This page covers how to specify a cream carton. To order, go to custom cream boxes. The spec work below is what turns a quote into an accurate one first time.
Measure by container type
Cream is packed in jars, tubes, airless pumps and squeeze bottles, and each has a trap.
- Jar. Measure the outside diameter at the widest point, which is usually the lid rim rather than the body, and the total height with the lid on. A squat jar is heavy for its footprint and will tip in a loose cavity.
- Tube. The crimped end is wider than the tube body, so the crimp sets your internal width. Measure it flat and measure the cap height separately.
- Airless pump. Measure to the top of the actuator in the position it ships in. If the actuator locks down, say so, because that is a different height.
- Squeeze bottle. Measure a filled one. An empty bottle collapses slightly and gives a smaller number than reality.
Keeping the container still
Skincare packaging is judged on arrival condition, and a scuffed label reads as a defect. The insert is what prevents that. A die-cut paperboard collar grips the shoulder and adds almost no depth. A folded corrugated platform lifts the container and adds a board caliper or two underneath. A foam or moulded cradle sets the cavity outright, so measure the loaded cradle rather than the jar. Pick one before you finalise internal dimensions, because all three change the number.
Materials and finish
| Choice | Reads as | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Coated white board | Clean, clinical, colour-accurate | Shows scuffs on dark solid coverage |
| Uncoated or kraft | Natural, minimal, botanical | Oils and fragrance can mark it over time |
| Soft touch lamination | Premium, tactile, the common prestige cue | Adds cost and can scuff at the folds |
| Foil and emboss | Luxury, catches shelf light | Needs artwork built for it, not added at proof stage |
Use one die across the range
Most cream lines sell several formulas in the same container: day, night, sensitive, a seasonal edition. If the container is shared, a single cutting die covers all of them and only the printed artwork changes between SKUs. Because the die and plates are included, this is the cheapest way to look like a coherent range. Proof the darkest and the lightest artwork rather than one in the middle, so you see the extremes of how the board carries ink.
Ordering
Minimum order is 100 boxes. Price starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes and is confirmed on your written quote once structure, insert and finish are settled. Design support, US shipping and a digital proof before anything prints are included. Production comes from West Chicago in the US and Guangzhou in China in three lanes: rush (expedited production plus air freight, a premium of about 7 to 25% depending on the job), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery, with specialty imported finishes running up to about 12 weeks.
If your range also includes colour cosmetics, the foundation box specification sheet covers the bottle-led version of this problem. Send your measured container, your insert preference and your SKU count through the quote form, then order at custom cream boxes.
