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Zerun Cosmetic — Turn trends into manufacturable products
Zerun Cosmetic | Personal Care Industry Trends
Zerun Cosmetic transforms global beauty signals into ready-to-ship product systems—from ingredient strategy and texture engineering to packaging selection and on-time production.
We help brands catch the next wave and scale it.
Global Personal-Care Trends Overview
Trends set tomorrow’s brand direction.
Zerun partners with brands in 20+ countries each year. From thousands of OEM/ODM briefs, lab trials, and sample feedback loops, we distill the movements that actually convert.
Clean & Clinical Beauty
Safer, transparent, evidence-backed claims.
Functional Repair
Barrier-first routines with endpoints.
Sensorial Experience
Texture, scent, and after-feel drive repeats.
Sustainable Packaging
Recyclability and PCR content as table-stakes.
Men’s & Specific Care
Simple, targeted solutions for real needs.
Consumer Behavior Insights
Trends begin with choices consumers repeat.
Gen Z and Millennials now steer category velocity.
Ingredient transparency & truthful efficacy (clear use levels + realistic timelines)
Values (sustainable, cruelty-free, low-waste packaging)
Experience (signature scent profiles, weightless textures, non-sticky finish)
Across the last two years, three phrases dominate buyer briefs: “barrier repair,” “additive-free,” “emotional relief.” Consumers are purchasing safety and serenity—not just an INCI list. They value credible benefits with calming experiences, not ingredient stacking for its own sake.
Ingredient & Formulation Innovation
Ingredients are where trends start—and where claims are won.
With 5,000+ verified base formulas and iterative stability data, we see consistent pull toward the following actives:
Quick Facts
Momentum: ↑↑
Use-levels: 2–10% (starter 2–5%; oil control/spot care 5–10%)
Core benefits: Tone evenness, oil balance, barrier support
Best formats: Serums, gels, toners, light creams
Pairings: TXA, arbutin, HA, panthenol, zinc PCA
Stability notes: pH 5.0–6.5, chelators, UV-safe/airless preferred
Narrative
Niacinamide is the most requested “proof-friendly” active—it shows visible tone evenness while calming oil and redness across skin types. It onboards well for beginners when buffered in low-sting gel systems.
For premium lines, we use multi-strength maps (2/5/10%) and tune surfactant residues and emulsion phase to reduce pilling under SPF and makeup. Chelators and oxygen-control packaging help maintain color clarity over shelf life.
Quick Facts
Momentum: ↑
Use-levels: 0.1–0.3% actives (in complex) / 1–5% extracts
Core benefits: Barrier repair, redness relief, post-procedure soothing
Best formats: Essence gels, creams, cica balms, ampoules
Pairings: Panthenol, beta-glucan, ceramides, allantoin
Stability notes: Alcohol-free systems; fragrance-low or FFA-lite
Narrative
Centella stacks win where “calm but not greasy” is the brief. Our alcohol-free soothing bases limit sting while preserving spreadability and quick dry-down, ideal for sensitive-skin SKUs and clinic-adjacent lines.
To lift repurchase, we combine cica + panthenol + ceramides and validate with sensorial panels (no tack, no whitening) plus simple, claim-safe language for retail gates.
Quick Facts
Momentum: ↑↑
Use-levels: 2–10% (filtrates/ferments)
Core benefits: Hydration, radiance, microbiome friendliness
Best formats: Essences, lotions, light serums, mists
Pairings: Pre/Pro/Postbiotics, HA, niacinamide (low %)
Stability notes: Preserve gently; clarity-first water phase
Narrative
Rice ferments bring a “natural yet clinical” story: soft glow, improved smoothness, and a comfortable after-feel. They excel in thin textures that layer under sunscreen without beading.
We build microbiome-supportive stacks—ferments + prebiotic sugars + low-viscosity HA—then tune electrolytes to keep clarity and bounce. The result is hydration that feels weightless, ideal for humid or makeup-heavy routines.
Quick Facts
Momentum: ↑↑
Use-levels: 0.5–5% (by complex)
Core benefits: Firming look, texture resilience, smoothness
Best formats: Serums, creams, eye gels, ampoules
Pairings: Niacinamide, panthenol, antioxidants, HA, collagen-mimetics
Stability notes: Encapsulation/slow-release, light/air control, gentle heat
Narrative
Peptides differentiate premium SKUs when texture elegance meets believable timelines. We deploy encapsulation or slow-release carriers so peptides persist through use, paired with humectant films for immediate softness.
For marketing/claims alignment, we pre-map storylines (firming/smoothing/anti-fatigue) to format + peptide family and ensure compatibility with acids and retinoids in layered routines.
Quick Facts
Momentum: ↑
Use-levels: 0.1–1%
Core benefits: Scalp vitality, de-puffing feel, root refresh
Best formats: Leave-on tonics, scalp serums, lightweight mists
Pairings: Niacinamide (low %), zinc PCA, panthenol, botanical soothers
Stability notes: Mild surfactant systems; fragrance-low, cooling optional
Narrative
Scalp shoppers want clean roots without squeak and tonics that don’t weigh down styling. Our caffeine leave-ons use film-light polymers for lift, plus niacinamide/zinc PCA for oil/odor management.
We balance cool-touch sensorial with low allergen fragrance and measured viscosity so droppers/spray valves dose consistently—key to repeat purchase on marketplaces.
Texture & Sensorial Trends
From effect to feeling: experience is the new retention lever.
Future wins are not only what the product does, but how it feels while doing it. In our lab, each texture, scent, and touchpoint is engineered to deliver a specific emotional state without compromising claims.
Playlist
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Three experience arcs to build for:
- Feather-light, fast-absorb: Sheer serums/gels that vanish under SPF/makeup; zero residue for oily/combination skin.
- Aromatherapeutic profiles: Plant-led signatures with mindful top/mid/base; low-allergen palettes to reduce returns.
- Thermal sensations: Cool-touch or warm-melt polymers for instant feedback (great for social demos and trials).
Sustainability & Packaging Innovation
Eco design turns brand values into shelf reality.
Over 60% of tender requests now score packaging sustainability as a top criterion. With in-house packaging partners, Zerun offers:
Brand & Channel Dynamics
Winning trends also win in routes-to-market.
DTC & Amazon Beauty Brands
FBA-ready packout: inner seals/reducers, bubble/box specs, carton labels, 6-side ship tests.
Agile SKU trees: size tiers, bundle/kit builds, seasonal limiteds without new CPSR each time (where applicable).
PDP toolkit: white-bg imagery (Amazon-compliant), A+ modules, comparison charts, FAQ blocks.
Compliance first: INCI/claims review for US/EU; IFRA level checks; on-pack directions.
Reorder stability: locked specs + retain samples; batch COA snapshots for case opening.
Pricing architecture: COGS ladders for single, 2-pack, 3-pack, and subscribe-&-save.
Logistics speed: cartonization templates, mixed-SKU master cases, pre-print FNSKU support.
Salon & Spa Line Brands
Claims mapping: barrier/soothing/firming tied to testable endpoints (TEWL, redness scores, glide/break).
Clinic-friendly formats: fragrance-low, dye-free, airless systems; pro backbar + retail twins.
Evidence kit: stability summaries, compatibility notes, suggested protocols & post-procedure care.
Line architecture: cleanse → prep → treat → seal, with simple tiering (core/plus/pro).
Training & POS: one-pagers, regimen charts, shelf talkers, QR to usage videos.
Refill/sustainability: PCR airless, glass droppers, aluminum tubes; mono-material options.
Regional compliance: INCI lists, warning statements, batch traceability for audits.
Beauty Chain Brands
Retail readiness: planogram-fit sizes, shelf-ready packaging (SRP), anti-tamper seals, tester policy packs.
Compliance bundle: INCI/claims review for US/EU, multilingual artwork, barcodes (GS1-128/FNSKU), batch & lot traceability.
Supply assurance: OTIF production windows, vendor manuals onboarding, EDI-friendly docs, rolling safety stock plans.
Line architecture: core/plus/seasonal capsule drops and gift sets; harmonized scents & textures across price tiers.
Co-op marketing assets: end-cap visuals, regimen charts, QR video guides, staff training one-pagers.
Sustainability badges: PCR options, mono-material pumps, FSC papers with claim-safe copy for shelf tags.
The Zerun Method - From trend to product: a repeatable, low-risk path.
At Zerun, trends aren’t talks—they’re production schedules.
What we do: Synthesize market/consumer/lab signals into a Quarterly Trend Radar.
Buyer value: Clarity on where to place your next SKU and why it wins.
Artifacts: Radar snapshot, early claim map, competitor gaps
What we do:Convert the insight into a benefit-led story (claims, textures, pack).
Buyer value:Differentiated positioning with costed BOMs and launchable formats.
Artifacts: Claims matrix, format short-list, pack mood + price tiers.
What we do: Bench work, stability & compatibility, sensorial panels.
Buyer value: Evidence before artwork/POs; fewer surprises post-launch.
Artifacts: Stability summary, onboarding guidance, layer-with-SPF notes.
What we do: 7-day sampling / ~30-day productionwith locked specs and FBA/retail-ready packout.
Buyer value: Shorter time-to-revenue and OTIF reliability.
Artifacts: COA snapshots, cartonization, barcode files, care leaflets.
More FAQs
Q: What’s the typical MOQ and can we run a pilot before a nationwide launch?
A: For most private-label SKUs we start at 500–1,000 units per formula, with packaging choices affecting exact MOQ. We recommend a pilot run (e.g., 500 units or a mixed case of 2–3 variants) to validate conversion and reviews before scaling. Pilots include locked BOMs, batch COA snapshots, and retain samples so reorders stay consistent. If you’re planning retail or FBA, we can align cartonization and labels from day one to avoid repacks later. Once metrics prove out, scale paths (3k–10k+) are straightforward with the same specs.
Q: How long do samples and production take—and what does the critical path look like?
A: Samples ship in ~7 business days for library bases and 10–15 days for custom tweaks. Once you sign off formula, artwork, and pack specs, typical production is ~30 days, with longer timelines for bespoke molds or glass. The fastest path: approve claims/INCI, choose packaging from stocked options, and submit print-ready files early. We run stability checks, filling trials, and packing tests in parallel to compress the schedule. For seasonal drops, we can stage rolling POs and safety stock to protect on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery.
Q: Can you help with claims, INCI lists, and compliance for US/EU (and marketplaces)?
A: Yes—your copy and artwork go through INCI/claims review to keep language cosmetic-compliant and marketplace-safe. For EU lines we align with CPSR/label norms; for fragrance we verify IFRA levels. We supply COA snapshots, ingredient disclosures, and usage directions to reduce returns. For Amazon/Temu, we support A+ content structures, comparison charts, and compliant image sets. Region-specific do/don’t phrasing is included so you avoid medical claims. If you sell globally, we can localize multi-language panels and warnings within your dielines.
Q: What testing is included (stability, compatibility, preservative-efficacy), and when is external testing needed?
A: Every custom formula undergoes accelerated stability (temp/light), packaging compatibility, and microbiological screening; for risk profiles we can add preservative-efficacy testing (PET). We check color/viscosity drift, phase behavior, pH, and odor over time, plus shipping simulations for valves/tubes. External clinicals (e.g., instrumental TEWL/redness) are optional and quoted case-by-case. We document onboarding guidance to minimize irritation with actives. You receive a concise stability summary for sales enablement and, if required, full reports for retail review.
Q: How do pricing tiers work—what drives cost and where can we optimize COGS?
A: COGS are driven by actives level, packaging (airless/glass/aluminum), filling complexity, and order size. We provide a laddered quote: single unit, 2-pack, 3-pack, and bundle kits so you can design margin by channel. Quick optimizations: pick stocked packaging, align colorways with shared supply, and minimize last-minute artwork changes. For DTC, we can propose launch kits (hero + 2 variants) that reuse components. For retail, cartonization and shelf-ready packaging reduce store labor and damage, protecting margin downstream.
Q: Do we own the formula—can we request exclusivity in our market?
A: For custom developments, we can contract market/region exclusivity tied to purchase volumes and timelines; for library bases with light customization, exclusivity may be limited. We maintain the master formula and QC specs; you receive the full INCI declaration and claim-safe copy. If you need a full tech transfer later, that can be scoped separately. Either way, we keep retains and COAs for each batch so you can precisely reorder. IP clauses and white-label boundaries are defined in your MSA/SOW.
Q: Which packaging is best for actives—and how do we balance sustainability with stability?
A: For oxidation-sensitive actives, choose airless/opaque packs, reducers, and UV-safe components. Amber/frosted glass and aluminum tubes perform well for oils and anhydrous formats. Sustainability options include PCR content, mono-material pumps, and no-shrink FSC boxes. We’ll test compatibility (sorption, stress cracking), set realistic PCR percentages, and specify inks/coatings that pass IFRA and retailer checks. Our rule: claims and shelf life first, then layer eco wins that don’t compromise formula integrity or consumer experience.
Q: How do you support Amazon/FBA and marketplace logistics from day one?
A: We deliver FBA-ready kits: inner seals/reducers, bubble/box specs, carton labels, and 6-side ship tests. We can pre-print FNSKU/GS1 barcodes, provide white-background hero shots, and structure PDP content (A+ sections, comparison tables, FAQ). For bundles and multipacks, we optimize cartonization to hit fee brackets and reduce damage. Batch COA snapshots and retain samples support case openings. We’ll also suggest pilot quantities and staggered POs so you stay in stock while protecting cash flow during ramp-up.
Q: Can you support vegan/cruelty-free, fragrance-free, or low-allergen builds?
A: Absolutely. We can source vegan raw materials, confirm cruelty-free statements from suppliers, and design fragrance-free or IFRA-aware low-allergen scent profiles. For sensitive-skin lines, we tune pH, surfactants, and humectants for low sting and fast dry-down, and include onboarding language (patch-test, frequency) to reduce returns. For marketing, we provide claim-safe phrasing and ingredient rationale. Note that third-party certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny) require separate audits—happy to coordinate documentation for your submission.
Q: What shipping terms, payment options, and risk controls do you offer for international buyers?
A: We support EXW/FOB/CIF/DDP depending on your lane and budget. Payment terms are quoted by project stage and buyer profile; deposits apply to custom developments. For risk control, we run pre-shipment QA, photo proof of packout, and provide cartonization details ahead of booking. When speed matters, we can split shipments or hold safety stock for rolling releases. Customs docs (MSDS where needed, ingredient statements, invoices, HS codes) are prepared accurately to minimize clearance delays and protect OTIF performance.
Built your Beauty Brand Line Today
We welcome brand houses, startups, marketplace sellers, salon networks, and R&D teams to join our Trend Co-Creation Program—where commercial ideas meet manufacturability.
