HCT by kdc/one
Globally Patented Cooling Metal Tip Applicators for Cosmetics
HCT is a leader in beauty innovation, maintaining the industry's largest stock packaging library, holding 80+ patents, and developing 100+ new formulas annually. As part of the kdc/one network, HCT is a global beauty packaging and turnkey solutions provider serving the beauty and personal care industry. With offices across the US, Europe, and Asia and owned factories in Asia and Europe, HCT combines integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver stock and custom packaging across color cosmetics, skincare, body and haircare, fragrance, and accessories, supporting clients ranging from indie brands to global beauty leaders.
About Us
- Manufacturing Locations
- Asia |
- Americas |
- Europe
- HQ Locations
- Santa Monica, California
Certifications & Recognitions
Available Services
- End-to-end turnkey development to get to market faster
- Design & development for custom & stock packaging
- In-House Innovation & R&D Support
- Full-service integrated logistics and operational support
Our Expertise
- Patented Cooling Tip Technology™ and precision metal applicators
- Packaging, formulation, brushes, accessories, and devices
- Sustainable packaging: PCR, bio-based, and refillable systems
A One-Stop-Shop From Concept to Completion
HCT is a leading partner for brands looking to get to market faster, launch truly innovative products and build a long-term innovation pipeline. As a one-stop-shop from concept to completion, HCT by kdc/one® offers filling, formulation, stock, and custom capabilities under one roof, guiding brands through every step of the design and development journey. From first concept to final fill, HCT turns big ideas into icons.
The Right Tip for Every Formula
HCT engineers Cooling Tip Technology™ into a full catalog of formats, so the right applicator meets the right formula. Tips span ZAMAC, ceramic, and stainless steel across sizes from 13.5mm to 30mm, paired with tubes built in mono-layer, dual-layer, and five-layer constructions with fill ranges from 3mL up to 120mL. Compatibility runs deep, with tips tested across color cosmetics, skincare, personal care, dermatological treatments, and OTC applications like topical pain relief and first aid. Backed by in-house injection molding, stamping, and electroplating, every component is developed for precise, formula-safe performance at scale.
Trusted by Beauty's Best
12 million+ Cooling Tip Technology™ tips produced every year. 100+ global brands using the patented technology across color and skincare. And 40+ patents protecting the innovation across North America, Europe, and Asia.
From Dior to Ilia and beyond, HCT is the partner behind beauty's most recognizable metal tip applicators, pairing the signature cooling effect with lip balm, lip gloss, eye cream, and skincare bottles alike.
Leading the Pack with Metal Innovation
HCT Metals’ R&D is anchored in a single conviction: better application starts with better engineering. As sole supplier of the globally patented Cooling Tip Technology™ - protected by over 40 patents across North America, Europe, and Asia - HCT continually refines metal performance, material efficiency, and finish quality. Manufactured in 100% controlled facilities with proprietary processes, every innovation is built for real, measurable benefit at scale.
Cooling Tip Technology™
Injection-molded ZAMAC, ceramic, and stainless-steel tips use high thermal conductivity to deliver an instant cooling effect that calms inflammation, swelling, and redness. It's an innovation that turns routine application into a soothing, elevated experience across skincare and color.
Oxidation Protection & Corrosion Resistance
A proprietary final palladium layer gives ZAMAC tips outstanding corrosion resistance and an ultra-smooth, oxidation-proof surface. The result is a nickel-free finish that's extensively tested, safe for delicate areas, and compatible with formulas across many product categories.
Versatile Design & Formats
HCT has taken Cooling Tip Technology™ well beyond flexible tubes, engineering a variety of metal applicators to pair with tottles, airless pump systems, click pens, droppers, and more. Each format comes in a range of finishes, from palladium and gold to rose gold and matte or glossy ceramic, giving brands the freedom to bring the cooling effect to any product in their range.
Meet the Champ Tip Tube: 360° Rotating Cooling Applicator
The Champ Tip Tube brings a new dimension to metal-tip application. Its innovative ZAMAC sphere applicator rotates a full 360 degrees, dispersing product smoothly while delivering a cooling, massaging effect in one motion. Built on a 19mm tube with fill weights from 7mL to 20mL, it's engineered for eye treatments, serums, and targeted skincare that benefit from a soothing, tactile finish. Powered by HCT's patented Cooling Tip Technology™ (ZAMAC Tip ZT143), it turns everyday application into an elevated ritual.
Refillable by Design
Sustainability at HCT starts with the component itself. By building refill and reuse into the packaging, HCT helps brands cut waste without giving up the signature cooling effect by pairing patented Cooling Tip Technology™ with modular systems made to be refilled, swapped, and used again.
Removable Tip Tube
The Removable Tip Tube combines HCT's patented Cooling Tip Technology™ ZAMAC applicators with a modular, more sustainable tube system built for versatility across skincare, color cosmetics, haircare, and more. Interchangeable tip formats (snap-on round or screw-on oval) plus reusable caps make it easy to switch, refill, and reuse, for smarter packaging design that lasts beyond a single product.
Airless Refillable Pump
The Airless Refillable Pump brings the same refill-first thinking to a 15mL airless format. A screw-bottle design lets users remove the collar and tip and drop in a fresh refill, preserving formula integrity while reducing waste. Paired with a ZAMAC Cooling Tip Technology™ applicator, it delivers a cooling sensation to every application making it ideal for serums and targeted skincare treatments.
Setting the Standard for Metal Applicator Tips
As the creator of the globally patented Cooling Tip Technology™, HCT holds a standard that imitators can't match. Every ZAMAC applicator is manufactured in 100% controlled facilities, then polished individually for a smooth, nickel-free finish safe on delicate areas like the eyes and lips. Testing shows infringing tips often fall short, with burrs, scratches, and surfaces prone to rust. That commitment to quality is why the world's most demanding brands trust HCT for custom work, from Dior's award-winning applicator to Benefit's Puff Off! iron tip, Guerlain's custom metal tip, and Hourglass's 24K gold-plated finish.