How to Choose an Aluminum Tin for Cosmetics: Fill, Size, Lid, and Finish
Choose a cosmetic tin by fill first, then by tin size, lid fit, and finish.
Start with the fill, then choose a tin size that fits that fill without excess empty space. Confirm the chosen tin, lid, and finish with a sample against the actual fill before bulk production, because the right tin depends on the fill weight or volume, the product texture, and how the closed tin looks, opens, and labels.
1. Start with the fill, not with a size name
A size name alone does not tell you whether a tin suits a balm, salve, or solid perfume. A soft balm, a firm salve, and a solid perfume fill, close, and present differently, even at a similar fill weight. Work out the fill weight or volume first, then shortlist tin sizes that fit that fill cleanly, without excess empty space and without overfilling.
2. Check the complete set size
Use the complete set size, diameter by height, when you compare tins. The table below lists the standard aluminum box sizes from the factory specification, product and size only.
| Product | Size |
|---|---|
| 10g | 35 x 18 mm |
| 15g | 38.5 x 19.5 mm |
| 20g | 47 x 20 mm |
| 30g | 52 x 20 mm |
| 50g | 57 x 26.5 mm |
| 60g | 68 x 26 mm |
| 80g | 68 x 35 mm |
| 100g | 83 x 27 mm |
| 150g | 83 x 38 mm |
| 200g | 92 x 44.5 mm |
A wider tin gives more surface for filling and for the user to reach the product, and a taller tin gives more room for the fill depth. Do not choose by diameter alone, and do not assume a lid fits a particular box only because the diameters look close. Confirm the lid fit on the actual container.
3. Choose the lid and closure for repeated use
A cosmetic tin is usually opened and closed many times, so the lid must close securely, stay secure when the tin is carried, and be easy to open again. A screw-top lid suits a resealable closure. Check the closed tin for appearance and fit, check that the lid does not loosen with normal handling, and check that the product can be reached cleanly once the tin is open.
4. Choose finish and printing for the shelf and the label
Finishes listed in the site FAQ are silver, matte, brushed, polished, and custom color. Printing listed in the site FAQ is silk screen, laser engraving, or offset printing, plus embossing and debossing. Confirm the finish and printing for the chosen tin before ordering, and check the printed sample for legibility, color appearance, and label placement on the actual tin surface.
5. Confirm timing and quantity before ordering
The standard MOQ is 5,000 pcs per SKU. Smaller trial orders may be available depending on the product, so confirm volume before ordering. Sample production usually takes 3-7 days. Bulk production is 15-20 days after sample approval, and custom mold development typically adds 7-15 days before mass production. Confirm size, finish, printing, sample, and production timing in writing before bulk production.
Checklist before bulk production
- Fill weight or volume confirmed
- Tin size shortlisted by complete set size
- Lid fit confirmed on the actual container
- Finish and printing confirmed for the chosen tin
- Sample checked against the actual fill, not against a size name alone
- Quantity per SKU, sample, and production timing confirmed in writing
FAQ
What size tin suits a balm or salve?
Start with the fill weight or volume, then choose a tin size that fits that fill without excess empty space. Confirm the size with a sample against the actual fill before bulk production.
What is the MOQ for cosmetic tins?
The standard MOQ is 5,000 pcs per SKU. Smaller trial orders may be available depending on the product, so confirm volume before ordering.
How long do cosmetic tins take?
Bulk production is 15-20 days after sample approval. Sample production usually takes 3-7 days, and custom mold development typically adds 7-15 days before mass production.
What finishes and printing are available for cosmetic tins?
The FAQ lists silver, matte, brushed, polished, and custom color finishes, with silk screen, laser engraving, or offset printing, plus embossing and debossing. Confirm finish and printing for the chosen tin before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What size tin suits a balm or salve?
Start with the fill weight or volume, then choose a tin size that fits that fill without excess empty space. Confirm the size with a sample against the actual fill before bulk production.
What is the MOQ for cosmetic tins?
The standard MOQ is 5,000 pcs per SKU. Smaller trial orders may be available depending on the product, so confirm volume before ordering.
How long do cosmetic tins take?
Bulk production is 15-20 days after sample approval. Sample production usually takes 3-7 days, and custom mold development typically adds 7-15 days before mass production.
What finishes and printing are available for cosmetic tins?
The FAQ lists silver, matte, brushed, polished, and custom color finishes, with silk screen, laser engraving, or offset printing, plus embossing and debossing. Confirm finish and printing for the chosen tin before ordering.
