50ml Cosmetic Bottles Explained: Size, Uses & Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Size Matters

Packaging is one of the most important decisions in the cosmetics world. Many brands, wholesalers, and designers wonder whether a 50ml bottle is the right choice. Let’s explore its size, common uses, materials, and buying tips so you can make the best packaging decision.

What exactly is a 50ml cosmetic bottle?

A 50ml cosmetic bottle holds about 1.7 US fluid ounces, roughly the size of your palm. This makes it one of the most popular packaging choices for serums, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Compact yet practical, it balances portability with sufficient product volume, often used for both retail and travel-size cosmetics. Many brands also choose 50ml bottles for premium packaging because they provide a balance between elegance and convenience.

Why brands love 50ml packaging

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore how 50ml bottles are used in the beauty industry and what you should consider before buying them.

How big is a 50ml bottle in cosmetics?

A 50ml bottle is considered medium-sized. It’s not as small as a sample bottle (10ml–15ml) and not as large as a family-sized lotion (200ml+).

Here’s a quick comparison table to put things into perspective:

Bottle Size	Volume (ml)	Common Use Case
15ml	0.5 oz	Travel serum, eye cream
30ml	1 oz	Foundation, serum
50ml	1.7 oz	Moisturizer, lotion, perfume
100ml	3.4 oz	Full-size skincare, body lotion
200ml	6.7 oz	Body care, shampoo, cleanser

👉 From this table, you can see that 50ml sits right in the sweet spot between travel-friendly and standard full-size packaging.

What products usually come in 50ml bottles?

A 50ml bottle is a favorite for both skincare and fragrance brands. Typical products include:

• Moisturizers & face creams – enough for 1–2 months of daily use
• Lotions & serums – ideal for premium formulas
• Perfumes – luxury fragrances often launch in 50ml sizes
• Foundations – some high-end makeup brands package liquid foundation in 50ml bottles
• Travel sets – hotels and airline amenities sometimes use 50ml sizes

Is 50ml a travel-size option for cosmetics?

Yes! According to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines, liquids carried on airplanes must be under 100ml (3.4 oz). A 50ml bottle (1.7 oz) is well below this limit.

That makes it perfect for:

• International travel kits
• Airline amenity kits
• Portable daily skincare routines

For many consumers, a 50ml bottle feels “just enough” for a trip without being bulky.

What materials are best for 50ml cosmetic bottles?

The choice of material depends on the product inside and the brand’s image. Here’s a breakdown:

Material	Benefits	Common Uses	Sustainability Notes
Glass	Premium look, protects formulas, recyclable	Perfumes, serums, luxury creams	Fully recyclable but heavier
PET Plastic	Lightweight, affordable, durable	Lotions, cleansers, haircare	Recyclable in many regions
Airless Pump (PP/ABS)	Prevents contamination, extends shelf life	Serums, anti-aging creams	Recyclable with proper sorting
Acrylic	Crystal-clear, luxurious look	High-end skincare, display products	Not always recyclable

👉 Recently, eco-friendly options like PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic) and biodegradable resins are gaining popularity.

How many applications can you get from a 50ml bottle?

This depends on the product’s texture and how much is dispensed per use. On average:

• Serum: 1 pump ≈ 0.25ml → about 200 uses
• Moisturizer: 0.5ml per use → about 100 uses
• Perfume spray: 0.1ml per spray → about 500 sprays

For consumers, this means a 50ml bottle often lasts 1–3 months, depending on the product.

50ml bottle size comparison: 30ml vs 50ml vs 100ml

Brands often struggle to choose between these three.

• 30ml → entry-level, smaller retail price point, travel-friendly
• 50ml → standard luxury size, balances cost & longevity
• 100ml → value pack, often marketed for loyal customers

A quick strategy tip:

• Launch new products in 30ml & 50ml sizes to capture first-time buyers and mid-range users.
• Offer 100ml bottles for loyal customers who want better value.

Wholesale options: Where to buy 50ml cosmetic bottles

If you’re sourcing packaging, here’s what to consider:

• MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – Some suppliers offer 1,000+ pcs, others provide low-MOQ or even no-MOQ options.
• Customization – Printing, embossing, spray coating, frosting, and metallic finishes.
• Global sourcing hubs – China (Guangzhou, Zhejiang), Italy, South Korea.
• Pricing – Plastic bottles can start as low as $0.20–$0.50/pc in bulk; glass bottles are typically $0.80–$2.00/pc.

👉 For premium brands, airless pump bottles are a hot choice. For mass-market, PET plastic bottles are cost-effective.

Design tips for skincare bottles in 50ml

A good 50ml bottle should not only be practical but also support your brand storytelling. Consider:

• Ergonomics – fits comfortably in the hand
• Dispensing system – dropper, pump, or spray depending on product
• Labeling space – 50ml bottles allow enough room for branding without overcrowding
• Luxury finishes – frosted glass, metallic collars, custom caps

Sustainable choices: eco-friendly 50ml packaging

With growing environmental awareness, brands can win customers by choosing eco-friendly materials. Options include:

• PCR plastics (post-consumer recycled)
• Biodegradable resins
• Refillable packaging systems
• Lightweight design to reduce shipping emissions

Eco-packaging is not just a trend—it’s becoming a brand value statement. Many wholesalers now offer 50ml eco-friendly cosmetic bottles that balance sustainability with aesthetics.

Final Thoughts

A 50ml bottle is versatile, portable, and widely loved in cosmetics. Whether you’re a brand owner, wholesaler, or packaging designer, understanding its benefits helps you create products that meet market needs. Explore your options and choose packaging that enhances your brand identity.