapid 24.7% CAGR. [4] These curated boxes have created fresh opportunities for beauty brands and the packaging industry supporting them. While only 11% of consumers subscribe to online cosmetics, about 40% have shown interest, hinting at huge potential. [5]

To keep up, brands embrace innovative packaging designs to elevate the unboxing experience, personalize the presentation, and leave a lasting impression on beauty customers.

The Green Transition: Sustainable Future of Beauty Packaging

As the beauty industry continues to grow and innovate, cosmetics packaging is also evolving alongside it. However, with 120 billion units produced yearly, many made from single-use plastics, sustainability is also becoming a hot topic. [1]

More consumers are pushing for greener choices, and many beauty brands are listening. The eco-friendly cosmetic packaging market is expected to jump from $4.88 billion in 2024 to $5.35 billion in 2025, thanks to growing demand for recyclable materials, stricter plastic regulations, and a new wave of eco-conscious beauty brands. [6]

Reports tracking green practices in cosmetic packaging are also getting organized into detailed categories to make things simpler.

Packaging by product type centers on bottles, tubes, jars, containers, blister and strip packs, aerosol cans, folding cartons, and flexible plastics. Each of these materials is evaluated for its sustainability potential and eco-friendly uses.

Regarding pricing, sustainable packaging options are divided into three ranges: economical, mid-range, and premium; this makes it easier to understand affordability across different consumer segments.

Distribution channels are also considered, with data collected from online retail, offline retail, and subscription platforms.

There are also organizations based on cosmetic types, including skin care, hair care, oral care, sun care, color cosmetics, and fragrances or perfumes.

Lastly, the reports also examine the end users of these products, segmenting them by women, men, and unisex demographics to track consumer behavior.

As sustainability becomes more normalized in many industries, their corresponding packaging also gets its much-needed glow-up — prioritizing style and eco-friendliness.

The cosmetics industry continues to drive demand for custom packaging that supports branding, trends, and promotions. With growth fueled by beauty boxes and rising calls for sustainability, cosmetic box innovation will continue as they remain a key player, whether launching a product or scaling your packaging business.

If you want to jump into the competitive beauty scene, learn to market your cosmetics first, and getting attention-grabbing boxes and packaging will get that job done.