What Label Materials are Best for Shampoo and Body Wash Bottles?

If you’re looking for label materials that can stand up to water, humidity, and daily handling without losing their grip or good looks, you’re in the right place. We’ve printed our fair share of shampoo and body wash labels, and there’s one material we keep recommending: MDO.

MDO: Our Top Pick for Shampoo and Body Wash Bottles

MDO (machine direction oriented) film is a type of BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), a plastic film used widely in durable product labeling. MDO is engineered for enhanced flexibility and clarity. In short: it flexes where it needs to, stays flat where it matters, and holds up through filling lines, transit, shelf life, and steamy showers.

Why we recommend MDO:

• Designed for squeezable bottles. Unlike standard BOPP or PET, MDO flexes across the width of the label without wrinkling or peeling.
• Clear and vibrant. With a haze rating up to 30% lower than standard films, MDO delivers sharper visual clarity and vibrant shelf appeal.
• Waterproof and durable. MDO holds strong in the shower, on wet shelves, and during repeat handling.
• Conformable without sacrificing strength. It resists stretching compared to other conformable films, and it hugs tight around curved bottles.

When to consider MDO:

• You’re labeling squeezable shampoo, conditioner, or body wash bottles.
• You want the option of a “no-label look” with excellent clarity.
• You need labels that will last through shipping, shelf life, and steamy showers.

BOPP: A Solid Choice with Some Flexibility Limits

BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) is also a viable label option for many personal care products. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to print on.

Pros:

• Excellent print quality with gloss, soft touch, or matte finishes.
• Strong water and oil resistance.
• Good chemical and abrasion durability.

Cons:

• Not ideal for squeezable containers. Can wrinkle  too much under compression.
• Slightly more rigid than MDO, which may impact application on curved or flexible packaging.

Best for:

• Rigid shampoo bottles.
• Products stored in wet environments but not squeezed.
• Brands seeking durability on a budget.

PET: More Rigid

PET holds up well to scratches and moisture.

Pros:

• Clear options and durable.
• Strong resistance to water, oils, and chemicals.
• Ideal for high-end shelf appeal and scratch resistance.

Cons:

• Very rigid—not suitable for squeezable bottles. That rigidity means the label won’t flex with the bottle and could peel or wrinkle over time.
• Slightly more expensive than BOPP or MDO

Best for:

• Glass or rigid plastic bottles
• Premium product lines where clarity and rigidity are more important than flexibility

Paper: Only for Dry, Decorative, or Secondary Packaging

Paper labels have a high-quality feel  and print beautifully, but they don’t belong in the shower.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Excellent print quality and texture options for a more tactile feel.

Cons:

• Poor water resistance.
• Tears and discolors easily when wet.
• Not suitable for humid or abrasive environments.

Best for:

• Outer cartons or gift boxes.
• Products stored away from moisture.
• Brands prioritizing a natural or artisan look.

Finishing & Environmental Considerations

Regardless of the material, label performance depends on:

• Adhesive pairing. Make sure your adhesive is compatible with your bottle type (HDPE, PET, etc.—common types of plastic used in shampoo bottles). We’ll work with you to make sure it performs reliably through production, shipping, and use.
• Lamination. Gloss, matte, or soft-touch lamination can add durability and change the tactile feel.
• UV coatings or varnishes. For added scratch and moisture protection.
• Shelf and usage environment. Humidity, temperature, abrasion, and handling all affect performance.
• Need to meet sustainability goals or compliance requirements? Many BOPP, MDO, and PET constructions can be spec’d to meet FDA labeling standards or support mono-material recyclability.

Quick Comparison

What We Recommend (and Why)

• Best material for squeezable shampoo or body wash bottles: MDO–Offers the right balance of clarity, flexibility, and durability, especially under squeeze stress.
• Best material for rigid plastic or glass bottles: PET–durable, ideal for premium branding.
• Most cost-effective waterproof label material: BOPP–Durable, widely used, and great for many rigid applications.
• Best for dry packaging or cartons: Paper–Delivers strong shelf appeal for decorative or secondary packaging.

If your label needs to survive a steamy bathroom and constant handling (or squeezing), your choice of material matters. We recommend MDO for most shampoo and body wash bottles, especially when flexibility and moisture resistance are must-haves.

Not sure which material makes sense for your packaging? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.