I’ve always believed that the smartest people in the cosmetic industry are the scientists who make and test the products. Which has always made me wonder why more of them haven’t gone out to start their own companies. It’s easier to do now than ever before, only a small investment is required and it can be done in your spare time.
This story about a YouTube user who got so popular that she was able to start her own cosmetics company might be just the inspiration you need.
Of course, this is not to suggest you must go out and start your own company to be a successful cosmetic scientist. But if you’ve ever thought about it, why aren’t you doing anything about it now?
What do you think is holding you back?
{ 85 comments… read them below or add one }
Help! I live in uk and want to start my own make up range. I’ve been looking for manufacturers buts all no name produce. I want to start my own individual range for my cosmetic boutique. Also I’m a designer and want to design my own product packaging. Where do I go for each of these things and how much I am looking at for start up range. Help!
Hi,
I am very interested in createing my own natural hair care product line. Primarily, my target customers would be African American and Multi-Racial women with naturally curly hair or transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. I want to also target all women with hair loss disorder because I have been living and dealing with Alopecia Areata for 11 yr. I have been thru many extensive medical treatments, I have beens completely bald for years. I have been doing research and creating my own hair products for my hair. Also, I have been collecting data and analyzing the effectness, shelf life of my products and over health of my hair. Is there any advice on what my next step(s) should be and how I can set my self apart from other natural hair product line to be competitive in today’s market.
Thank you
Hi There!
Calling for help!
I desperately want to start my own nail polish line but am struggling with where to start, cant seem to find a manufacturer? I also want to include other products in my set so not sure how to get everything i need and then packaged into one set with my own branding.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Hello Rachel,
I’d suggest looking through a cosmetic industry buyers guide for manufacturers. But first you might want to download our free report that teaches you how to launch your own cosmetic line. You can get it here. Start A cosmetic line
Hi Rachel,
Sir we are the manufacturers of herbal and natural products. We have a large manufacturing line in lotions, creams, scrubs, masks etc every thing have various variants. We can supply you loose material. For instance we can send you some samples to check if you want.
thanks
Nsar
Hi, my name is Jynnifer and I’m very interested in starting my own cosmetic line named Jynnifer and later on a clothing line. Please email me info on manufacturer, packaging, cross selling my brand in stores. Please contact me as soon as possible with more info.
Jynnifer Thompson
Businezz09@gmail.com
Hi Rachel
We are a Health & Beauty Consultancy company Based in the UK. We work with many brands and manufacturers that produce all Health & Beauty products.
Please drop me an email and I will be able to discuss in more detail and put you in touch with the relevant manufacturer.
Best regards
Roland
Hi
I’d like to start my cosmetics line, can you please email me the list of manufactures.
Thanks
We are prestigious contract cosmetic Manufacturer and we are working hard to meet all our customers demand, dedicated to provide the highest quality products to professional company like you. We would like to partner with you to develop your own brands. We can precisely make the quality of your brand look exactly like the top selling, more recognizable brands with top quality and greater value for less than the price to manufacture the top selling products. You can increase the value of your business through branding. If you already have your own line of products, you can consider us for your next projects at a competitive price, Please Visit us online: http://www.Durollabs.com.
Hello, I was wondering how much it would cost to start my own cosmetics line? (excluding the rent and labour costs) If i wanted to start out with a nailpolish,eye liner,eye shadow,blush,mascara,foundation and primer (basic make up) collections, how much would it cost to manufacture and package them? thanks!
Hi sir,
I am starting a cosmetic business in USA; our products are totally herbal natural. I want suggestion of you people about the name of the company. Please suggest a name. I was trying to select that name which is near to natural beauty.
Hello Perry,
Thank you so much for posting this article.
I am hoping you can help me. I live on the East Coast and I would like to start a non toxic nail polish company. I am trying to research manufacturers in the US and would like to know if you could suggest names of companies.
We would probably use stock colors as well as have certain colors formulated, do you think it is expensive to start?
Thank you for your help,
Li
Hello Li,
To find a manufacturer near you, I would suggest you look in an industry Buyer’s Guide. Look for Contract Manufacturers. I’m not sure which ones produce the nail polish you are looking for but I know there are some. Here is a couple of buyer’s guide links.
GCI Directory
Happi magazine buyer’s guide
Hi Li,
We have a big range of cosmetics and many more formulas. Actually we are the manufacturer of cosmetics in Pakistan and manufactures materials for different cosmetic companies. If you want i can send you different samples of each kind you want. Even we can manufactures the product according to your demand.
you can contact me for further details at nsar_tauras@hotmail.com.
Thanks
Hello Nsar,
Thank you for your note.
At the moment, my partner and I are only interested in starting a nail polish company. We are solely looking for manufacturers in the US.
Regards,
LI
Hi,
saw your comment and response to the article; wondering if you have started on your company yet. I too would like to create a small products/cosmetic skin products line for men. I have branding, logo, and name experience but nothing about creating the products. Care to chat further and discuss some ideas?
I am located in Madison, Wisconsin.
Thanks.
Hi,
yes we are going to launch our cosmetics company soon. our product line is ready and also the website. only few things are left but i am very glad if you chat with me, may be we will helpful to each other.
thanks
Hi,
I have been working on my own skin care line (out of my home) and want to know if I absolutely should patent my formulas, as they do work! According to the FDA, all ingredients have to be disclosed on a product label and I do not want anyone to ‘steal’ my formulations. Does the customer have the right to know my product formula? I understand that listing the ingredients only allows one to know what is in my formula, not the amounts… in a nutshell, when should one patent a formula. I would like to know this before I start selling my product. Thanks
@Gen – In my opinion patents for cosmetic formulas are mostly a waste of money. T’hey don’t really protect you and they just help competitors figure out the levels of the ingredients in your formula. The thing that sells personal care product formulas is the performance but the marketing is even a bit more important. I say just start selling your product and follow the rules as laid out by the FDA and the PCPC. Don’t worry about getting a patent.
Thanks Perry- I appreciate your candid response!!
Hello, I am an esthetician and looking to start my own make up line.I currently reside in Indiana and moving to Florida this summer.I have no idea where to start,about how much money do I begin with, or who to talk to.Please if any of you have recommendations,books,places etc.For me to do more research about this,I would greatly appreciate it.I am looking to sell my products at places like Ulta,Macy’s,Sephora etc. I already have a name for my make up line which I am so excited about.How do I make it mine so no one will take it?Any ideas will help!Thanks!
Hi Perry,
I am in the process of starting my own cosmetic company. I was wondering whether a contract manufacturer is a able to produce my formulations for me, rather than using their own formulation.
Thankssss
Yes, you should be able to find a contract manufacturer who will produce your formulation.
There are Mineral DIY companies like TKB Trading where you can order samples to make your own mineral makeup.
As for private label companies just google and go from there.
My father had very bad problem’s with hemoroids , and he had visited the doctor a whole bunch of times and everything that they prescribed to him did not seem to have any effect. So through some help of my grandma i have devised a 100% organic cream that i had him use and after 3 applications on the area, the problem disappeared as if it was never there. this same formula can be used for many other reasons such as cuts, burns, to smooth skin and its potential is abnormal. But I don’t know where to start, what should I do?
Can you provide some links or advice on where to find free or inexpensive market research regarding new opportunities, emerging trends, and target markets for cosmetics? Mainly looking for skin care and protection or cleansing product market information.
Thanks in advance.
You can find lots of information about the cosmetic market at GCI magazine. Check for them online.
I have an idea for product that I want to develop but don’t know all the ins and outs of finding a chemist, how to approach one, what are the costs involved and how do I protect my idea when searching for someone to help me develop this product.
I work with my father at out factory. He has been in business since 1990. the thing you must find out is if you want to be a private label manufacturer or contract manufacturer. Private label is more profitable but good solid clients are hard to find. i am full of info on what this industry brings…feel free to email me @ lcpltulshigs@yahoo.com…
Hi there,
I’d like to have my own organic skin care company someday. But I can’t help but wonder if becoming a cosmetic scientist before starting or in the long run would be immensely beneficial to the company. It is not uncommon for some founders of cosmetics/skin care companies, lacking prior knowledge or experience in formulating, to partner with a chemist or dermatologist to help create their line. This leads me to my question, is getting a degree in chemistry to become a cosmetic scientist absolutely vital to this process or is researching on your own with chemistry and cosmetic science books enough? Thanks
If your goal is to have your own cosmetics line, it is good to have a solid background in the chemistry of the products but it is not critical to get a degree in chemistry. Better would be to get some training in business as marketing is the key to having a successful line. You can hire technical people to create your formulas. But having a background is helpful. You could get this by taking something like our online cosmetic science training course.
Hello Perry,
I have been sitting on this creative cosmetics idea, that the concept of it is unlike most other cosmetic lines out there. Its a fun, fresh and trendy idea and I truly believe it has the potential to grow tremendously. Ideally my goal would be to sell my line at the likes of Sephora or other big name department stores, but realistically I would have to start with the smaller boutiques. I have some capital to start with, but after doing much research it has been quite the struggle to find the most sought out manufacturer to turn to. I don’t want average looking and quality makeup, and yet when I try researching manufacturers that make makeup say for Stila, Urban Decay, Benefit Cosmetics or MAC ( just a few examples), I can’t seem to succeed in my quest. Any thoughts to help out? Thanks.
Karen
I’m not sure if it’s an industry thing, but most manufacturers are pretty quiet about who they manufacter and develop for (I actually know who was behind developing Stila from being around). Your best bet is to look up cosmetic chemistry labs specializing in colored cosmetic products. You can find many in the Los Angeles area, specifically Chatsworth. You may even try as far south as San Diego. I hope this helps you!
Thanks Sofia for the recommendation. I always felt that a lot of these makeup brands that use manufacturing plants in the States are heavily located in California (or even New Jersey). I will do more research for sure.
Do you also know if a cosmetic manufacturer will produce for more than just 1 label or brand?
I’m interested in starting my own lip stick line but I dint know where to start and HOW MUCH should I be looking to pay to start off?? Could you please give me an estimate on a start up cost. I just want to start a lip stick line.
Hello Mel,
My guess would be about $7000 – $10,000 to start.
I agree with Perry, but I’m actually going to guess a little more – depends how many shades you have. Additionally, packaging minimums start at 10,000 pieces from most suppliers if you’re lucky, just for the canister to hold the lipstick puck. Then, you’ll need to cover formulation and shade variations. The most expensive portion will be the actual fill of the product – most manufacturers have fill minimums starting at 3000 per shade because of the cost associated with setting equipment up for the pours. Don’t forget about any testing you may need or product liability insurance when you go to retail to consumers.
LULU-
As mentioned in previous posts, before you start selling anything you need to find out what your state requires as far as permits, licensing, etc. Then there are the Federal guidelines to investigate as well. For example, I am in Wisconsin and prior to selling anything I was required to apply for a sellers permit through the state dept of regulation & licensing. The ID number issued to me, or more accurately, my company, is what I use to file my quarterly Sales & Use tax.
Each state has their own requirements and it will also vary depending on your actual intent. What I mean is, to use myself as an example, I operate several different branches of my business. I not only manufacture products in house, but I also sell retail and wholesale, as well as preform hands-on demonstration/application of my cosmetic products. The requirements for manufacturing are obviously very different than what is required for makeup application, but nonetheless, all must be met.
While some states require that all persons who apply makeup to others be certified or licensed as makeup artists or cosmetologists, other states require nothing at all. This applies to doing home parties as well- as any Mary Kay rep will tell you, there is a long history of why they themselves do not actually apply makeup but in fact have party guests apply it themselves. This arose from trying to have Reps comply with all state regulations while still being able to sell their products.
Anyway, my advice would be to determine which avenues you want to incorporate into your business and contact your local SBA for location specific information regarding regulations and such. The other positive thing about doing business with a larger private label company like those you mentioned is that they can also be a great resource in finding out the particulars of starting up your business.
Of the 3 you mentioned, I personally haven’t worked with Audrey Morris, and only have limited experience with the other two as I don’t private label my line, but I can tell you that there are plenty more companies out there- all with their own minimum orders, requirements and whatnot. I’m not trying to ‘hide’ anything from you, but if these 3 are the only companies you are aware of, then you need to investigate further! I say this not to be difficult, but because I know that what you will learn in your research will be lost if I just give you the names of other companies, and believe me, the more you learn, the better off you are! By all means if you are struggling to find any other places, i am happy to help point you in the right direction!
Lastly, and this is really for anyone interested in just learning more about the industry – signup for the free newsletters and magazines available from HAPPI, GCI, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Cosmetics Design, and all the other trade magazines out there! Register at sites like Special Chem for Cosmetics and Personal Care Truth- you will learn more in digging through these type of sites than you could ever want to know!
Finally, (I mean it this time), do not underestimate how much time and effort it takes to start up a cosmetics business! Regardless of whether or not you manufacture or private label! The biggest mistake I see people make when coming into this industry is that they come in thinking it is going to be easy or simple or a piece of cake. They have no clue how much knowledge and learning is involved. As long as you prepare yourself and have a driving passion for the cosmetics industry you will be fine! Yes, it’s hard work, but just about everything worth having is!
Good luck, and ask if you have questions!
Ria
Hi Ria,
I am located in Wisconsin and would like to talk more with you after reading your post, which, was very helpful thanks!
Greg
Hi Erica,
I’m thinking of buying a line of cosmetics form a private label cosmetics company. Do i need to obtain a
licenes to do house partys & makeovers, or working with plastic surgeons offices doing before and after pictures. which private label company would you use? I only know of 3, Lady Byrd, Audrey Morris, and your name cosmetics.
Thanks
Lulu
Starting your own cosmetic is a great business to go into. I have been selling cosmetic for some time know & i love it. I sell large & small bulk quanities & individual sale.
i need info about how to start chem based business i m analytical chemist
Thanks, Doug!
Doug
April 16, 2011 at 1:56 am. Don’t YOU sleep either?
Ria
Perry
April 13, 2011 at 1:52 am. Don’t you sleep?
Doug
I was actually in London when I wrote that. But it certainly seems like I don’t slepp much.
Liya
You are starting at a great time. The large nationals are stripping their businesses of what they consider unprofitable markets. Many of these are wonderful small businesses niches.
There might be local or state registration of businesses. There is the question of D.B.A. vs. corporation. The SBA score program can help educate you on these (free advice). Also the FDA has a Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program. This program is supposed to provide a two way flow of information. This site has some very important information. What is the difference between a cosmetic and a drug? Not knowing this could kill your business. http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/VoluntaryCosmeticsRegistrationProgramVCRP/default.htm
Also get a subscription to HAPPI and Beauty Packaging. These are a journals for the cosmetic /cleaning industry.
Best of luck.
Doug Erick
Hi Lina
I am not only a chemist, but also an old sales rep. Beware of people who lead with price. You odiously won’t be selling your products by saying “Hey customer, buy mine because it is cheapest. I agree with Perry your volume dictates how much it will cost them to manufacture for you. Volume drives discounts in how they purchase raw materials. Size of production runs dictates how often they have to change products causing the blending and filling line to be completely flush and sanitized. Labor equals cost.
One other thing that you should be asking of your possible supplier is if they manufacture organic and non organic products? How do they separate the two types of products to prevent cross contamination? Do they have separate storage of raw materials, what about blending and bottling? Always, always, always pay attention to what they say about quality.
Good luck Doug Erick
I have been following you guys, such an incredible website.
My question is: I am in the process of starting my organic skin care products in the UK. I have already decided to go for a manufacturers organic stock formula. I have been doing research on the manufacture, however I have not contacted them yet. Now I got to the point of my business plan which I have to put prices and numbers, I guess it´s time to contact them. Any sugestions of what I should ask? how to break the ice in my first email? Should I ask them for prices first? I hope you can help me
Thank you and good luck to everybody
Lina
Hello Lina,
Congratulations on moving ahead with your project! You should ask them to quote you prices. They will want to know how many unit you intend to make so you should have a good idea what that is. Contract manufacturers price things differently based on how much you intend to make. Also, you will want to ask them about whether they have testing services or can get the testing done for you. You’ll need stability, micro and possibly safety testing before launching your product.
Good luck!
Perry, 44
Thank you, Perry
!
Aloha,
I am an Esthetician in Hawaii, Oahu, I am looking for a local formulation chemist for a skin care line I would like to start. I’m not sure how to find these chemists? Please help.
If you cannot find a cosmetics lab in Hawaii that works with formulating or manufacturing – try searching Southern California. There are many facilities that will work to create your formulas and manufacture them. Just depends what you’re looking to create and what type of business you can generate for the manufacturer. I may be able to recommend a couple to you. I’ve worked with several in the area.
Hi Sophia, i just recently moved to woodland hills ca and I would like any info on cosmetic labs or chemists close to this area, im trying to design a product for hair.
Hello Liya,
If you are going to sell a product, you will want to register as a corporation. An excellent book on the subject is Small Time Operator. http://www.amazon.com/Small-Time-Operator-Bernard-Kamoroff/dp/0917510186
Hope that helps.
Perry, 44
Hello Perry,
It seems that this discussion is still very popular
. I am a chemist and would like to start my own cosmetic line. Everybody here discussed the formulations and the ownership of it. I am looking for information about the legal side of private label establishment. Could you, please, direct me to it (I read FDA website): Do I have to register a company, get license and etc. to sell my cosmetics on-line or in a store?
@Karen,
You ask a difficult question because there is no single answer. The answer is more dependent on your mindset and that of your customers.
Your first step should be to question your premises. Where did you get the idea that the skin issues of the people you see are the results of toxins in the environment? What science-based study can you point to that shows a cause and effect or at least a correlation? In this study (if it exists) will be a list of specific chemicals that cause an effect. You could decide to avoid those.
In truth, based on the collected scientific evidence, there are no compounds you need to avoid. The cosmetic industry does a great job of testing ingredients and ensuring that they are safe for use.
But if you believe that skin issues are the result of toxins, you will want to tell your contract manufacturer to avoid using them in your formulas. You can follow the guidelines of any of these groups…
http://chemistscorner.com/cosmetic-chemists-guide-to-natural-and-organic-cosmetic-standards/
Note that these groups pick compounds mostly arbitrarily. Following these guidelines will not make your products more safe. But it does give you something to follow and some kind of authority to believe in.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
I am interested in starting my own cosmetic company and have already decided to go with private label manufacturing because they provide a low cost start up and I can get better acquainted with the industry and then branch out into my own brand. I have a meeting set up with two manufacturers to determine which one I am going to go with. My question is what type of questions I should ask or what should I be aware of before I decide on which company to do business with.
Hello Ms. LH
The key is to determine whether they will produce a high quality product and deliver on time. So ask them about their production processes and also get a tour if you can. Next you want to find out about their formulators, their experience and the types of products that they’ve made. You really want to use a company that has produced the products you are interested in making. You should also work out who owns the formulas and get a signed contract. Hope that helps.
Dear Perry, thank you very much for your advice!
What a shame Alluralab has closed down their business, do you have any other recommendations? Have you heard of Alban Muller International?
In terms of costs, time and other practicalities, what is the biggest difference between developing your own formulas, using a stock formula or modifying a existing stock formula?
What should I consider if using a independent chemist to develop my own formula, instead of going directly to a manufacturer? I guess I still have to find a manufacturer to produce the formula in the end?
And where are the most innovative brains in the business? Can it be a good idea to try to find some young and promising chemist who hasen´t yet set up their own business? Or am I thinking totally wrong? If not, where can such a person be found (maybe here?) Is there any awards or other ways of finding people with potential?
It seams, when reading all the comments above, that there is a lot of different people with different backgrounds and skills, wanting to start their own cosmetic business. Maybe it is possible to find someone here to collaborate with?
Ms M
Hi Mitte,
Hopefully I can try to help based on my experience in the industry. If someone has already answered, I apologize.
When approaching a larger lab to formulate your products, they typically offer you a stock library of products to choose from – they’ve already created this product and it’s ready to go for you to use in manufacturing. If you generally like the formula – but have some special interests in mind – like you’re using mushroom extract as a marketing tool, or you’d like to add some colored beads that dissolve for visual effect, they’re more than happy to make a couple modifications to the formula that don’t diminish the integrity and stability of the product. Custom formulation is particularly helpful when you have a really specific product or function in mind. For example, if you tell your lab you’d like a 10% glycolic acid facial wash, and they do not have one “in stock,” they’re more than happy to put together a formula that meets all your needs, like “phosphate free” or “paraben free” or whatnot. This can get a little pricier than selecting something off the shelf.
The pros to working with an experienced lab? They have many options to already choose from or have experience in the industry. It’s also helpful if they’re going to be manufacturing your formulas, if they’ve created them. The cons to working with an experienced lab? They tend to use ingredients that they already have on hand to reduce their cost – so sometimes getting a customized formula can be costly. Also, I have only ever encountered one lab that let my previous company own the formulas we manufacture – and that was after producing 100,000 units with them. The rest, they do not own to this day.
This is the pro to working with a “freelance” type chemist. I know a company that only sells formulas to clients because they do not manufacture – just formulate. They work with clients in connecting them with manufacturing facilities to make their products, if they do not have a current facility. The client owns the formula at an inexpensive price and is free to manufacture wherever they please. They also help coordinate product stability (and if needed) skin testing. I prefer the latter option of a small chemist because you actually sit one-on-one and express your product desires and concerns. When I worked with a larger company, I only got to meet one chemist working on developing our products. Information was ALWAYS lost in translation.
A lot to consider!
I am an Integrative Practitioner who sees patients daily with skin issues and endocrine issues caused by toxins in the environment, skin products being one of many. I started searching for patients as well as myself for a good natural/organic product.
At first I thought I found a site that pointed me in the direction of good products – ewg.org. But I have found that they do not test the products and the error of their ways with ratings.
Then I found out that many products are not manufactured, but distributed and many have websites with all sorts of seals of approval on the bottom of their website, but how that too is corrupt as they aren’t really testing or regulating, but money making. That really many products can’t be 95% or greater organic or they would separate in the store due to needing emulsifying agents that hold them together. Then they are just natural and you need emulsifyers.
Then through personalcaretruth.com says in small quantities it’s ok for mineral oil, certain types of titanium dioxide and propylene glycol is ok.
Do you have a resource where I can find what ingredients I really should avoid and ones that are necessary to preserve products, avoid separation, etc.?
I have found a natural manufacturer (mostly organic) that will private label cosmetic products for me. I just want to make sure there aren’t certain ingredients they contain that I should avoid. Any advice?
Thanks,
Karen
I want to bring back a hair care product that has been discontinued b/c the manufacturer went out of business. I would bring it back under a new name; however, I would like to know if I could use any part of the old product name? Also, will I need to modify the ingredients to legally bring this product back to the marketplace? The company closed approximately 4 years ago.Do you know of any labs that will help me formulate the product and allow me to have ownership of the formulation? Thanks for your help!
SCook,
If their name has been trademarked, and the trademark still exists, but the “mark” is not in use, you can petition to have their mark removed. Otherwise, you would be infringing on their trademark. They have to prove they’re still using it to the US intellectual property office.
Also, I’m sure a lab will be able to formulate the product for you to it’s former glory. whether or not they’ll let you own the formula is up to them, but I’ve worked with 7 different labs at my previous company and only 1 let us own a formula, after filling 100,000 units with them. ouch!
It’s unfortunate. I talked to Mark and apparently his main chemist left for another opportunity. They had to shut down due to a lack of expertise.
Hey Perry-
Just FYI, when I went over to Alluralab’s website, there is a message stating
“Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to not continue operations at Alluralab.
All affected parties are in the process of being notified. All open accounts will be settled in full and all affected clients will be reimbursed in full.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
Don’t know what happened, but I do hope all is well with them. It always saddens me to see a small business close- whatever the reason. Anyway, just thought I’d update you with what I had found.
Ria
@Ms M – You are going to have a difficult time developing a range of products without investing thousands of dollars. Some won’t even consider working with you unless you have >$10,000 to begin. There aren’t any formulators/manufactures that would work on a success-based fee. The odds of a product working are not too high.
However, you should consider contacting the people at Alluralab.com (listen to the latest podcast). They may be able to help you.
Good luck
Dear Perry!
Thank´s for a great website!
I would really like to create my own skin care-brand. My background is in the advertising business so I lack a lot of basic knowledge when it comes to your industry. However I think I have a pretty unique idea for a new brand and how to successfully put in the market so I am willing to give it a try!
Do you think it is possible to develop a new range without loads of money to invest? Would any formulators/manufacturers be interested in a success-based fee (to share the risk)? Or any other alternative payment methods?
Where can one find a really good chemist/manufacturer, and how can you judge the quality of their work without being a chemist yourself? Would it be a good idea to find someone in your own country?
I would really appreciate some advice, hope you have the time!
I am looking for a chemist to create a new formula that will be be applied to the cosmetic industry and be FDA compliant. This is a start up company. Please contact me if you have experience of creating formulas with FDA approval.
E-mail Slubbat@Tricove.com
Thanks
Sam Lubbat
As a owner of a cosmetic company that either makes its own products or has them made, you should be actively involved in the quality. When you first set up an agreement with a contract packager. Insist that you get copies of all signed blend sheets to insure that all ingredients are added in the correct quantities and in the right order. Understand the QA parameters. Make them explain any that you don’t understand. Take notes. Audit the blend sheets routinely. This insures quality and insures that you have the current formula. Any company that wants to sell you product but refuses to allow you to insure that you get what you paid for should be taken off your list of potential manufactures. Before any formula changes take place insist that you approve samples and understand the reason for and the exact formula change. They are selling you a service… negotiate before you buy.
Sign secrecy agreements after your lawyer has reviewed them. Be ware some of the companies believe that your formula can be altered by the smallest amount and sold to others as a new formula. Check this with them before you buy.
I do agree with Perry when starting out there is not much advantage in owning your own formula. Keep your eyes open and good luck.
Dear Perry,
Thank you!!! I look forward to hearing from the consultant.
Dr. D
I am in the process of starting my skin care products to sell online. Can you tell me if I am better off starting off with a manufacturers stock formula with private label, custom formulating with a manufacturer, or owning my own IP to the formula. I have been trying to locate an independent chemist to formulate a skin product prototype and give me the right to the formula to then take to contract, however; it has been almost impossible to do. Most do not seem to want to give you all rights. Now I am thinking I should consider changing to another course as I am reading here to manufacturer with a good exculsive formula w/ a manufacturer and grow from there. I like what I read here in this forum that mentions “once your sales increase I will have more control.” If I opt for this, what is the “most” important element to be sure I establish going signing on with a manufacturer? Thank you and Best of Luck to All:)Cam
Great question Cam. When people are first starting out, I believe using a stock formula from a private label is the best option. This will let you know if your brand is appealing. However, starting with a custom formula is also a good idea because it might help your brand stand out. I don’t see any advantage to owning your own IP formula.
In general, marketing sells products initially. Product performance gets people to buy it again.
These are great comments. I am a physician and have NO business experience. I have found great difficulty in finding a laboratory to manufacture my wrinkle reversing product. I have emailed hundreds of companies and laboratories and have made hundreds of phone calls. I need help in developing the final formula of my product. I have used my formulation on my own skin, my friends’ skin and my siblings’ skin. The effect is remarkable, so much so that I think millions of women would want this product. I then need to find someone who is experienced in this industry and partner with them so that my product can be marketed effectively. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Dr. D – I forwarded your request to one of the consultants I know in the industry. Hopefully he can help you.
“My only concern is if I am unhappy with the services of the manufacturer and I want to sever the relationship, they own the formula. Any thoughts, advice??”
Hi, Sara – I can share some experience on this topic. I work for a company that is currently trapped in a situation with the one product that has been manufactured out of house – our lotion. We want to go in-house with our production, but apparently a couple of years ago we asked our manufacturer to make a minor modification, and now they claim our modified formula as their own proprietary information (I was not employed there then and am hearing this second-hand). At any rate, we are stuck, and have to start from scratch or buy it off them for a 5 figure sum. We are a small-ish natural/organic line that sells in most Whole Foods, etc., and feel very vulnerable in this situation for an interruption of stock or a major difference in the product. If you foresee marketing your products to large companies, my strategy would be to develop my own formulations, consult with a lab and your raw ingredient suppliers to hone the formula’s stability, etc. and maintain ownership of a quality formula you feel good about. Especially now that there are huge changes looming in the bodycare industry with the FDA and labeling, certification of organics, etc. which would allow you the flexibility to change up an ingredient or two if you needed to. I hope this helps, but obviously my perspective is coming from the natural/organic sector.
Sara
1. You have no desire to manufacture.
2. You seem happy with the products.
3. You are unhappy with the price.
4. You can always seek prices form other manufacturers and use then as a bargaining chip. You can do this at any time as long as your contract with your current mfg doesn’t restrict you. As your sales increase your clout will also.
As for not having the formula you do… the ingredient list includes every thing in the formula by law. some things in that list are at set percentages so part of the formula is easy to pick apart. The rest can be roughly figured out by a chemist. There are companies that will for a price do this for you. Other contract packagers employ these type of people and use them to get new business. They will do this for free for your business. If you current supplier falls flat on his face with service, all is not lost. Be smart in your contract with your current supplier make sure a lawyer looks it over. Then you are free to do your job. sell sell. good luck.
Hi
I am in the process of starting a skin care line.
Several contract manufacturers offer a route to
formula ownership after a set number of years and sales.
However it is very expensive. What are peoples thoughts on
formula ownership? At first thought, I wanted to own my formulas. But I now I am not so sure, considering I will have a contract with the manufacture giving me exclusive rights to the formula. I also have no real desire to manufacture the products myself. My only concern is if I am unhappy with the services of the manufacturer and I want to sever the relationship, they own the formula. Any thoughts, advice??
Pros –
Have ownership
Can change manufactures
Can manufacture the products myself.
Cons – Very expensive!! to purchase formulas
Sara-
Your pros are the very reason to own a formula. My company had an award-winning face scrub and we could not buy the formula from our manufacturer (crooks, they are!). We worked with several labs to make the formula but none of them were just right. If you have a formula you LOVE, by all means… buy it. There are a couple companies that *just* work on formulations and you find your own manufacturer.
Doug – thanks for the info!
Mike and Renata
There are several aspects to starting a cosmetic line. FDA regulations, you must know them so that you stay in compliance. Some of the crafter soap making websites can help you with some of the basic rules. My advice is to read the FDA regulations directly. Formulas can be as easy as purchasing bases from crafters websites or if you are capable and you can make your own product. In the case of manufacturing your own products, Happi magazine usually publishes starting formulas. Chemical companies also publish starting formulas. Don’t get over your head. If you don’t have the knowledge find it yourself or someone to help you. These are products that will be applied to others, there is a responsibility of the manufacturer to produce safe products. Then you also have to market and manage your business. Good luck
I am trying to get started to have my line of cosmetics but i did not find it easey at all. Having no previous experiance or any contact in trade is hard enough but hve a will power to do it. I appreciate any help from anybody for practical advise.
Thanks
I always wanted to start my own hair care product. Since being a young girl I used to collect herbs and make my own potions, tonics and masks for hair and face. I have very nice long hair and often people stop me on the street asking what products am I using. I am determined to finally do something with this dream of mine to start my own line.. but I have no knowledge of formulations, I am not a chemist..and don’t even know any. I have just came across this website and hope I will find some answeres here, thanks
Started my dream in September. I have always worked for startup companies. It is my time. Yes the startup can be relative inexpensive… but that changes quickly. I guess the trick is to keep sales ahead of costs. Dah. The other trick is to think at least 3 to 6 months ahead. A partner who’s strengths match your weakness helps.
I know what is holding me back. I don’t know where tio beginn. I have 2 degrees in chemistry, but I dont where I should start. I don’t know about formulations, where do I manufacturer. How do I market my product. Do I need a loan or can I get a grant…