Flint, amber, cobalt or frosted: choosing a glass color

2 min read · 5 sections

Flint (clear) glass

Clear flint glass shows the product inside and suits fragrance, food and premium skincare. Extra flint has higher clarity and is often used for luxury bottles. Clear glass gives little protection from light, so it is best for formulas that are not light-sensitive.

Amber glass

Amber glass filters out most ultraviolet and much of the blue light that can degrade sensitive formulas. That is why it is the usual choice for essential oils, tinctures and some serums.

Cobalt and other colors

Cobalt blue, green and other colored glass give a distinctive look. Their light protection varies by color and thickness, so check whether your formula needs protection before choosing a color only for appearance.

Frosted and coated glass

A frosted look can be made by acid etching or by spray coating. Spray coating also allows solid colors, gradients and soft-touch finishes on clear glass, which is often a more flexible option than ordering colored glass for small runs.

What to ask your supplier

Ask which colors are available as stock glass and which need coating, the MOQ for each, and how the color will look on your bottle shape. Request a physical sample before approving.