Himanshu Saini June 25, 2025
When it comes to selling shampoo, what’s on the outside matters just as much as what’s inside the bottle. Your label and packaging are the first things people see, whether they’re walking down a store aisle or scrolling online.
A great design can grab attention, build trust, and convince someone to try your product. But if it’s confusing, boring, or missing key info, you could lose the sale before they even flip the bottle.
In this post, we’ll walk you through two key parts of shampoo packaging:
- How to design a label that stands out and sells
- What legal info you MUST include to stay compliant
Whether you’re launching a new product or improving an existing one, these shampoo packaging design tips will help your shampoo look professional, feel trustworthy, and get noticed.
Why Shampoo Packaging Matters?
The average consumer takes less than 10 seconds to decide whether or not to buy a shampoo. That decision often happens while browsing shelves or scrolling online. Your packaging plays a huge role in that process.
Good shampoo packaging ideas should include:
- Catch the eye
- Communicate benefits clearly
- Build brand trust
- Convey quality
- Reflect your target audience
In short, your label isn’t just a label; it’s a sales tool.
Part 1: Shampoo Label Design Tips That Attract Buyers
Here we’ve listed some shampoo label design tips that will help you attract buyers!
1. Know Your Target Audience
Before choosing colours, fonts, or taglines, know who you’re designing for. Is your shampoo:
- For kids? Use bright colours, playful fonts, and fun graphics.
- For men? Keep it bold, simple, and direct.
- For salon professionals? Use sleek, minimal packaging with a high-end feel.
- For eco-conscious users? Earthy tones, sustainable materials, and eco-labels matter.
In conclusion, tailor everything from the tone of voice to the design layout to fit your ideal customer.
2. Make the Benefits Clear and Visible
People buy solutions, not ingredients. Instead of leading with “sulphate-free” or “infused with chamomile”, lead with the result:
- “For Softer, Stronger Hair”
- “Controls Frizz for 48 Hours”
- “Color-Safe & Shine-Boosting”
Place these benefits front and centre, ideally in the top third of your bottle, where the eye goes first.
3. Use High-Contrast, Legible Fonts
Beautiful fonts are great, but if people can’t read them at a glance, they won’t bother. Hence, you should use simple, bold fonts for key information and make sure the text colour contrasts with the background.
Avoid overcrowding the label. Leave breathing space and organise text using clear hierarchy:
Brand > Product Name > Key Benefit > Usage Type
4. Colour Psychology Counts
Colour isn’t just aesthetic; it communicates emotion and intent. A few common associations:
- Green = Natural, calming, eco-friendly
- Blue = Clean, trustworthy, refreshing
- Black or Charcoal = Sophisticated, masculine
- Pastels = Gentle, nourishing, for sensitive skin
Your colour palette should match your brand identity and appeal to your customer’s expectations.
5. Packaging Shape and Material Matters
Shape can signal quality. A tall, slim bottle might look premium, while a squeezable tube feels more casual or sporty. Consider the following shampoo packaging design tips:
- Ergonomics (easy to grip in the shower)
- Shelf appeal (will it stand out or blend in?)
- Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging (biodegradable, refillable, or recyclable packaging)
A well-thought-out container can enhance both user experience and brand perception.
Part 2: Legal Must-Haves for Shampoo Labels
Even the best-looking label won’t help if it doesn’t meet regulatory standards. In most countries, including the U.S., shampoo is considered a cosmetic product, and that comes with specific labelling requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of what you must include:
1. Identity of the Product
You need to clearly state what the product is, e.g., “Shampoo”, “Clarifying Shampoo,” or “Volumizing Hair Cleanser.” This should appear on the principal display panel (usually the front of the label).
2. Net Contents
The amount of product inside the bottle must be shown in fluid ounces and millilitres, e.g., “12 fl oz (355 mL)”, and should be placed on the bottom third of the front panel.
3. Ingredients List (INCI Format)
All ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance using their INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). This goes on the back label or information panel.
Example:
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Panthenol…
4. Manufacturer or Distributor Info
Include the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. If you’re using a contract manufacturer, include your business name and say “Distributed by…”
5. Directions and Warnings (if needed)
Basic use directions are optional unless your product contains trending natural ingredients that require them. However, warnings are required if your product contains irritants or allergens.
Example:
“Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.”
6. Claims Must Be Truthful and Not Misleading
Be careful with words like “organic,” “natural,” or “chemical-free.” If you’re using these terms, make sure you can back them up with evidence. Don’t promise results you can’t prove.
Also note: If your private label shampoo packaging makes drug-like claims (e.g., “treats dandruff” or “prevents hair loss”), it may be classified as an over-the-counter drug, and you’ll need to follow FDA drug labelling regulations.
7. Barcode and Batch Code
Most retail stores will require a UPC barcode on the packaging for inventory purposes. You’ll also need a batch or lot code printed somewhere discreetly to trace the product in case of a recall or quality issue.
Bonus Tips for Shampoo Labelling and Packaging
Here we’ve listed some bonus tips for creating shampoo labelling and packaging, so make sure to take a look!
- Eco-Friendly Shampoo Packaging Touches Sell: More consumers are looking for sustainability in their purchases. Highlight eco-friendly packaging, like being made with recycled plastic, having a biodegradable formula, and being cruelty-free/no animal testing.
- Multilingual Labels: If you’re selling internationally, you may need to include translations or meet the local labelling laws (such as bilingual French/English packaging in Canada).
- QR Codes for Transparency: Consider adding a QR code that links to your ingredient sourcing, customer reviews, or hair care tips. It’s a smart way to build trust and educate your customer.
Final Thoughts
Great shampoo packaging is a mix of marketing and compliance. It should speak to your customer, reflect your brand, and still tick all the legal boxes. Investing in professional design and understanding the regulatory landscape will pay off in both sales and reputation.
Remember: your label is often the first impression your product makes, so make it count while starting your shampoo brand.
FAQs
Q. Can I label my shampoo as “organic” or “natural”?
Ans. Yes, but you must follow specific guidelines. In the U.S., if you’re using the term “organic”, your product must meet USDA organic certification rules. “Natural” is less regulated but still must be truthful and not misleading.
Q. Do I need FDA approval to sell shampoo in the U.S.?
Ans. No. The FDA does not require pre-approval for cosmetic products like shampoo. However, your labelling must follow FDA guidelines, and your product must be safe for consumer use.
Q. How do I choose the right font and colours for my shampoo label?
Ans. Stick with clear, easy-to-read fonts for important information. Use colours that align with your brand and attract your target customer. For example, earthy tones for a natural product, or sleek black and silver for a luxury men’s shampoo.
Q. What’s the difference between a “cosmetic” and a “drug” shampoo?
Ans. A cosmetic shampoo cleans or improves appearance (e.g., adds shine or volume). A drug shampoo treats a medical condition (e.g., dandruff, hair loss). If your shampoo makes drug claims, it must follow FDA drug regulations and include different labelling.
Q. Is a barcode required on shampoo bottles?
Ans. A barcode isn’t legally required but is essential if you’re selling through retailers or online platforms. It helps with inventory, scanning, and logistics.
