The global skincare industry is booming, with a projected market value of $200 billion by 2030. For startups looking to carve out their niche in this competitive landscape, private label skincare manufacturing offers a golden opportunity to launch a brand without the heavy upfront costs of in-house production. As a trusted skincare OEM/ODM factory based in China, Divo has partnered with hundreds of startups worldwide to turn their vision into shelf-ready products. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of private label manufacturing—from formulating your first product to scaling your brand.
For startups, private label manufacturing (also called white-label or contract manufacturing) is the most efficient way to enter the market. Here’s why:
- Cost Efficiency: Avoid investing in factories, equipment, or R&D labs.
- Speed to Market: Leverage existing formulations and streamlined production processes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Work with experts (like Divo) who understand global standards (e.g., FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, ISO certifications).
- Customization: Tailor products to your brand’s ethos, whether it’s vegan, cruelty-free, or sustainable skincare.
To stand out, align your brand with these consumer-driven trends:
- Clean Beauty: 72% of consumers prioritize products free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
- Blue Beauty: Eco-conscious packaging (e.g., biodegradable tubes, refillable containers).
- Skinimalism: Multifunctional products like moisturizer-serum hybrids or SPF-infused day creams.
- Personalization: Customizable formulas based on skin types or concerns.
Not all manufacturers are created equal. Here’s what startups should prioritize:
Ensure your partner holds:
- ISO 22716 (Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices)
- Halal/Kosher certifications (if targeting specific markets)
- REACH/CPNP compliance for EU distribution.
At Divo, we also provide third-party lab testing and full ingredient transparency to meet global regulatory requirements.
Startups often struggle with high MOQs. Look for manufacturers offering flexible MOQs (e.g., 500–1,000 units per SKU). Divo’s MOQs start at 500 units, ideal for testing new products.
Can the manufacturer adapt to your needs? For example:
- Vegan alternatives: Swap beeswax for candelilla wax.
- Sensitive skin: Remove alcohol or fragrances.
- Anti-aging innovations: Add trending actives like bakuchiol or tremella mushroom extract.
Divo’s in-house lab can develop custom formulations in 4–6 weeks or modify our library of 200+ proven formulas.
Here’s how Divo guides startups through a seamless 6-step journey:
- Consultation: Share your vision (e.g., “a clean sunscreen for acne-prone skin”).
- Formula Selection: Choose from existing formulations or request a custom recipe.
- Sampling: Receive lab samples within 10 days for approval.
- Branding & Packaging: Design labels, boxes, or eco-friendly tubes with our design team.
- Production: Bulk manufacturing in 15–30 days, depending on order size.
- Logistics: Door-to-door shipping with FDA-compliant documentation.
Understanding costs upfront helps avoid surprises:
| Expense |
Average Cost |
| Custom formulation |
free（need moq） |
| Lab samples |
$10–$100 (deductible from bulk orders) |
| Production (1,000 units) |
$3–$8 per unit (varies by formula/packaging) |
| Packaging design |
Complimentary with Divo’s partnership |
Tip: Start with 2–3 hero products (e.g., a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer) to build a cohesive routine.
6. Case Study: How Divo Helped “Glow & Green” Scale to 10 Countries
Background: A UK-based startup wanted to launch a vegan, plastic-free skincare line but struggled to find a manufacturer that aligned with their sustainability goals and budget.
Challenges:
- Low MOQ: Needed small batches (500 units/SKU) to test demand.
- Complex Formulations: Required reef-safe sunscreens and waterless serums.
- Eco-Packaging: Sourced biodegradable sugarcane tubes and seed paper labels.
Divo’s Solutions:
- Adapted 3 existing formulations to meet vegan/cruelty-free standards.
- Developed custom compostable packaging with a 30% cost reduction versus EU suppliers.
- Provided end-to-end logistics, including EU CPNP registration.
Results:
- Launched with 3 SKUs in 6 months.
- Achieved £200k in Y1 sales and expanded to 10 countries via Amazon and boutique retailers.
- Featured in Vogue UK’s “Top Sustainable Beauty Brands 2024.”
Even the best products need strategic marketing to succeed. Here’s how to build buzz:
Highlight your brand’s mission (e.g., “1% of sales fund ocean cleanup”). Glow & Green’s “Skincare for the Planet” narrative drove a 40% increase in social media engagement.
Collaborate with micro-influencers (10k–50k followers) for authentic reviews. Offer free samples in exchange for unboxing videos or tutorials.
Optimize product pages for keywords like “vegan moisturizer for sensitive skin” or “clean beauty subscription box”. Publish blogs on skincare trends to drive organic traffic.
Offer curated skincare boxes (e.g., “Acne Relief Kit” or “Aging Gracefully Bundle”) to boost customer lifetime value.
Learn from others’ mistakes:
- Skipping Market Research: Test concepts with surveys or focus groups.
- Overcompliance: Ensure your manufacturer handles regional regulations (e.g., FDA for the US, SCCS for the EU).
- Ignoring Shelf Life: Work with labs to optimize preservation (2–3 years for most creams).
With 15+ years of experience, Divo combines cutting-edge R&D with startup-friendly flexibility:
- End-to-End Services: From formulation to fulfillment.
- Sustainability Leadership: Zero-waste facilities, carbon-neutral shipping options.
- Transparency: Real-time production updates via our client portal.
- Scalability: Ramp production from 500 to 50,000 units without quality compromises.
Ready to launch your skincare brand? Here’s how:
- Submit Your Requirements: Fill out our brief form at divo.com/contact.
- Free Consultation: Discuss your vision with our skincare experts.
- Receive Samples: Approve your formula and packaging within 2 weeks.
- Go to Market: We handle the rest while you focus on growing your brand.
Final Thoughts
Private label skincare manufacturing is the smartest path for startups to compete with established brands. By partnering with a trusted manufacturer like Divo, you gain access to industry expertise, cost efficiencies, and scalable solutions—all while maintaining full creative control over your brand.
Whether you’re formulating a microbiome-friendly face oil or a CBD-infused night cream, Divo’s team is here to turn your vision into reality. Let’s build the next generation of skincare together.
📞 Contact Divo Today: Email us or WhatsApp to request a free quote.
