Want to create a unique formula for your cosmetics brand?
You’re in the right place. The quickest way to make it happen: team up with a reliable contract cosmetics manufacturer. They’ll help you navigate research, ingredient sourcing, testing, and all the regulations—so your product is not just great, but market-ready.
Why Create a Custom Formula?
With so many beauty brands out there, it’s tough to stand out. A custom formula helps you:
Break free from generic white-label products
Cater to specific customer needs like vegan or cruelty-free makeup
Create something that’s truly your brand
From high-pigment lipsticks to natural-finish foundations, a unique formula makes all the difference.
Step 1: Clarify Your Brand Vision
Ask yourself:
Who are you selling to?
What kind of results should your product deliver?
Any must-have or avoid-at-all-cost ingredients?
Examples:
Long-wear matte lipstick for makeup artists
Clean beauty eye palette with zero parabens or talc
Step 2: Find the Right Manufacturing Partner
This is where the magic starts. Look for a manufacturer with:
Solid experience in custom cosmetics
GMP-certified labs
Reasonable minimum orders (MOQs)
One trusted example is Aurora Global Brands—they’ve been doing this for over 15 years.
Step 3: Co-Create Your Product
You’ll work with the R&D team to:
Choose textures, colors, scents
Review lab samples
Refine the formula based on your feedback
Want to learn more about how formulations work? Explore Chemists Corner for pro insights.
Step 4: Choose Ingredients & Conduct Testing
Your manufacturer will help source top-quality ingredients and ensure your product is safe and compliant. Testing might include:
Stability tests
Microbial checks
Patch testing (if needed)
Want to dive deeper into ingredient safety? Check out the EWG’s Skin Deep Database.
Step 5: Handle the Legal Stuff
To sell globally, you’ll need documentation like:
Ingredient (INCI) lists
Product Information Files (PIFs)
Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
A good manufacturer will guide you through this paperwork.
Step 6: Pick Packaging That Works
Your packaging should:
Represent your brand
Protect your formula
Be easy and pleasant to use
Bonus points if it’s sustainable. Customers love that.
Final Thoughts
Creating a custom cosmetics formula doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner and a strong brand vision, you can build a product that turns heads and keeps customers coming back.
