How Our Private Label Skincare Manufacturing Process Works Step by Step
1. Cosmetic Manufacturing Process Steps
Step 1
(1-2 working days)
Concept & Planning:
Define your cosmetic product concept and target market through thorough research and a clear product brief.
Client Actions
• Define product idea
• Identify target market
• Share brand vision or competitor examples
Manufacturer Services
• Provide market trend insights
• Assist with product brief
• Evaluate feasibility & MOQ
Step 2
(3-5 working days) + sample shipment 5-7 working days
Formulation R&D:
Work with cosmetic chemists to develop a stable, effective formula using high-quality ingredients.
Client Actions
• Confirm desired functions (e.g. anti-aging)
• List preferred/avoided ingredients
• Review initial formula draft
Manufacturer Services
• Develop sample formulas
• Suggest active ingredients
• Ensure formulation meets safety & legal standards
Step 3
(1-2 working days)
Prototype Testing & Refinement:
Conduct stability, safety, and efficacy tests on lab samples; refine the formula based on results.
Client Actions
• Test samples and give feedback
• Request texture or scent adjustments
• Approve final formula
Manufacturer Services
• Conduct stability & safety tests
• Refine formula as needed
• Provide final test samples
Step 4
(2-3 working days)
Packaging Design & Sourcing:
Create functional, attractive packaging and source suitable containers that protect the product and align with your brand identity.
Client Actions
• Provide brand assets (logo, color palette)
• Select bottle/jar type
• Approve label design
Manufacturer Services
• Offer packaging options & mockups
• Design custom labels & boxes
• Ensure packaging compliance
Step 5
(15-20 working days)
Manufacturing & Filling:
Produce the cosmetics in bulk at a certified facility, blending ingredients and filling the formula into final containers.
Client Actions
• Confirm final product specs
• Place bulk order
• Make deposit payment
Manufacturer Services
• Blend & produce in certified facility
• Fill product into final containers
• Manage production schedule
Step 6
(1-2 working days)
Quality Control & Compliance:
Inspect finished products to ensure they meet rigorous quality standards and all regulatory requirements before approval.
Client Actions
• Await quality inspection report
• Request third-party testing if needed
Manufacturer Services
• Perform full QC checks
• Provide COA, MSDS, compliance docs
• Ensure local/global regulation compliance
Step 7
(15-40 working days per batch order shipment way)
Ready for Market:
Pack and label the final products, prepare inventory, and get ready to distribute your product or launch to customers.
Client Actions
• Organize launch logistics
• Prepare marketing materials
• Receive inventory
Manufacturer Services
• Label & pack finished goods
• Support shipping & export paperwork
• Offer reordering & after-sales support
2. How to Private Label a Product
Step 1
(1-2 working days)
Brand Vision & Niche:
Define your brand identity, product niche, and unique selling points to differentiate your cosmetic line in the market.
Client Actions
• Define brand mission & voice
• Identify target audience & product niche
• Highlight key selling points
Manufacturer Services
• Offer trend and market insights
• Validate product concept feasibility
• Recommend suitable categories
Step 2
(1-2 working days)
Select Trusted Manufacturer:
Research and choose a reputable private label cosmetics manufacturer that offers quality formulas and flexible production options.
Client Actions
• Research manufacturer’s experience
• Compare quality, MOQs, lead time
• Request product catalog & references
Manufacturer Services
• Share company profile & certifications
• Provide product range & capabilities
• Explain service process and terms
Step 3
(3-5 working days) + sample shipment 5-7 working days
Choose or Customize Formula:
Pick an existing formula from the manufacturer’s catalog or collaborate on a custom formulation tailored to your brand’s needs.
Client Actions
• Select ready-made or request custom
• Communicate performance & ingredient needs
• Approve sample and give feedback
Manufacturer Services
• Offer existing formulas to choose from
• Develop custom samples if needed
• Adjust formula per feedback
Step 4
(2-3 working days)
Packaging & Label Design:
Design branded packaging and labels that reflect your brand’s aesthetics, including all necessary product information and ingredients.
Client Actions
• Provide logo, colors, and design brief
• Choose container style and size
• Approve label content and compliance text
Manufacturer Services
• Share packaging options & dielines
• Support with custom design & layout
• Ensure label meets legal standards
Step 5
(3-5 working days for MSDS, but the registeration documents per the certification type)
Compliance & Registration:
Ensure your product meets all regulatory requirements – proper ingredient listings, safety testing, and any required certifications or registrations.
Client Actions
• Review local market regulations
• Submit product info if registration is required
• Ensure marketing claims are compliant
Manufacturer Services
• Provide full INCI list & MSDS
• Support safety tests or certifications
• Help with product registration documents
Step 6
(15-20 working days)
Order Production Run:
Place your order with the manufacturer, confirm batch size and packaging details, and kick off production of your private label products.
Client Actions
• Confirm final specs and quantities
• Place order and arrange payment
• Approve final mock-up
Manufacturer Services
• Schedule production timeline
• Manufacture, fill, and assemble product
• Provide order progress updates
Step 7
(15-40 working days per batch order shipment way)
Launch Your Brand:
Receive the finished products, stock your inventory, and launch your cosmetic line with a marketing plan to reach your target customers.
Client Actions
• Receive finished goods
• Stock inventory and prep logistics
• Launch with a marketing strategy
Manufacturer Services
• Pack & ship final products
• Offer shipping support & documentation
• Provide ongoing reorder support
3. OEM Partnership Process
Step 1
(1-2 working days)
Initial Consultation:
Contact the OEM manufacturer and share your product concept, requirements, and goals to kick-start the partnership.
Client Actions
• Reach out to OEM partner
• Share product concept & goals
• Clarify target market & expectations
Manufacturer Services
• Respond to inquiry promptly
• Gather client requirements
• Provide initial feasibility advice
Step 2
(1-2 working days)
Project Proposal & Quotation:
Receive a tailored manufacturing proposal from the OEM, including formulation options, cost estimates, and timeline for production.
Client Actions
• Review formulation & packaging options
• Evaluate pricing, MOQ, lead time
• Give feedback or request adjustments
Manufacturer Services
• Prepare tailored proposal
• Offer cost breakdown & timeline
• Suggest formulation strategies
Step 3
(3-5 working days + sample shipment 5-7 working days)
Co-Development & Sampling:
Collaborate with the OEM’s R&D team to refine the formula and packaging; the manufacturer produces sample prototypes for your evaluation and feedback.
Client Actions
• Confirm desired features and ingredients
• Test product samples & provide feedback
• Approve formula and packaging
Manufacturer Services
• Develop and refine formulas
• Produce prototypes & adjust as needed
• Support packaging development
Step 4
(2-3 working days)
Contract & Agreement:
Finalize the manufacturing agreement, confirming order volume, pricing, quality standards, and production timelines before moving forward.
Client Actions
• Review manufacturing agreement
• Confirm order quantity & price
• Sign final contract
Manufacturer Services
• Draft OEM agreement & confirm terms
• Define QC standards and timelines
• Finalize project scope
Step 5
(15-20 working days)
Production & Quality Control:
The OEM manufactures your product at scale, adhering to strict quality control checks and industry standards throughout the production run.
Client Actions
• Track production progress
• Stay available for urgent decisions
• Prepare for inventory storage or sales
Manufacturer Services
• Manufacture in certified facilities
• Perform strict quality control
• Maintain detailed production records
Step 6
(15-40 working days per deliver country and shipment way)
Delivery & Ongoing Support:
Finished products are packaged and shipped to you. The OEM partner continues to support with reorders, feedback, and any new product development needs.
Client Actions
• Receive and inspect final products
• Launch or stock products
• Provide feedback or place reorders
Manufacturer Services
• Handle packing and shipping logistics
• Support reorders and product updates
• Offer continued R&D collaboration
4 .From Concept to Product Manufacturing
Step 1
(1-2 working days)
Ideation & Market Research:
Brainstorm innovative product ideas and research market trends, consumer needs, and gaps to fill in the personal care market.
Client Actions
• Brainstorm product ideas
• Identify market gaps & consumer needs
• Research industry trends
Manufacturer Services
• Share insights on trending product types
• Offer competitor benchmarks
• Validate feasibility based on market data
Step 2
(3-5 working days)
Product Specification:
Define a detailed product brief, including desired ingredients, features, target price point, and any unique formulation requirements for your cosmetic.
Client Actions
• Create detailed product brief
• Define ingredient preferences
• Set price goals & target audience
Manufacturer Services
• Review and refine brief with client
• Recommend functional ingredients
• Suggest formats to match market needs
Step 3
(3-5 working days + sample shipment 5-7 working days)
Formulation & Prototyping:
Work with chemists to develop the formula and create lab prototypes. Test each prototype for efficacy, stability, and safety, refining as needed.
Client Actions
• Review & test lab samples
• Give feedback on texture, scent, efficacy
• Approve refined prototype
Manufacturer Services
• Develop lab samples with chemists
• Conduct safety/stability testing
• Adjust formula based on feedback
Step 4
(2-3 working days)
Branding & Packaging:
Design your product’s branding – logo, graphics, and packaging design – and choose packaging materials that are functional, appealing, and on-brand.
Client Actions
• Provide brand logo & visual assets
• Approve packaging design & label content
• Choose container type & finish
Manufacturer Services
• Offer packaging and labeling templates
• Assist with artwork & layout setup
• Ensure packaging meets functional needs
Step 5
(1-2 working days)
Regulatory Compliance:
Verify that your formula and labels meet all cosmetic regulations and safety standards in your target market before proceeding to production.
Client Actions
• Understand regulations in target market
• Approve final ingredient and label list
• Submit product for registration if needed
Manufacturer Services
• Provide INCI, MSDS & safety data
• Ensure formula & label compliance
• Support with documentation & testing
Step 6
(1-3 working days)
Mass Production Planning:
Select a capable manufacturer, secure high-quality raw materials, and schedule the production run – optimizing for cost efficiency and timeline.
Client Actions
• Approve final specs & order plan
• Confirm MOQ, budget, lead time
• Schedule production slot
Manufacturer Services
• Secure raw materials and packaging
• Finalize production schedule
• Optimize cost and delivery planning
Step 7
(15-20 working days per batch order quantities)
Manufacturing & Quality Control:
Scale up manufacturing in a GMP-certified facility, where each batch is produced under strict quality checks to meet your specifications.
Client Actions
• Monitor production timeline
• Request updates or factory visits (if needed)
• Prepare warehouse or sales channels
Manufacturer Services
• Manufacture in GMP-certified facility
• Perform batch testing & QC checks
• Document results and provide reports
Step 8
(15-40 working days per deliver country and shipment way)
Launch & Distribution:
Prepare logistics and marketing for product release. Ship the finished goods to your distribution channels and launch the product to customers.
Client Actions
• Arrange shipping & logistics
• Launch product with marketing campaign
• Manage post-launch feedback or restocking
Manufacturer Services
• Pack and ship finished goods
• Support export documentation
• Offer after-sales support & reordering
Ready To Private label Your Perfect cosmetic products？
- Our team will answer your inquiries within 12 hours.
- Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
We work with global cosmetic brands. Contact Zerun Cosmetic team now to custom your cosmetic brands and get sample:
