Beauty
With every new cosmetics launch, however effortless it looks, there’s been a manufacturing process going on behind the scenes. Whether that’s working with expert cosmetics manufacturers, white labeling products or tweaking existing formulations to create something new.
November 29, 2023
Understanding the process from idea to shelf is essential from the beginning, so you can be clear on what you need to do to bring your products to market. While every journey’s different, here’s a closer look at the key steps when you’re working with cosmetics manufacturers.
Every manufacturing process starts out with an idea and a spark of inspiration. Whether that’s something new in skincare, cosmetics or in wellness, your initial idea’s so important.
Following up your idea with some research is an incredibly important next step. Understanding your target audience, their needs, your potential competitors and the market trends will help you turn that idea into reality.
Another area to do some research is choosing which cosmetics manufacturers you work with. This can make a huge difference to the process, the products you create and the price point you go for.
It’s a combination of science, artistry and experience. Collaborating with expert contract cosmetics manufacturers and formulators means that you can create effective products that meet your brand vision, using the right ingredients. Make sure that you communicate your ideas clearly and that you check out any certifications or qualifications that they have.
Before you go straight to the shelf, prototyping and testing’s essential to get your formulation right and to make sure that it’s safe, effective and meets the right quality standards. Trying to cut corners at this stage can lead to expensive mistakes later on, so it’s best to get it right - even if you’re desperate to get it to market.
Your cosmetics manufacturer should be able to work with you on prototyping and testing. This means that you’ll get consistent results from the testing stage right through to your mass-market manufacturing process. It’s also important to make sure that you have the right documents for everything - make sure you’re keeping your records safe!
Packaging matters from a product efficiency perspective (some types of bottles or packaging aren’t suitable for some types of products) and for your customer experience. It’s also really important for marketing and standing out in a crowded beauty market - it’s no surprise that image is important when it comes to cosmetics.
Working with experienced cosmetics packaging designers and manufacturers is really important to avoid costly or frustrating mistakes. No matter how many times you’ve checked something, do one final check before you hit print on all your entire batch of packaging.
Once you’ve finalised your formulation and decided on your packaging, it’s time to get to one of the most important parts of the whole process - making your products. Your cosmetics manufacturer should be with you every step of the way to make sure that your quality control’s up to date, your formulation is correct and that your products are being batched and labelled correctly.
You should feel confident that your products are being manufactured correctly and that the correct batch records are being kept. Sometimes variations can happen because of changes to raw materials, weather conditions and suppliers - your skin care manufacturer should have planned for this.
You should feel confident that your products are being manufactured correctly and that the correct batch records are being kept. Sometimes variations can happen because of changes to raw materials, weather conditions and suppliers - your skin care manufacturer should have a plan in place for this, without it affecting the quality of your product.
You want to work with a contract cosmetics manufacturer who has contingency plans in place for things like supply chain disruptions, natural disasters or sudden increases in demand. Don’t be scared to audit, assess and make sure that you’re reviewing your manufacturing process based on customer feedback or industry developments.
When choosing a cosmetics manufacturer to work with, there are a few things to be aware of. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request testimonials or even to visit your cosmetics manufacturer in person if that’ll give you peace of mind.
Here’s what to look for in a contract cosmetics manufacturer to make sure your values align and you get the end result you’re looking for:
Find out more about working with our teams of cosmetics manufacturing experts at Health Focus Manufacturers, contact us today.
