FAQ
Private label cosmetics: frequently asked questions
Minimum orders, costs, lead times, EU and UK documents, labels, packaging and shipping: here are the answers to the questions brands across Europe and the UK ask us most often about private label and contract manufacturing. If yours isn’t here, write to us: we reply within one hour.
What is your minimum order quantity?
We start from 500 units per SKU. An SKU (stock keeping unit) is one product in one format, for example a 100 ml gel. Our guide to minimum order quantities explains why a minimum exists.
Can I order fewer than 500 units?
We don’t produce fewer than 500 units per SKU. If you want to start with a limited budget, launch a few SKUs and widen the range after your first sales: see our page on small batch cosmetic manufacturing.
Can I split the 500 units across different scents or sizes?
No: the minimum applies to each SKU, that is, to each combination of product and format. Two different scents or two different sizes are two SKUs, each with its own 500 units.
How many units can you produce?
Up to 40,000 units per day. That is why we handle your first 500-unit batch and your larger repeat orders with the same method as your brand grows.
How much does it cost to create a cosmetic line?
It depends on the formula (ready-made or custom), packaging, artwork, tests for your claims and the quantities you order. Our guide to the cost of a cosmetic line explains each item; for your project we send you a detailed quote.
Does the price per unit go down with larger quantities?
Usually, yes. Some costs, such as line set-up and printing plates, are spread over the number of units: the more units you produce, the less they weigh on each one.
How long does it take to get my products?
Delivery takes 4–6 weeks from order confirmation. You confirm the order once you have approved samples, packaging and artwork, so the total time also depends on how quickly we make decisions together.
How quickly do you reply?
Within one hour of your request. As soon as you send the form you receive a confirmation email, then the project manager who will follow your project gets in touch. Requests in English are handled by our English-speaking sales team.
Who will follow my project?
One dedicated project manager, from your first request to delivery: a single point of contact. They guide you through the six phases described in how we work.
Can I try the product before ordering?
Yes. We send you samples before you order: straight away for ready formulas, in about 2 weeks for custom formulas.
Do you have ready-made formulas?
Yes, more than 300 ready formulas for private label skincare and more: skin care, body care, intimate hygiene and dermocosmetics. You can use them as they are or adapt them, for example by changing the scent.
What is the difference between private label and contract manufacturing?
With private label you start from one of our formulas and sell it under your brand. With contract manufacturing we produce your own formula or one developed specifically for you. Our guide to private label vs contract manufacturing helps you choose.
Can you develop a formula just for me?
Yes. With custom formulation we develop a new formula to your brief and, on request, keep it exclusive to your brand.
I already have a formula: can you produce it?
Yes, that is cosmetic contract manufacturing. Our lab assesses it, checks that it can be produced and that it complies with EU rules, then we produce it with your packaging.
Are my idea and my formula protected?
We sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before receiving any information about your project. On request we also agree exclusivity on the formula, so we don’t offer it to other clients. For distributors and importers, exclusivity by territory or channel can also be agreed case by case.
Is it really made in Italy?
Yes. Every product is produced in our plant in Pomezia, near Rome, Italy. Read why brands choose private label cosmetics made in Italy.
Who notifies my products on the CPNP?
We do. The CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) is the EU portal where every cosmetic must be notified before it goes on sale, as required by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Find out more in our guide to CPNP notification.
Do you prepare the PIF and the safety assessment?
The PIF (Product Information File) is the file every cosmetic sold in the EU must have, including the safety assessment by a qualified safety assessor. We prepare it with our in-house expertise and external regulatory experts. Our guide to the Product Information File explains what it contains.
My company is outside the EU: can you act as Responsible Person?
Every cosmetic sold in the EU needs a Responsible Person established in the EU, whose name and address appear on the label. If you don’t have one, we can provide an EU Responsible Person through our partners. Details on our EU and UK compliance page.
Can I sell my products in the UK?
Yes. In Great Britain cosmetics must be notified on SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) and need a UK Responsible Person with a UK address on the label. We arrange both through our partners; Northern Ireland follows specific rules that we check with you.
Which other countries can I sell in?
Throughout the European Union, with the documentation and CPNP notification we handle. For the UK, Canada, the USA, Mexico and Australia we support you through specialised partners: see EU and UK compliance.
Which languages must my labels be in?
Each EU country decides which languages are mandatory for some label information, so the answer depends on where you sell. Our designers can prepare multilingual labels; see our guide to EU cosmetic labelling.
Can I claim “dermatologically tested” on the label?
Yes, if the claim is supported by a suitable test. We entrust tests and analyses for claims to external labs chosen according to what you want to state, for a neutral assessment. Read our guide to cosmetic claims and testing.
Can I use my own packaging?
Yes, you can send us yours. Alternatively we offer bottles, tubes and cartons from certified suppliers we have worked with for years: see our custom cosmetic packaging options.
Can you help with artwork and labels?
Yes. Our in-house designers prepare your label and carton with your brand and follow them through to print, including the information required by law. Details on our graphic design and labels page.
Do you make kits and gift sets?
Yes, promotional kits and boxes are one of our strengths: we make the cosmetics and the box that holds them. See our custom cosmetic kits and corporate gift boxes.
How do you control quality?
Every batch is tested by our in-house lab and by external accredited labs, including for heavy metals, and is traceable by its code. Read more about quality and certifications.
Which certifications do you hold?
Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Dasa-Rägister, certificate IQ-0725-03). We produce according to good manufacturing practice, GMP (ISO 22716), which is a standard we apply rather than a certification. ISO 13485 certification for medical devices is in progress.
Do you ship to other EU countries and to the UK?
Yes. Within the EU goods travel without customs formalities. Shipments to the UK need customs documents, and the costs are assessed case by case for each order. See logistics and storage.
Can you store my goods and ship them for me?
Yes, by agreement: we produce, keep the goods in our warehouse and ship them on request to your warehouse, to your stores or to Amazon fulfilment centres. Split shipments to individual stores are assessed case by case.
I sell on Amazon: can you help?
Yes. We produce your product, store it and ship it to Amazon fulfilment centres when needed, in Europe and the UK. Read our page for ecommerce and Amazon sellers and our guide to selling cosmetics on Amazon Europe.
Do you work with pharmacies, spas and distributors?
Yes, and also with barbershops, online brands, importers and creators. Each type of client has different product and packaging needs: see who we work with.
Which products do you make?
Skin care, body care, intimate hygiene, intimate gels and dermocosmetics for sensitive skin. Our strengths are gels and creams: see all categories on our products page.
Do you make make-up or hair products?
No. We don’t make make-up, hair products, nail polish or nail gels. For barbershops and salons we make face and beard care, without hair products.
Can we meet?
Yes. We arrange a video call with your project manager to discuss your project, in English, or meet in person if that is more convenient. Find out more about us.
Keep reading
- Private labelPrivate label skincare made in Italy: 300+ ready or exclusive formulas, packaging, artwork, samples and EU documents. From 500 units per product.
- Contract manufacturingCosmetic contract manufacturing in Italy: lab and plant for your formula, from 500 units per SKU to 40,000 a day. NDA and every batch tested.
- How we workHow to start a cosmetic line in 6 phases, from assessment to delivery: a dedicated project manager, samples before ordering, 4–6 weeks.
- GuidesPrivate label cosmetics guides: costs, minimum order quantities, CPNP, PIF, labelling, claims and Amazon, from a maker of 40,000 units a day.