💄 Private Label Cosmetics Manufacturers for Startups (MOQs, Lead Times & Tips)
Dreaming of your own makeup line but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Private label cosmetics manufacturers make it possible to launch your beauty brand without owning a factory or handling formulas yourself. In this guide, I’ve listed top private label cosmetics manufacturers that work with startups — offering low MOQs, flexible branding options, and export support. You’ll also find tips for choosing the right lab, understanding lead times, and protecting your formulations.
✨ Don’t miss the Beauty Starter Kit — it includes my supplier vetting checklist and packaging planner.
💡 What Is Private Label Cosmetics Manufacturing?
Private labeling means buying pre-formulated beauty products from a lab and branding them as your own.
The lab handles production, ingredient sourcing, and quality testing — you focus on branding, packaging, and marketing.
Common product categories include:
Skincare (serums, creams, cleansers)
Makeup (lipsticks, powders, foundations)
Haircare (shampoos, oils, conditioners)
Body care (lotions, scrubs, soaps)
💬 Issy’s note: This model lets small business owners test ideas quickly without huge startup costs — a low-risk way to enter the $600B+ global beauty indust
| # | Company | Website | Category | MOQ | Ships Worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vox Cosmetics | voxcosmetics.com | Makeup & skincare | 50 units | ✅ |
| 2 | Lady Burd Cosmetics | ladyburd.com | Full beauty line | 24–48 units | ✅ |
| 3 | RainShadow Labs | rainshadowlabs.com | Skincare | 12+ per product | ✅ |
| 4 | Radical Cosmetics | radicalcosmetics.com | Color cosmetics | Custom MOQ | ✅ |
| 5 | Onoxa | onoxa.com | Skincare & beard care | 12 units | ✅ |
| 6 | MakeUp Factory | makeup-factory.com | Makeup | Varies | ✅ |
| 7 | Audrey Morris Cosmetics | audreymorriscosmetics.com | Skincare & makeup | 12–24 | ✅ |
| 8 | Your Name Professional Brands | yournamepro.com | Makeup | 24 | ✅ |
| 9 | PrivateLabelDermalab | privatelabeldermalab.com | Clinical skincare | 10–20 | ✅ |
| 10 | Dermapro | dermapro.com | Spa-grade skincare | 20 | ✅ |
💡 Many of these suppliers allow small MOQs (as low as 12 units), making them ideal for new brands that want to test product performance before scaling.
🧪 How the Private Label Process Works
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Choose Your Products – Start with 2–4 hero products like serum, cleanser, or lipstick.
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Request Samples – Test texture, scent, and packaging quality.
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Brand Customization – Upload your logo, choose labels, and pick packaging colors.
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Confirm MOQ & Price – Labs will send a quotation based on your quantity.
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Production & Lead Time – Average production time: 2–6 weeks.
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Shipping & Launch – Receive final products, take photos, and prepare your launch plan.
🎯 Pro Tip: Order samples from at least 3 suppliers before choosing your final manufacturer.
🪞 How to Choose the Right Manufacturer
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MOQ & Flexibility: Choose labs that allow low quantities or mixed products.
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Formulation Quality: Check ingredients and ensure they meet FDA/EU standards.
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Packaging Options: The more customizable, the better for your branding.
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Export Support: Ask if they can handle international documentation (COA, MSDS).
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Responsiveness: Communication is key — avoid suppliers who take weeks to reply.
💡 Issy’s Tip: Always ask for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for each product. It proves your products meet safety and transport regulations.
💅 Packaging & Branding Essentials
Your packaging is your first impression — and often what customers remember most.
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Use minimal, modern packaging with clear labeling.
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Always include ingredients list, expiration date, and batch code.
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For eco-friendly brands, choose recyclable or refillable containers.
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Label design tip: Keep fonts clean and legible — small text won’t print clearly on tubes or jars.
If you’re working with an overseas manufacturer, ask for digital label proofing before printing.
💰 Typical Pricing & Margins
Private label pricing depends on MOQ and customization:
| Product Type | Avg. Cost (USD) | Retail Price | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lip gloss | $3.00 | $12–15 | 4× |
| Serum | $5.50 | $25–40 | 4–6× |
| Face cream | $6.00 | $28–45 | 3–5× |
| Shampoo | $4.00 | $15–25 | 3–4× |
Always test your profitability with my Break-Even Calculator before bulk ordering.
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🧠 Common Mistakes New Brands Make
Skipping product testing. Always test for skin sensitivity and stability.
Ordering too many SKUs. Start with 3–5 bestsellers before expanding.
Neglecting labeling laws. Each country has specific cosmetic compliance standards.
Not checking lead times. Some labs have 8–12 week backlogs.
Choosing price over quality. Cheap formulations can damage your brand image.
🔗 Related Resources on IssyMiano.com
❓ FAQs
1. What’s the difference between private label and contract manufacturing?
Private label means using pre-made formulas under your brand. Contract manufacturing develops custom formulas from scratch.
2. What’s the typical MOQ for private label cosmetics?
Most beginner-friendly manufacturers start at 12–50 units per SKU.
3. How long does it take to produce my products?
Lead time ranges from 2–6 weeks after design and payment approval.
4. Can I request custom packaging or scents?
Yes, but it may raise your MOQ. Most manufacturers offer standard and premium customization tiers.
5. How can I sell internationally?
Work with export-ready suppliers who provide COA, MSDS, and labeling compliance for each target market.
✨ Conclusion
Launching your own beauty brand is simpler than ever — and the private label route gives you flexibility, speed, and control. The key is choosing the right manufacturer and focusing on quality over quantity from day one.
Download your Beauty Starter Kit to get my supplier vetting checklist and packaging planner — and when you’re ready, explore the Cosmetics Suppliers List for vetted global manufacturers who ship worldwide.
Your dream beauty line is closer than you think — it starts with your first sample order.
Beauty and Cosmetics Store Essentials
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Shipping & Labeling
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