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Personal care

Due to its high rigidity and ability to protect against chemicals and outside contaminants, HDPE is an excellent polymer choice for cosmetic packaging, personal care products and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Unlike glass bottles, HDPE offers durability without the risk of breakage—making it ideal for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications. At Shell Polymers, we are proud to offer polymers for these products that converters like you can rely on.

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The plastics industry is competitive and keeping pace with packaging industry trends is crucial for growth. In our Shell Polymers 2025 Trend Report, we’ll explore trends, threats and opportunities for converters, including a look at shifts that affect the skincare packaging market.

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Product summary

Product 101 

Understanding how we name our grade slates is key to selecting the right resin properties that impact everything from cosmetic packaging durability to glass bottle alternatives. By understanding our naming system, you can identify the best fit for your skincare packaging and personal care product solutions.

Graphic displaying “18F1B1.” “18” is highlighted.

Density is reflected by the first two numbers found in the product name, which is 18 in this instance. These numbers represent the last two significant digits of the density value. See examples below.

18 = 0.918 density
53 = 0.953 density
63 = 0.963 density

Related conversion processes

Different conversion processes can take the same polymers and transform them into a wide variety of plastic products—from cosmetic packaging to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and more.

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Blow molding

Blow molded HDPE is used to make hollow products such as industrial containers and drums, liquid containers and more.

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Injection molding

Injection molded LLDPE and HDPE is used to make caps, bottle closures, toys and more.

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Expert insights on personal care market

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How Shell Polymers can help you create innovative new packaging

Suppliers shouldn’t just deliver resin and walk away–they should be a resource you can rely on to brainstorm new products. This case scenario shows how Shell Polymers can help you ideate, develop and roll out new packaging.

See how we can help (PDF)

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Reduce blow molding defects with our processing conditions guide

Learn three best practices when it comes to LLDPE rotomolding.

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