How to Make Your Own Brand of Cosmetics

March 30, 2023 · News

The cosmetics industry offers a world of opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. With the estimated value of the global cosmetics market exceeding $500 billion (USD) in 2023, if you have a great idea for a cosmetics brand, you could stake your claim on a piece of this colossal pie—and we’re here to help you do it.

While there is a lot that goes into launching and operating a successful cosmetics business, this quick guide provides you with an overview of how to make your own brand of cosmetics in Australia, including a simple step-by-step guide to help you get your new cosmetics business off the ground.

How to Make Your Own Brand of Cosmetics: A Step-By-Step Guide

Register the business

Your first step when starting out should be to register your business. You’ll need to decide on a name for your business, work out the most appropriate business structure and register the business by applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN).

If you’re unsure about anything during the registration process or how to select the right business structure, it’s best to seek professional advice. Getting in touch with a business lawyer or accountant is a great place to start.

2. Establish your brand direction and define your product range

Next, you’ll need to establish what you want your brand to look like and the range of cosmetic products you want to offer.

Work with a graphic designer or branding agency to determine the desired aesthetic for the brand. From your logo to your colour palette and brand personality, it’s important to establish a clear direction from the get-go and apply it consistently across all your products and marketing.

It’s also important to carefully consider which products you will offer. It may help to consider things such as:

the type of products your target consumer will want
what products your competitors are offering
how you will differentiate your products from your competitors
whether you want to stick exclusively to cosmetics or if you will also offer skincare products
whether you want to launch with a single or small handful of products, or whether you want to launch offering a full suite of products.

3. Engage a cosmetics contract manufacturer

Now you’re ready to engage a cosmetics contract manufacturer.

Developing your products yourself can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re starting out for the first time. Using the services of a contract manufacturer can remove many of the delays associated with bringing a new cosmetic product to market, and you’ll also benefit from their expert advice and guidance.

They’ll be able to help you refine your ideas and bring them to life. If you’re starting out with your first cosmetics line, the easiest option is to use a contract manufacturer that can offer a range of pre-formulated products with a private labelling service. A private labelling service allows you to add your own branding and packaging to ready-to-go cosmetic products which have been carefully formulated by an expert beauty product developer.

When speaking with contract manufacturers, find out what manufacturing lead times you can expect, what their minimum order volumes and maximum production capacity is, and find out more about their manufacturing facilities, production processes and quality control measures to ensure they can meet your requirements.

4. Take your products to market

Now you’re ready to start selling your products.

You’ll need to work out what the most suitable distribution method is. Will you sell your products exclusively online? Do you want to sell directly to consumers through a brick-and-mortar retail store? Do you want to establish an affiliate marketing network? Are you planning to distribute your products through third-party wholesalers? Or will you use a hybrid distribution method?

Depending on your chosen distribution method, you’ll also need to develop a clear sales and marketing strategy, including which promotional channels you’ll use, the type of messaging you’ll adopt and how you’ll measure performance.

While it may take some time to gain some real traction and build a solid customer base, with hard work and some smart decision-making, you could be on your way to building your own cosmetics empire!

Launching a New Cosmetics Brand? Partner with Wild Child

Wild Child is a full-service Australian cosmetics contract manufacturer with a reputation for producing the highest quality skincare and cosmetics products.

Read on to find out more about who we are or contact us to discuss how we can help you get your new cosmetics business off the ground.

Who is Wild Child?

Wild Child is a strategic innovation and manufacturing partner to leading SPF, skincare and cosmetic brands from around the world. We develop and produce high-performing, inclusive, sustainable and fun products that disrupt markets and establish new consumer trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our minimum order quantities (MOQs) are a function of the calibrated weights of our mixing vessel and the capacity of our filling lines. Depending on the unit size of the final product the MOQ will typically be around 10,000 units.

We do not have a product catalogue. Products will be suggested by our Product Development team based on the information you provide through the new product enquiry form.

Yes, with a better understanding of your product requirements we will develop a lab sample(s) for your review and ultimate approval. Depending on level of customisation or development required, this service may incur a fee.

Typically, 12 – 14 weeks from the placement of purchase order and payment of the deposit. Please note, the manufacturing lead time is dependent on the availability of the raw materials and packaging components, which can be confirmed prior to the placement of your order.

No, all our pricing is EX WORKS. Whilst we do not provide freight and distribution services, we can assist with the freight quotation and booking from our Facility.

Upon placement of purchase order, a 50% deposit is required, and balance is due prior to the release of the finished goods.

Yes, we can provide packaging options based on formulation compatibility and compliance standards. Alternatively, clients can provide their own packaging with the understanding that it must be compatible with our equipment and meet compliance standards.