Launch Your Own Sunscreen Brand with Private Label & Custom Formulation

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own skincare brand? If yes, starting with sunscreen is a smart move. Sunscreen is not only essential for skin protection, but it’s also one of the fastest-growing segments in the beauty industry. 

With more people becoming aware of sun damage, SPF has become a daily skincare must-have. Whether you’re a beauty entrepreneur, influencer, or skincare professional, launching your own sunscreen brand with private labelling and custom formulation is easier than you think. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your own private label sunscreen line, from choosing the right formula to building a strong brand. 

Why Sunscreen is a Smart Product Choice? 

Sunscreen is now a part of everyday skincare routines across the world. Here’s why it’s a great product to build your white label sunscreen brand around: 

  • High Demand Year-Round: Consumers are using sunscreen daily, not just during summer. 
  • Growing Awareness of Skin Health: Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin ageing, and even skin cancer. 
  • Huge Market Opportunity: The global sun care market is expected to reach $25 billion+ by 2030. 
  • Product Versatility: You can offer sunscreen for different skin types, tones, and textures (cream, spray, gel, tinted, etc.). 

What is Private Labelling in Skincare? 

Private label skincare means you choose an already-developed sunscreen formula from a manufacturer and sell it under your own brand name. 

Benefits of Private Labelling: 

  • Faster launch time 
  • Lower upfront investment 
  • Proven, tested formulations 
  • No need for in-house labs or R&D 
  • You focus on branding, marketing, and selling 

This is perfect if you want to launch quickly without dealing with the science behind formulation. 

Custom Formulation: For a Unique Sunscreen Line 

If you want something more exclusive, like a special texture, scent, active ingredients, or SPF level, custom formulation is the way to go. This involves working with a lab to create your own formula from scratch or tweak an existing one. It takes more time and budget but offers full control. 

Benefits of Custom Formulation: 

  • Unique product no one else has 
  • Tailored for your target audience 
  • Choose between mineral, chemical, or hybrid sunscreens 
  • Add trending ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or blue light protection 

Whether you’re targeting eco-conscious consumers, dermatologist-grade skincare, or tinted SPF for melanin-rich skin, custom sunscreen formulation gives you the flexibility to stand out. 

Steps to Launch Your Own Sunscreen Brand 

Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps: 

1. Define Your Brand Vision 

Ask yourself: 

  • Who is my target customer? (e.g., Gen Z, moms, outdoor lovers, skincare enthusiasts) 
  • What problem does my sunscreen solve? (e.g., oily skin, white cast, anti-aging, reef-safe) 
  • What makes my brand different? (e.g., vegan, eco-friendly, dermatologist-backed) 

Your vision will guide every step of the process, from packaging to pricing. 

2. Choose Between Private Label or Custom Formulation 

If you want to launch quickly and keep costs lower, private label is the ideal choice. 
If you want a unique formulation with special features, go for a custom herbal sunscreen formulation. 

Many sunscreen manufacturers offer both options, so you can start with private label and move to custom later. 

3. Find the Right Manufacturer 

This is one of the most important steps. Here’s how you can choose the right private label manufacturer: 

  • Specializes in SPF and skincare 
  • Offers FDA- or EU-compliant sun protection products 
  • Provides testing and stability data 
  • Supports small MOQ (minimum order quantity) 
  • Can help with labelling, packaging, and certifications (like cruelty-free, reef-safe, etc.) 

Tip: Choose a sunscreen contract manufacturer that offers broad-spectrum SPF, water resistance, and photostability testing. 

4. Decide on Product Type 

Sunscreens come in many formats. Choose based on your target customer: 

  • Cream or Lotion – Most common and hydrating 
  • Gel or Water-Based – Lightweight, good for oily skin 
  • Spray – Convenient for on-the-go 
  • Stick – Travel-friendly and mess-free 
  • Tinted – Ideal for evening skin tone and avoiding white cast 
  • Mineral (Physical) or Chemical Filters – Choose based on skin sensitivity and preferences 

5. Design Your Packaging 

Packaging matters a lot in a sunscreen startup! It’s the first thing customers notice. Make sure it reflects your brand’s: 

  • Aesthetic (clean, bold, eco, luxury) 
  • Values (sustainability, cruelty-free, vegan) 
  • Target market (young adults, parents, professionals) 

You’ll also need to follow labelling regulations in your custom packaging: include SPF value, directions, active ingredients, and warnings clearly. 

6. Test and Comply with Regulations 

Sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in some countries (like the U.S.). This means you need to: 

  • Ensure the product is SPF tested and validated 
  • Include proper Drug Facts on the label (if required) 
  • Meet FDA, EU, or local cosmetic regulations 

Working with a professional sunscreen manufacturer helps ensure you meet all legal and safety standards. 

7. Launch Your Brand 

Once you have the product and packaging ready for your sunscreen business, it’s time to launch! Use a mix of: 

  • E-commerce (your website, Amazon, beauty marketplaces) 
  • Social Media Marketing (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) 
  • Influencer collaborations 
  • Email marketing 
  • Retail or spa partnerships 

Educate your audience on the benefits of daily SPF use and what makes your product different. 

Pro Tip: Start Small, Scale Smart 

You don’t need 10 products to start. Launching with one or two hero SKUs (like a facial sunscreen and a body sunscreen) can be more effective. Focus on quality, customer reviews, and education. 

Once you’ve built trust, you can expand into other skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, or after-sun care. 

Why Work with a Trusted Private Label Partner? 

A reliable private label partner can help with: 

  • Product development 
  • Regulatory compliance 
  • Packaging sourcing 
  • Testing and certifications 
  • Speed to market 

This allows you to focus on branding and selling, while the technical side is handled by experts. 

Final Thoughts 

Launching your own sunscreen brand is not only exciting; it’s also a smart business opportunity in today’s skincare market. Whether you start with a ready-made private label formula or create a custom sunscreen tailored to your vision, the possibilities are endless. 

By choosing the right partners, focusing on quality, and building a brand that reflects your values, you can create a sunscreen line that customers love and trust. 

FAQs 

Q. How long does it take to launch a sunscreen brand with private labelling? 

Ans. Typically, it takes 4 to 8 weeks if you’re using a private label formula. This includes packaging, branding, and regulatory labelling. 

Q. What is the difference between private label and custom formulation in skincare? 

Ans. Private label uses a ready-made formula that you can brand as your own, while custom formulation involves creating a unique formula from scratch based on your specific requirements. 

Q. Do I need FDA approval to sell sunscreen in the U.S.? 

Ans. Yes. Sunscreens are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA. The product must comply with FDA monograph standards, including approved active ingredients and proper labelling. 

Q. What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for private label sunscreen? 

Ans. MOQs vary by manufacturer but usually range from 500 to 5,000 units. Some offer lower quantities for startups or sample testing. 

Q. Can I add my own ingredients to a private label sunscreen? 

Ans. In most cases, private label formulas are fixed for regulatory reasons, especially with SPF. For customization, you’ll need a custom formulation route.