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Sourcy
For beauty founders and brand teams

How To Choose The Best Beauty Suppliers For Your Brand

Choosing the right cosmetic manufacturer and beauty suppliers is one of the most important decisions for any beauty brand. The wrong partner can slow you down or create quality problems.

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*Covers skincare, haircare, colour cosmetics, and tools.

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Skincare
💇
Haircare
💄
Colour
🖌️
Tools
Matched to the right suppliers
1

Clarify Your Beauty Category And Business Model

Before you choose a cosmetic manufacturer or packaging supplier, you need clarity on what you are building. Your category and model will determine which supplier types make sense.

Own brand (white label)Use existing formulas with your branding
Custom formulationDevelop unique formulas from scratch
Private label with tweaksAdjust existing formulas to your spec
Distribution or resaleSource finished goods from brands
2

Understand Cosmetic Manufacturer Types

Not all cosmetic manufacturers offer the same services. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right partner for your needs.

Full-service OEM/ODM

Pros
  • End-to-end support
  • Faster time to market
  • One point of contact
Cons
  • Less control over components
  • Higher per-unit cost at scale

Formula house + separate packaging

Pros
  • More control over each element
  • Can optimise costs separately
Cons
  • More coordination required
  • Longer timelines

Contract filler only

Pros
  • You source packaging and formula
  • Maximum flexibility
Cons
  • Complex logistics
  • Requires deep supply chain knowledge
3

Specialisation By Category

Different beauty categories have different manufacturing requirements. Look for suppliers with proven experience in your specific category.

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Skincare

  • Stability testing for actives
  • Cold and hot fill capabilities
  • Airless packaging experience
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Haircare

  • Large batch sizes
  • Shampoo/conditioner filling lines
  • Salon vs retail formats
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Colour Cosmetics

  • Shade matching precision
  • Batch-to-batch consistency
  • Compact and applicator assembly
🖌️

Tools & Accessories

  • Material certifications
  • Assembly and packaging
  • Drop testing and durability
4

Geography: Where To Source

Different regions offer different strengths for beauty manufacturing. Consider your priorities when choosing where to source.

China

Strengths
  • Broad manufacturing base
  • Competitive pricing
  • Fast turnaround
Considerations
  • Requires strong QC
  • IP protection
  • Communication barriers

South Korea

Strengths
  • Innovation and R&D
  • Premium positioning
  • K-beauty trends
Considerations
  • Higher costs
  • Longer lead times
  • Smaller batch flexibility

Other regions

Strengths
  • Closer to market
  • Specific certifications
  • Niche expertise
Considerations
  • Limited capacity
  • Higher base costs
  • Fewer options
5

Don't Forget Packaging Suppliers

Packaging is a separate sourcing track. You may get packaging from your cosmetic manufacturer or source it independently for more control.

From your manufacturer

  • • Simpler coordination
  • • One point of contact
  • • May have limited options

Source independently

  • • More design control
  • • Potentially lower costs
  • • Requires more coordination
6

Evaluation Checklist For Beauty Suppliers

Use this checklist when evaluating potential cosmetic manufacturers and beauty suppliers.

Do they have experience in your specific category (skincare, haircare, tools)?
What is their minimum order quantity (MOQ) and does it fit your stage?
Can they provide references or samples from similar projects?
Do they hold relevant certifications (GMP, ISO, organic, etc.)?
What is their lead time from sample approval to bulk production?
How do they handle quality control and batch testing?
Can they support your target markets (EU, US, APAC regulations)?
What is their communication style and responsiveness?

How Sourcy Helps You Pick The Right Beauty Suppliers

Sourcy works with beauty founders and brand teams to match them with vetted cosmetic manufacturers and packaging suppliers.

BriefUnderstand your category and goals
Supplier MatchFind vetted beauty manufacturers
SamplesEvaluate quality and fit
QCValidate production standards
DeliveryShip to your warehouse or filler

Instead of researching suppliers on your own, Sourcy shortlists vetted partners based on your category, volume, and target markets.

Choosing Beauty Suppliers: FAQ

Need Help Finding The Right Beauty Suppliers?

If you are launching or scaling a beauty brand and want help choosing cosmetic manufacturers and suppliers, Sourcy can support you from brief to delivery.

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    How To Choose The Best Beauty Suppliers For Your Brand | Sourcy