Walk into any beauty aisle today, and you'll see them: sunscreen sticks, serum sticks, deodorant sticks, even foundation sticks. What started as a convenient alternative has become a format consumers actively seek out. And for good reason — sticks are practical, portable, and surprisingly versatile.
According to industry data, the global stick packaging market is growing at a CAGR of 6–8% annually, depending on category segmentation. This isn't a short-term trend. It's a structural shift in how people buy and use personal care products.
Less Steps, More Function
One of the biggest drivers behind the rise of sticks is the growth of hybrid beauty. Consumers — especially post-pandemic — are moving away from elaborate 10-step routines. They want products that do more with less. A single stick can hydrate, protect, add glow, or target specific concerns in one swipe. More than 60% of skincare consumers now prefer multifunctional products, and sticks deliver exactly that.
Solid Formulas, Serious Performance, & Designed for Real Life
There's also a growing appreciation for solid formulations. Far from being a compromise, sticks often feel more concentrated and intentional. With less water content and direct application, users perceive them as efficient and less wasteful. No spills. No overuse. Just what you need, where you need it.
Portability plays a huge role. Sticks are made for movement — gym bags, carry-ons, daily commutes. They're clean to use, require no tools or cotton pads, and apply easily with one hand. For Gen Z and younger millennials, sticks just make sense. They're intuitive, tactile, and visually appealing — playful and efficient at the same time.
Sustainability Is Pushing the Format Forward
This is where sticks gain even more relevance for packaging suppliers and brands alike. As companies rethink packaging waste, sticks offer a much simpler structure compared to pumps, droppers, or multi-component bottles. Many brands are now moving toward mono-material designs, refillable systems, and materials like aluminum, paper, or PCR plastics.
Given that more than 70% of global consumers say sustainability influences their purchase decisions, the stick format is well-positioned to meet both user needs and environmental expectations.
UKPACK Packaging offers an array of stick packaging options and invites you to contact us to ask about MOQs for your next project.
Discover some of UKPACK's beauty sticks by clicking on the below links.
Videos of UKPACK's stick packs:
- The Versatility of UKPack's Sticks for make-up
- The sustainable, compact and ergonomic solution for summer sun protection
- A Unique Lip Balm Container For High Viscosity Formulas
Articles about UKPACK's stick packs:
- Bullet Sticks with a Twist
- Flawless Coverage, Anytime, Anywhere: Foundation Stick With Brush
- Pocket-Sized and Fun to Protect Against the Sun
- The 5g PP Makeup Stick
- Sensory Stick Packaging For Solid Products
And find even more stick packs in UKPACK's product catalog.