All deodorant products require a suitable container, but gel vs solid deodorant sticks tend to function differently in terms of application needs and have different container requirements to allow the application functionality to work properly. While some container and cap designs may appear to work for both deodorant types, you need to think about what will specifically work best for your product formula and customers. All deodorant formulas have the requirement of both a container and a cap to store and use the products properly. Still, only specific deodorant formulas require a special applicator (often called a dome) to be successfully stored and applied by the end user. This storage and application style need is where the gel vs solid deodorants have different requirements to consider for each one. At DISTRIBUPACK, we offer tube containers, oval containers, and more alongside flat and domed caps. Find the solution that works best for you by contacting us today.
Gel Deodorant Sticks
Gel deodorants and other softer formula deodorants require containers that prevent spillage and potential overflow and also allow the contents to be applied in a controlled fashion. At DISTRIBUPACK, we offer several container options in regards to shape and fill capacity to help you find the right fit. Typically, gel deodorant formulas are offered in an oval shape with a rounded applicator (often called a dome, which is required to store contents and function properly) that is attached directly to the container body, but some very soft-solid deodorant formulas can also work with a rounded applicator dome as well. It all depends on the texture and viscosity of the formula. Viscosity is defined as “a measure of a fluid’s rate-dependent resistance to change in shape or movement,” and viscous is defined as “having a thick or sticky consistency”, so depending on how viscous a formula is will determine if it will work with an applicator dome or not. If the formula is too viscous, it will not pass through the openings in the applicator dome properly, and it will not allow the container to perform the necessary mechanical functions. The applicator domes fit cooperatively in sync with both the container and cap to facilitate the product use.
Pros
- Easy propel/repel design to properly allow gel product to be passed through the applicator dome
- Already universally used with shape, concept, and functionality understood and accepted by consumers
Cons
- A cap and applicator dome may be required
- Fewer container options because of the special performance and additional components needed to function properly
Solid Deodorant Sticks
Solid deodorant is a popular option with consumers who want quick and easy solutions to address their odor or sweat prevention needs. Solid deodorant formulas are firm/hard in texture and typically offer longer-lasting odor protection because of their ability to have a higher concentration of active ingredients. Solid deodorants can be stored or travel confidently without worry about leakage. Plus, the solid nature of this kind of deodorant also makes it most suitable for push-up deodorant sticks, in addition to the industry standard twist-up deodorant sticks. This push-up container design requires users to push up on the platform from the bottom to expose the product, then push back down on the solid product with their finger when finished to put the contents back inside the container. That obviously wouldn’t work too well, if at all, with a gel deodorant. Standard propel/repel containers also work ideally, so solid deodorant leaves manufacturers with plenty of container options.
Pros
- More container types are available because of the texture of the formula; only a stick and cap are needed (an applicator dome is not necessary for solid deodorant application)
Cons
- The formula involved with solid deodorant may be less specialized than the formulas from the gel or soft-solid counterparts (specific specialty ingredients may not work for a formula that will be solid in texture)
Gel and Solid Deodorants are Packaged Differently
A semi-fluid deodorant with a lower viscosity, like a gel or even a soft-solid product, needs a container that can hold the product while preventing spillage or overflow. This typically means an oval propel/repel container with a cap and applicator dome attached to the stick underneath the cap. While an applicator dome may not strictly be necessary for some soft-solid deodorants, it is commonly required for gel deodorants. If you’re not sure what your specific deodorant product formula would benefit most from, DISTRIBUPACK can help you find the solution through multiple container types so that you can test which works best.
Solid deodorants already have a natural shape due to their texture, so all you need in a container is the ability for the user to shape the deodorant to their body. Because of this, solid deodorants are often packaged with only a cap and are also compatible with push-up tubes rather than just propel/repel sticks. This can be convenient if you are planning to make travel-size deodorants or something quick that users can apply while on the go.
Gel vs Soft-Solid
Soft-solid deodorants are texturally and functionally somewhere between gel and solid deodorants. They are slightly more viscous than gel deodorants, but they are still not the type of texture and consistency that you would want the consumer to push down and handle directly with their fingers. That being the case, soft-solid deodorants require mostly the same packing considerations as gel deodorants, including propel/repel containers and a specific style/design of dome applicators. The look and function of the domed applicator may require larger openings for the product to pass through more effectively, since the consistency of the formula will be thicker on soft-solid deodorants and likely more viscous.
Gel vs. Solid Deodorant Sticks from DISTRIBUPACK
DISTRIBUPACK offers an array of deodorant sticks for all deodorant types, including solid, soft-solids, and gel deodorants, so you can find the container that best fits your product formula needs. Our team is happy to help along the process, offering guidance on ordering and product advice to ensure you get the most from your deodorants. Our inventory of containers includes sample-sized 0.50oz containers, TSA-approved travel-sized containers, and all the way up to 4.00oz plastic tubes with various fill options. Our customers may also order containers and caps separately or already paired together in a full assembly for domestic or international ordering. Reach out to DISTRIBUPACK today to find the superior quality containers suitable for your deodorant products.
