How to Start a Private Label Cosmetics Brand in 2026

Ouqian

Jan 22,2026

So you're ready to launch your own cosmetics brand — awesome!

Maybe you've seen a lot of guides that talk about what private label products are and why the market is growing, but what you really want is a step-by-step way to make it happen, right? Especially how to choose the right factory — not just any supplier, but one that really helps you build your vision.

We'll walk through this from a practical, beginner-friendly perspective, and also show why many brands are now choosing Chinese cosmetics factories to make their products.

1. What Are Private Label Cosmetics (and Why Start Now)?

Private label cosmetics let you sell products under your brand without developing formulas from scratch — the manufacturer already has formulas that can be customized with your logo, packaging, colors, and tweaks.

This approach is popular because:

It's faster and cheaper than fully custom formulation

You can choose from proven products and formulas

You get to focus more on branding & marketing rather than production

The global private label cosmetics market keeps growing into the future, with increasing demand for personalized and niche products.

2. Clarify Your Brand and Product Vision First

Before you talk to any factory or supplier, take time to define:

✔ Your brand story — who you are and why your products matter
✔ Your product category — foundation, lipstick, skincare, etc.
✔ Your target audience — age, region, skin types, preferences
✔ Core product traits — e.g., vegan, cruelty-free, long-wear, hydrating

These early decisions help when you start selecting formulas and talking to manufacturers.

3. Decide Whether You Want Private Label, OEM, or Full Custom

There are three major ways to produce your products:

Private Label — use ready formulas and customize packaging
OEM — based on existing formulas but customized packaging/branding
ODM — more collaboration on formulation and product design

Each has pros and cons:

Private label is fast and cheap

OEM gives you some customization

ODM allows full-scale innovation and unique products

Understanding what you want here helps you find the right partner.

4. How to Find a Reliable Cosmetics Manufacturer

Here are practical steps you can take:

Search Online Directories

Platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, or professional industry websites list verified manufacturers. Search for terms like:

private label cosmetics manufacturer

China OEM/ODM makeup supplier

cosmetics factory with low MOQ

Industry Certifications Matter

Look for factories with certifications like:

ISO 22716 / GMPc (good manufacturing practices)

Compliance with FDA / EU cosmetic regulations if you plan to sell globally

Ask Smart Questions

When you contact a manufacturer, don't just ask for price. Ask:

Can you customize formulas?

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Can you provide samples before bulk orders?

What markets have you exported to?

Good manufacturers provide detailed answers and proof of certifications before you commit.

5. Why Many Brands Choose Ouqian Makeup Factory

At OUQIAN Makeup, we've worked with 1,000+ beauty brands globally, and most of them didn't start with massive budgets

or huge orders. They started with ideas, small test batches, and a very real need for flexibility instead of volume.

Also, our factory become a global hub for private label and contract manufacturing for several reasons:

Cost-Effective Production

OUQIAN Makeup often offers competitive pricing without compromising quality — meaning you can launch with smaller budgets.

Rapid Turnaround

OUQIAN Makeup provides faster sampling and production timelines — some can produce samples in days and bulk products in a matter of weeks.

Strong Customization Capabilities

OUQIAN Makeup factories now offer:

Custom formulations

Packaging design

Printing and labeling

Multiple product categories (face, lips, eyes, skincare)

Global Compliance Experience

OUQIAN Makeup manufacturers already understand FDA and EU cosmetic regulations, helping you avoid compliance headaches before launch.

Low MOQ Options for Starters

OUQIAN Makeup supports low MOQ programs for startups — sometimes as low as 50–100 units on certain products — making entry easier for new brands.

6. Customize Your Formulas and Packaging

Once you find a manufacturer you trust:

Choose Your Base Formula:

See what ready-to-go formulas they have and select what fits your brand goals.

Modify or Create a Custom Formula

Work with their R&D team to tweak:

Ingredients

Texture

Finish

Claims (e.g., hydration or matte)

Customize Labels and Packaging

Good factories help with:

Logo printing

Bottle/tube design

Box and label graphics

This helps create a unique brand identity.

7. Order Samples — Never Skip This Step

Before placing a full order, you should always:

✔ Order product samples
✔ Test them yourself
✔ Collect user feedback
✔ Ask for revisions if needed

This ensures you're confident before investing in larger quantities.

8. Plan Production and Logistics

After final formula and packaging approval:

Confirm production timelines

Arrange shipping (air, sea, railway)

Prepare customs documentation

Many Chinese factories now provide logistics support to help with shipping and compliance.

9. Launch and Sell — Marketing Matters

Once your products are ready:

Create a launch strategy on social media

Use SEO and product pages to attract online traffic

Partner with influencers and run campaigns

Successful brands don’t stop at production — they promote smartly.

we are committed to sustainability and compliance. We prioritize eco-friendly practices and ensure that all products meet industry regulations.

By partnering with OuqianMakeup, you gain a dedicated ally in building a successful cosmetics brand focused on quality and responsibility. Contact us now.