Connecting With Cosmetics Manufacturers and Suppliers for Your Business

10 min read

Entrepreneurs looking to start their own business have a lot of options to choose from. Selling cosmetic products can be a highly successful business model when done right. There is tremendous variety in the types of cosmetic products that people need. This means it is relatively easy to find niche markets within the larger market of cosmetics. Retailers can thrive by offering a line of quality cosmetic products with good marketing and exposure.

The Cosmetics segment revenue in 2022 is estimated at $100.49 billion (Source: Insights)

But starting a cosmetics business, or adding cosmetic products to an existing business, can be challenging. The primary reason for this is that making good cosmetic products isn’t simple. But the way to solve this problem is to partner with cosmetic manufacturers when sourcing products. But, how do you find cosmetic suppliers? And what are the important things to look for?

Continue reading to learn everything you should know about partnering with cosmetic products suppliers for your business.

Why Work With Cosmetic Suppliers?

If you want to start selling cosmetics, partnering with a cosmetic products manufacturer is likely your best option. There are several reasons for this.

First, cosmetics manufacturers are already set up to produce high-quality products. They have labs to test products for quality and safety. They have years of experience developing new products. And, they are already licensed and certified to manufacture their products.

Second, most cosmetics also have established distribution networks. This means they can ship their products to you (or your customers) with ease and minimal risk of loss. Partnering with a cosmetic products manufacturer is often faster and more affordable than other alternatives.

When partnering with cosmetic suppliers, there is also plenty of room for creativity and customization. You do not need to sacrifice control or product variety just because you are outsourcing production. There are dozens of exceptional cosmetic manufacturing companies operating in the U.S. alone. Cosmetics manufacturers offer a tremendous range of products, with various suppliers specializing in different areas.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cosmetic Manufacturers

While there are plenty of good options to choose from when searching for cosmetic manufacturers, they’re not all the same. Some manufacturers may be great at what they do, but are not the right fit for your business. To help focus your search, here are some important factors to consider when choosing a cosmetic products manufacturer.

Product specifications

First and foremost, you must consider what products are available from the various cosmetic suppliers under consideration. If your business model centers around skin care products, a supplier whose main focus is hair care or makeup is not your best option. Carefully research what each supplier is capable of making.

Not only that, but you should also look into the ingredients used, and how much variety they offer. The more niche your product goals are, the more variety you should look for within your niche. Finding a cosmetics supplier that can meet your unique business demands is often the most important thing.

Manufacturing standards

In addition to product availability, manufacturing standards are also very important. What sort of testing is done to ensure products are safe and effective? How much emphasis does the manufacturer place on sustainability and ethics? What do customer reviews say about the products? These are all important questions to consider when selling cosmetics.

Consumers are highly concerned about environmental safety and ethics when it comes to cosmetic products. Being able to source your products from a manufacturer who shares these concerns can only help your business. Similarly, ensuring that you can deliver consistent and reliable products to your customers is always crucial in any industry.

Costs

Operation costs should always dictate your decision-making on some level. When choosing a cosmetic products supplier, you should consider the cost of products as well as shipping. These costs will impact your price points and potential profit margins. It’s also not a bad thing to spend a little more for higher-quality products. This is especially true if you can sell them for a higher price at a greater volume.

There is no simple answer when it comes to weighing the cost of partnering with cosmetics manufacturers. Obviously, your goal should be to work out the best deal possible. But your decision will ultimately come down to your own budget, business needs, and personal preferences.

Manufacturer location

One seemingly simple factor that should not be overlooked is the manufacturer’s location. If your business and consumers are based in North America, you may find it easier to work with an American manufacturer. The closer you are to your supplier, the faster you can get your products.

Additionally, if you do not need to ship products over an international border, you can save a lot on shipping. However, manufacturing costs may sometimes be higher when working with domestic suppliers.

Again, there is no straightforward solution to this concern, and your decision will come down to budget and other concerns. But supplier location is important to keep in mind as you finalize your decision.

How to Find Cosmetic Products Suppliers

Now that you know what to look for in cosmetics manufacturers, you may be wondering where to find them. There are a few excellent options to help you get in touch with cosmetics suppliers.

The first, and simplest, option is to simply search online. Googling cosmetic manufacturers allows you to filter results based on your needs and preferences. This is a great way to get started, as you can compile a list of viable manufacturers for your company.

Another great way to get more in-depth knowledge about suppliers is by attending cosmetic manufacturing trade shows. Cosmetic trade shows are a great opportunity to test out manufacturer products and establish connections. If you can find a trade show in your area, it’s worthwhile to attend. Manufacturers at these shows are eager to establish business relationships and show off their best products.

Who are some top cosmetic manufacturers today?

The cosmetics industry is constantly evolving as new products emerge. As such, you should try to stay on top of trends within the cosmetic industry to find the most innovative brands.

With that said, some manufacturers often lead the way in terms of production and innovation. Here are a few of the leading cosmetic products manufacturers in America today:

Cosmetic Groups USA — Specializes in lipsticks, makeup, and skin care products.
Nutrix — Multi-purpose manufacturer that develops cosmetics, skincare, and oral care products. Also offers private-label products.
Capacity LLC — Cosmetics supplier that specializes in helping e-commerce businesses with product fulfillment, shipping, and packaging.

Cosmetic packaging manufacturers and suppliers

Another subcategory of suppliers to consider is cosmetic packaging manufacturers and suppliers. Cosmetic packaging can be both stylish and practical. Well-designed packaging can attract the customer’s eye while also making products more accessible and easy to use. Keeping an eye on cosmetic packaging manufacturers is another small way to give yourself an advantage.

While searching for the best products, you might also search online for cosmetic glass jar manufacturers and suppliers. Packaging suppliers like Glassnow and New High Glass are perfectly suited to help cosmetics retailers sell their products.

Starting An Online Cosmetics Business

Once you have your cosmetic products, the only thing left to do is market and sell them. If you need help getting your online store off the ground, Ecwid can help.

Read Ecwid’s guide to selling cosmetics online to learn more about the ins and outs of the cosmetic industry. Or, read about what it takes to open your online store for more general guidance on how to run your business.

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Nov 22, 2022

About the author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.