How to Use QR Codes in the Cosmetic Industry and Beauty Packaging

QR codes for cosmetics let consumers effortlessly access detailed product information, discover hidden beauty tips, and unlock exclusive rewards with a quick scan using their smartphones. 

Companies can add branded QR codes on the packaging of their make-up, skincare products, or fragrances. This way, they don’t have to stuff the limited space with too many details.

QR codes are a tech-savvy tool that can help companies keep up with the fast-paced and saturated market in the beauty industry.

From marketing campaigns to supply chain transparency, QR codes have become a vital asset in the cosmetic industry’s pursuit of innovation and customer connection.

This article will explore the fascinating world of QR codes and how a dynamic QR code generator can empower cosmetics companies to establish meaningful connections with their consumers.

So how are QR codes used in the beauty sector? Let’s find out.

How to use a QR code in cosmetics packaging 

Branded QR codes allow companies to improve customer engagement and provide transparency by disclosing extensive product information, which can contribute to brand loyalty.

The cosmetic industry has a lot of advantages when using QR codes in their products. Here are ways how beauty companies can use a dynamic QR code generator in their business:

1. Promote your app and boost downloads using an app QR code

L’Oreal

L'Oreal is one of the most known international cosmetics brands worldwide. The famous brand demonstrates the versatility of QR codes in marketing campaigns.

Aside from their mobile QR code campaign with Glamour deployed inside taxis to entertain passengers stuck in heavy traffic, they also used an app QR code to promote their official mobile app.

Beauty Design Hub

Beauty Design Hub is a beauty clinic that provides aesthetic services to its clients.

By scanning the app's QR code, customers can download the app instantly and get the latest news, offers, and more.

2. Build an accurate consumer profile using QR codes for cosmetics

Vaseline

Image Source

Vaseline, a brand under Unilever, launched a digital campaign using QR codes to access tailored brand content on their smartphones by scanning them. 

Once scanned, the code leads scanners to the See My Skin website. The online database allows consumers to find the proper care for a specific skin condition from experts.

The QR code campaign helps them understand the importance of consulting a dermatologist for proper care and prepares them with the right questions for their appointment.

“Today’s marketing is increasingly about finding ways to have conversations with our consumers, rather than using traditional one-way forms of advertising and promotion,” says Richard Brooke, communications buying manager at Unilever UK.  

3. Give product details or ingredients information with QR codes for cosmetics

Natrue

Brussels-based international natural and organic cosmetics company Natrue integrated QR code marketing to promote its cosmetic products effectively. 

Once scanned, the QR code will lead the customer to a website containing information about the product or item, where they can educate themselves and be made aware of the product they want to purchase. 

The company also explains in a press release: 

“An exciting part of the relaunch is the introduction of ‘Quick Response’ (QR) codes, allowing you to access this information in the shops. 

By taking a photo of the code, your phone will automatically lead you to the product-specific web link. 

The mobile technology replaces NaTrue’s three-star labeling system, which only gives approximate information about the product. 

In the future, you can access any information about the product by consulting your mobile phone before the purchase.”

4. Lead them to your website using a URL QR code 

GeoDeo

When international manufacturer TCCD introduced their GeoDeo deodorant, they innovated a better way of engaging its customers through the QR codes in its products that lead to information about the ingredients of their items.

One scan leads the customers to an infographic highlighting each ingredient’s most essential information. They can quickly grasp and make an informed decision before purchasing it.

GeoDeo Director of Marketing Kristi Moe knew that QR codes for cosmetics could help them better connect with their consumers by bringing product information just a scan away.

“Soon after Geodeo’s new packaging launched, the brand saw a huge uptick in the number of visitors to its website, as well as an increase in positive online comments about the product’s new formulation.”

GeoDeo’s mobile users now account for 39% of the brand’s website visits compared to 19% for TCCD’s Naturally Fresh Deodorant, which doesn’t use a QR code on its packaging.

5. Show how-to videos

There’s no better engagement for your customers than a video presentation about your beauty products with QR codes.

You can also make a video QR code where scanners can learn more about the manufacturing of your product up to its approval process.

This allows you to gain their trust and loyalty that your product is safe and approved by the authorities.

6. Lead them to your social media accounts

You can grow your social media following, visibility, and engagement through a social media QR code or the link in the bio QR code.

This dynamic QR code can store multiple social links and other URLs.

This lets your customers follow you on all social media platforms and build a strong and better social media presence.

Engaging with customers and fostering community is crucial for enhancing online presence.

By placing QR codes on marketing materials or in-store displays, beauty companies can expand their reach and build a community of loyal followers.

QR codes facilitate this by encouraging customers to join the company’s online community, share experiences, and provide feedback, which promotes word-of-mouth marketing.

Customers can scan the QR code and easily share their reviews, photos, and experiences with the company’s products on social media.

This user-generated content strategy adds authenticity and trust to attract potential customers to engage with the company’s social media platforms.

7. Show reviews using a QR code on beauty product packaging

Using a QR code, you can also let your scanners show product reviews of your item to build customer trust and loyalty.

This strategy can help companies provide updated product reviews to ensure accuracy and relevance. Businesses can also use dynamic QR codes to track the number of scans to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness.

Two types of QR codes for cosmetics

There are different types of QR code solutions for varying data types. They can be dynamic or static QR codes.

Now, what is the difference between the two?

Dynamic QR code

Dynamic QR codes are the advanced type because of two main reasons. Here’s the first one: They come with a pre-made short URL that allows you to edit the stored content anytime.

Here’s how it works: The generator software stores your data on a secure cloud and then serves it on a landing page accessible through scanning the code.

The short URL  also allows you to store more complex data other than links like documents, videos, music, and images. Scanners can easily view and download the file after scanning the code.

With the short URL, you can redirect scanners to different landing pages using one QR code by changing its stored information.

You can replace the video in your file QR code with a new one or change the link in your dynamic URL QR code, even after it’s printed or deployed.

Here’s the second reason: Dynamic QR codes also have a QR code tracking system that allows them to track the performance of their QR code marketing campaigns in real time.

Users can access QR code metrics: the number of total and unique scans, the locations of the scans, the devices used by scanners, and the peak scan times.

These data help businesses optimize marketing strategies, target specific audiences more effectively, and measure campaign success.

Static QR code

On the other hand, static QR codes are more known as basic types. They permanently fix your data into the code’s pattern; you cannot change the URL or link embedded.

You need to create a new one to update or make changes to your static QR codes.

The data size can also affect your QR code. The bigger the data size embedded into a static QR code, the more congested and denser the pattern—and these often take time to scan. 

Static QR codes are suitable for personal or one-time use. Most companies use them for storing permanent data, such as serial numbers.

Why you should use a dynamic QR code generator for cosmetics packaging

Dynamic QR code software allows businesses to offer customers new experiences in buying cosmetics products.

Let’s break down the reasons why it can be beneficial for your beauty company to use dynamic QR code software:

Strengthen branding

Incorporating a custom QR code allows you to reinforce your cosmetic brand’s identity by using your logo or brand colors.

This helps customers easily recognize your brand and creates a consistent and recognizable look across your packaging materials.

Enhance consumer engagement

Customized QR codes for cosmetics provide an interactive experience for customers. When scanned, they can direct users to content like tutorials, application techniques, or virtual try-on experiences.

This interactive element adds value to your packaging and creates a memorable and enjoyable customer experience.

Provide detailed information

By linking customized QR codes to specific landing pages, you can provide customers access to comprehensive product information such as ingredients, user reviews, and certifications.

Regularly updating the linked content is also important to ensure accuracy and provide customers with up-to-date information.

How to create custom QR codes for cosmetic products using a QR code generator

1. Go to QR TIGER and log in to your account.

Note: You can sign up for QR TIGER’s freemium plan to enjoy its full features for free if you don’t have an account yet.

2. Select a QR code solution you want.
3. Enter the needed details onto the empty field.
4. Choose Static or Dynamic QR, then click Generate QR code.

Tip: Use a dynamic QR code to edit the data anytime and track it to measure its performance.

5. Customize your QR code and add your business logo.
6. Run a test scan to check if your QR code works.
7. Download and print the QR code on your product packaging.

How to create URL QR codes in bulk for your product packaging

Have you ever wondered, “How do I create QR codes in bulk for my product?” You can now easily do so thanks to QR TIGER—the world’s leading QR code software. 

QR TIGER’s Advanced and Premium plans offer an enterprise-level solution: the bulk QR generator, which can generate up to 3,000 customized URL QR codes with logos in seconds.

To get started, follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your QR TIGER account.
2. Locate the Bulk QR option in the top corner and click on it.
3. Choose and download a CSV template provided on the screen or create your own. Fill in the necessary data in the CSV file.
4. Upload the CSV file containing your data.
5. Select between Dynamic QR or Static QR codes.
6. Click the Generate QR code button.
7. Customize your QR codes by adjusting patterns, eyes, and colors, then add a logo and a frame with a call to action.
8. Choose the output format that suits your printing layout preference.
9. Download your bulk QR codes instantly.

The software can also generate customized URL QR codes with unique numbers and login authentication in bulk for product verification.

Should you require assistance during the bulk QR code generation process, our support team is readily available to help. Contact us without hesitation for prompt service.

Best practices when creating custom QR codes for beauty product packaging

Before you generate your branded QR codes, follow these tips to get the most out of your QR code marketing campaign.

1. Make it unique by adding a logo

Adding your business logo to your cosmetics packaging can create a unique and engaging customer experience.

The added logo enhances the visual appeal of the QR code and reinforces brand recognition, making it easier for customers to identify and remember your cosmetics line.

It creates a distinctive brand messaging that contributes to successful brand awareness campaigns and the growth of your business.

2. Observe the correct color application

Do not invert the QR code’s colors, as this can often make it harder to scan.

3. Do a test scan before printing or deploying your QR code

Ensure your custom QR codes for beauty product packaging function correctly and direct users to the intended destination.

This way, you can identify potential issues and errors and resolve them early on, preventing costly mistakes and enhancing customer satisfaction.

4. Position the QR code strategically on the packaging

Place your branded QR code on an easily visible spot for increased visibility, seamless access to information, and marketing opportunities.

By positioning QR codes in prominent locations, customers are more likely to notice and engage with them, allowing quick access to product details or interactive content.

5. Put a call to action

Most people still don’t know what to do with the QR code, so it’s better to put a call to action (CTA) like “Scan me” to encourage them to scan it.

The CTA also guides them on what action to take after scanning the QR code and motivates customers to interact with it.

This can maximize the marketing potential of the campaign and increase the likelihood of achieving marketing goals such as driving website traffic or boosting sales.

6. Do not over-customize your QR code

Making a custom QR code on beauty packaging design is always advisable to suit your product theme or purpose instead of sticking to the traditional black and white QR.

Less is more when it comes to QR code design. The key here is to make it unique while keeping its scannability optimum.

Go for a simple, professional-looking QR code that resonates with your product and brand personality. Make it unique enough to catch your target market’s attention.

7. Download your QR code in SVG format

Use the scalable vector graphic (SVG) file to resize or stretch your QR code image without affecting quality. This will be useful for QR codes on huge prints like posters and billboards.

Create branded QR codes for cosmetic products today

Incorporating branded QR codes for cosmetics is an ever-evolving strategy that helps you reach your target audience effectively.

These help you engage with your customers by sharing valuable information, exclusive offers, and tutorials on product usage. They can also provide quick, contactless access to product details, ingredients, and reviews.

With a dynamic QR code generator like QR TIGER, you can effortlessly create branded QR codes for your cosmetic products. The software complies with ISO 27001 and GDPR to protect users’ data with the highest privacy and security standards.

Start your QR code journey today with QR TIGER—a reliable QR code software for any business trusted by over 850,000 brands worldwide.