We’ll explore the challenges, best practices, and fulfillment solutions that help DTC beauty brands thrive in e-commerce.
The direct-to-consumer (DTC) beauty industry is booming, with 52% of online shoppers having purchased beauty products from a DTC brand. This growing demand presents huge opportunities for independent makeup and skincare brands, but also unique challenges—particularly when it comes to shipping delicate and perishable beauty products.
Shipping makeup and skincare requires careful planning, proper packaging, and an optimized fulfillment strategy to prevent damage, comply with regulations, and ensure a seamless customer experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the challenges, best practices, and fulfillment solutions that help DTC beauty brands thrive in e-commerce.
Beauty products come in various forms, from powders to liquids, and packaging materials, including plastic and glass. Due to their fragility and sensitivity, special precautions are needed when handling and shipping these products. Here are the top challenges:
Unlike many other e-commerce products, makeup and skincare have expiration dates and must be stored under controlled conditions to maintain their quality. Factors affecting shelf life include:
· Ingredients: Natural and organic formulas often have shorter shelf lives.
· Exposure to heat and humidity: Certain formulas, like lipsticks, creams, and serums, can melt or degrade if exposed to extreme temperatures.
· Oxygen exposure: Products in jar containers can oxidize faster if not properly sealed.
Many cosmetics and skincare products come in glass or easily breakable plastic packaging, while others (like pressed powders, eyeshadows, and bronzers) can shatter during transit. Even small applicators and pumps can break if not secured properly.
Expanding into global markets can significantly boost sales, but international regulations complicate the process. Common restrictions include:
· Flammable substances: Alcohol-based perfumes and nail polish are considered hazardous and require special handling.
· Banned ingredients: Some countries prohibit specific skincare ingredients, like CBD or certain preservatives.
· Customs delays: Certain formulations may require additional documentation or import permits.
Different shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have specific rules regarding the shipment of liquids, aerosols, and hazardous materials. Brands must review carrier policies to ensure compliance and prevent shipment delays.
To minimize damages and optimize fulfillment, here are the top strategies for shipping beauty products:
· Wrap products in bubble wrap, dunnage, or foam inserts to absorb impact.
· Use leak-proof packaging for liquid-based skincare items.
· For fragile items like compacts or glass bottles, reinforce packaging with extra cushioning and secure closures.
· High temperatures can melt lipsticks and damage serums. Choosing a climate-controlled warehouse ensures beauty products maintain their integrity and shelf life.
· Makeup and skincare items are prone to breakage. Opt for shipping insurance to cover potential damages.
· Provide customers with tracking information to enhance transparency and trust.
· Use kraft paper, packing peanuts, or air cushions to prevent movement inside boxes.
· For small makeup items, ensure a tight fit inside packaging to avoid shaking or shifting.
· Place liquid products inside sealed plastic bags to prevent leakage.
· Keep heat-sensitive products like serums, lotions, and organic skincare in temperature-controlled conditions.
· Avoid storing or shipping alcohol-based products under high temperatures.
· Use UV-protected packaging for ingredients that degrade in light, like vitamin C and essential oils.
· Research restrictions for flammable or hazardous materials before shipping internationally.
· Work with a 3PL fulfillment partner like Daguer Logistics to navigate customs and import regulations.
Common Packaging Materials
· Glass: Ideal for serums, face oils, and toners. Amber glass provides UV protection.
· Plastic (PET/BPA-Free): Used for creams, gels, and lotions.
· Paperboard: An eco-friendly option, ideal for balms and solid skincare products.
· Aluminum: Suitable for sprays, toners, and lightweight lotions.
Choosing the Right Packaging
· For thick formulas: Use pump bottles or jars.
· For liquid skincare: Opt for dropper bottles or sprayers.
· For organic/natural products: Use airless pump bottles to reduce oxidation.
At Daguer Logistics, we offer tailored e-commerce fulfillment solutions to help DTC beauty brands scale efficiently while ensuring safe and fast deliveries.
✔ Temperature-controlled storage prevents melting, leakage, or degradation.
✔ Custom inventory storage for skincare, cosmetics, and high-value beauty products.
✔ Distributed inventory model – Store inventory closer to customers for faster delivery.
✔ Optimized packaging solutions to minimize shipping damages.
✔ Same-day and 2-day shipping options.
✔ Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and more.
✔ Automated tracking and order processing.
✔ Real-time inventory visibility to prevent stockouts.
✔ Customs compliance & carrier regulations handled.
✔ Duties & tax management for global shipping.
✔ Cross-border logistics expertise to reach international customers efficiently.
Shipping makeup and skincare products requires careful handling, specialized storage, and compliance with regulations. By following best practices and partnering with a trusted fulfillment provider like Daguer Logistics, DTC beauty brands can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
Ready to scale your beauty brand? Contact Daguer Logistics today!
Use bubble wrap, foam inserts, and leak-proof pouches for extra protection. Double-boxing fragile products can also help.
Yes, but certain liquids (e.g., alcohol-based perfumes, aerosols, and flammable products) require hazmat shipping certification.
Store beauty products in climate-controlled fulfillment centers and track inventory in real-time to avoid overstocking.
Use UV-protected amber glass for light-sensitive ingredients and airless pump bottles to prevent oxidation.
We provide secure warehousing, real-time inventory tracking, fast fulfillment, and international logistics support to ensure seamless order processing and customer satisfaction.
