Choosing the right size for a lip balm paper tube isn’t just about how much product you can fit. The size affects how your product feels in a customer’s hand, how it fits in their bag or pocket, how it looks on shelves, and even how easy it is to fill and ship. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best tube size for your lip balm.
When looking at paper tubes for lip balm, three main dimensions matter:
Diameter: The width of the tube determines how much lip balm you can fit across the cross-section. A wider tube holds more product, but it also takes up more space in packaging and may feel bulky in a pocket. Narrower tubes are easier to carry and look sleek, but they hold less balm.
Height: Taller tubes allow for more product, which can be handy if you want to sell larger quantities. But very tall tubes can be awkward to apply, and may not fit standard retail displays or gift sets. The height needs to be balanced with the diameter to make a comfortable, usable stick.
Wall Thickness and Material: Thicker walls provide more protection and prevent dents or crushing during shipping. Thinner walls are lighter and use less material, which can save costs and be more eco-friendly. You’ll want to choose a thickness that supports your lip balm type without adding unnecessary weight.
A simple way to check if a tube size works is to match it with your lip balm sticks and see how it fits. It’s easy to test a few sizes before committing to a bulk order.
Different types of lip balm may need slightly different tube sizes. Solid sticks are standard, but tinted lip balms or specialty formulas like shea butter blends can be denser or softer, which affects how they fit in a tube. If your balm is soft, you might need a slightly wider diameter to prevent it from getting stuck. For firmer or standard formulas, a narrower tube works well.
Decide whether your lip balm will be small, single-use sticks or larger, multi-application tubes. A smaller tube is easy to carry and convenient for customers to take anywhere. Larger tubes give more product and may appeal to customers who prefer fewer refills, but they also cost more to produce and ship.
Think about how the product will be displayed in stores or packaged in sets. Standard-size tubes fit easily into retail shelves and display boxes, while unique sizes may stand out but could require custom display solutions. Make sure your chosen size works with your planned packaging.
Consider your filling process. Some tubes work better with manual filling, while others are compatible with automatic filling machines. Also, ensure the tube is sturdy enough to handle shipping. Tubes that are too thin may bend or dent, while tubes that are too wide may add unnecessary shipping weight.
Most lip balm tubes fall into small, standard, and deluxe categories. Here’s a rough guide:
| Size | Type of Product | Weight | Dimensions (Diameter x Height) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Mini sticks, sample packs | 0.1–0.12 oz (3–3.5 g) | 15 mm x 45 mm |
| Standard | Solid lip balm, everyday sticks | 0.15 oz (4.25 g) | 16 mm x 60 mm |
| Deluxe | Specialty or tinted lip balm, gift sets | 0.20–0.25 oz (5–7 g) | 18 mm x 65 mm |
Matching the right tube size to your product ensures customers can use it comfortably without feeling wasteful or awkward. You can check ready-to-use options on the lip balm product page, which has several standard sizes suitable for most formulas.
Your tube needs enough surface space for your label. Small tubes may limit how much information you can include, while larger tubes give you room for a logo, ingredients list, and design elements. Make sure your label fits well and looks professional without wrapping too tightly or leaving gaps.
Sometimes, brands want slightly larger or smaller tubes for seasonal collections, gift sets, or special editions. You can adjust the tube size to make your product stand out on the shelf or to fit specific packaging setups.
Make sure your closure works with your filling method and keeps the product secure. Twist-up mechanisms are standard and easy for customers, but some specialty products may need additional seals for freshness.
Filling: Test your chosen tube with your lip balm formula before full production. Solid and tinted balms may need slightly different handling to avoid air pockets or uneven tops.
Storage: Keep finished tubes in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or deformation. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of filled tubes.
User Convenience: Make sure the twist mechanism is smooth and that the tube fits comfortably in a pocket or small bag. Ease of use encourages repeat purchases.
Paper tubes are biodegradable and often recyclable, which appeals to eco-conscious customers. Choosing the right size reduces material waste, especially if you match the tube closely to the product volume. Thinner walls save material, and smaller tubes mean less unused product sits in storage.
Working with EarthyCores means getting practical support at every step of your packaging journey. Our team helps you choose the right tube size for your product, provides guidance on labeling and branding, and answers questions about filling and shipping. From the first inquiry to your initial order, we make sure you have all the information and assistance you need to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
After you place an order, our support doesn’t stop. We provide updates on production, help track shipments, and assist with any questions about product handling or storage. Our goal is to ensure that your lip balm packaging not only meets your expectations but also reaches you in perfect condition, ready to enhance your customer experience. Partnering with EarthyCores gives you a reliable source for sustainable, functional, and well-designed packaging, backed by a team that’s ready to support you before, during, and after every order.
Before placing a large order, get a few samples of the tubes in different sizes. Fill them with your formula and test:
How easy it is to apply the balm
How well the tube holds the product
How the tube fits in different bags, boxes, or displays
Whether the tube feels sturdy enough for shipping
Doing this testing helps avoid issues that can become expensive later.
Choosing the right lip balm paper tube comes down to balance. You want the tube to hold the right amount of product, feel comfortable for the user, work well with your filling and shipping setup, and look good on shelves. Taking the time to test sizes, think about portion, and consider display and storage needs will pay off in customer satisfaction and smoother production.
For ready-to-use options that fit most standard lip balm sticks, check out these lip balm tubes to see what works best for your formulas.
