Himanshu Saini August 6, 2025
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own beauty brand? Whether it’s skincare, haircare, or body products, now is a great time to make that dream a reality. The beauty market is growing fast, and more people than ever are looking for high-quality, unique, and clean beauty products.
The good news? You don’t need a factory, lab, or huge budget to get started. Thanks to private label manufacturing, you can launch your own beauty brand quickly and easily. Private label lets you choose ready-made products from a trusted manufacturer, customise the private label cosmetics with your own brand name and packaging, and start selling them as your own.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, from your first idea to getting your products in customers’ hands. If you’re ready to build a beauty brand, this guide will help you every step of the way.
1. What Is Private Label Manufacturing?
Before we dive in, let’s break down the term.
Private label manufacturing means you partner with a manufacturer that already produces ready-made formulations for skincare, haircare, personal care, or wellness products. Instead of developing formulas from scratch, you select from their range and brand the products as your own.
It’s fast, scalable, and ideal for entrepreneurs who want high-quality products without the hassle of manufacturing them.
2. Start With a Clear Vision
Every successful private label beauty product starts with a strong idea.
Ask yourself:
- What problem does my brand solve?
- Who is my ideal customer?
- What type of products do I want to offer?
- What values will my brand stand for (natural, vegan, ayurvedic, sustainable)?
Your vision will guide every decision you make, from product selection to packaging, brand voice, and marketing strategy.
Tip: Research your competitors, read reviews, and explore current beauty trends to help shape your concept.
3. Choose the Right Product Range
Once your brand vision is clear, it’s time to decide on your product lineup. Start small and focused. For example:
- A skincare brand might begin with a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser.
- A haircare line could launch with a shampoo and conditioner duo.
- A wellness brand might offer massage oils and bath salts.
Ask your private label manufacturer for a catalogue of formulations. Most will have pre-tested private label products like:
- Vitamin C serums
- Charcoal face masks
- Anti-dandruff shampoos
- Herbal foot creams
- Lip balms, body butters, and more
Make sure the custom formulations align with your brand promise (e.g., paraben-free, cruelty-free, organic-certified, etc.).
4. Select a Trusted Private Label Manufacturer
Choosing the right manufacturer is one of the most important steps.
Look for:
- Experience in beauty manufacturing
- Certifications (GMP, ISO, organic, cruelty-free, etc.)
- A wide range of formulations and packaging options
- Low minimum order quantities (MOQs) for startups
- Willingness to customize (labels, fragrance, texture, etc.)
- Transparent pricing and turnaround times
Don’t hesitate to ask for samples and lab test reports before committing. A good beauty products private label manufacturer will work like a partner, not just a supplier.
5. Customize Your Products
Here’s where your creativity shines!
With private label, you can personalise private label cosmetic products:
- Product name
- Fragrance or essential oil blend
- Label design and branding
- Packaging type (bottle, jar, tube, pump, etc.)
- Outer boxes or inserts
Even though you’re starting with a ready-made base, your product can still feel unique and custom-crafted. Custom packaging and branding are especially powerful; they influence how customers feel about your product before even opening it.
6. Design Your Brand Identity
Your brand isn’t just a logo; it’s the experience you create.
Focus on:
- Logo design
- Color palette and fonts
- Product labels
- Website design
- Tone of voice (playful, premium, clinical, natural, etc.)
Work with a designer or use tools like Canva to create labels that are professional and compliant (including ingredients list, directions, batch number, expiry, etc.). Many manufacturers also offer in-house label printing services.
7. Pricing and Profit Margins
Your pricing should reflect your:
- Cost per unit (product + packaging + label + shipping)
- Desired profit margin
- Target audience’s willingness to pay
- Competitor pricing
Let’s say your private label shampoo costs ₹100 per bottle. If you sell it for ₹350, you’re making a gross profit of ₹250 per unit. As you grow, economies of scale will reduce your costs further.
Always account for marketing, website, logistics, and packaging in your final pricing strategy.
8. Prepare for Launch
Once your contract manufacturing beauty products are ready and your packaging is printed, it’s time to plan your launch.
Here’s a basic pre-launch checklist:
- Build your website (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
- Set up Instagram, Facebook, and/or YouTube pages
- Create email campaigns and lead magnets
- Offer samples or run a giveaway to build buzz
- Line up reviews from friends, influencers, or bloggers
- Shoot product photos and short videos
9. Comply With Legal and Labeling Requirements
Depending on your country or region, you may need:
- A business license or GST number
- Label compliance (as per drug & cosmetic rules)
- Product registration (if applicable)
- Barcode or batch tracking system
Work with your private label beauty product manufacturer to ensure your labels follow the right format, especially if you plan to sell on marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart.
10. Start Selling
Congratulations, you’re now a beauty brand founder!
You can begin selling through:
- Your own website
- Online marketplaces (Amazon, Nykaa, etc.)
- Instagram shop
- Local salons or spas
- Retail stores and pop-ups
Keep listening to customer feedback and watch which products perform best. Based on demand, you can expand your line, tweak formulations, or even switch to custom manufacturing later on.
Final Thoughts
Starting a beauty brand may sound like a huge undertaking, but with private label manufacturing, it’s surprisingly simple, affordable, and low risk. You don’t need a lab, scientists, or years of testing; you just need a clear vision, a reliable manufacturer, and a strong brand identity.
By choosing quality private label products, packaging them beautifully, and marketing them with authenticity, you can turn your passion into a successful beauty business, whether you’re building a side hustle, planning to launch a beauty brand, or something in between.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between private label and white label products?
A: Private label products are made by a manufacturer but sold under your own brand, often with the option to customise packaging and ingredients. White label products are generic, pre-made items sold to multiple businesses with minimal or no customisation.
Q. Do I need a licence to start a beauty brand using private label products?
A: Requirements vary by country. In most cases, you’ll need a business license, GST or tax registration, and proper labelling. If you’re selling in stores or online marketplaces, additional product certifications or registrations may be required.
Q. Can I customise the ingredients in private label products?
A: Yes, many private label manufacturers offer minor customisations like scent, colour, or adding active ingredients, but full formula changes may require minimum order quantities or a switch to custom manufacturing.
Q. What is the average cost to start a beauty brand with private label manufacturing?
A: Startup costs can vary widely depending on your product range and packaging. You can start small with 50–100 units of each product and basic packaging for as little as ₹30,000 to ₹100,000 (or $500 to $2,000 USD).
Q. How long does it take to launch a private label beauty brand?
A: On average, it takes 4 to 8 weeks, including time for product selection, customisation, packaging design, production, and delivery.
