How to start a skincare line

How to start a skincare line, step by step

1. 01

   Keep your claims cosmetic

   The FDA decides whether a product is a cosmetic or a drug by its intended use, which your claims reveal. If a product is meant to treat or prevent disease, or to change how the body works, it's a drug, with far stricter rules. Some products are both.

   Write claims about how the product looks and feels: hydrates, smooths, softens. Leave treatment language out of your labels, product pages and ads unless you're prepared to meet drug rules.

2. 02

   Choose to make it or have it made

   You can formulate yourself or hire a contract manufacturer, often with a private-label formula you adjust. Making it yourself costs less and teaches you the product. A manufacturer costs more upfront but brings tested formulas, production equipment and help with safety documentation.

   Either way, start with one hero product, like a moisturizer or a face oil, rather than a full routine. One product is cheaper to test, easier to explain and simpler to advertise.

3. 03

   Make it safely

   It isn't against the law to make cosmetics at home, but it's your responsibility to make them where they won't become adulterated. The FDA lists risks such as microbial contamination and harmful packaging.

   Water-based products need a preservative system, and every formula needs testing to show it stays safe and stable on the shelf. Keep batch records for each production run so you can trace any complaint back to its batch.

4. 04

   Meet MoCRA's requirements

   MoCRA requires manufacturers and processors to register facilities with the FDA and renew every two years, and the responsible person to list each product with its ingredients. You must report serious adverse events within 15 business days and keep records that support the product's safety.

   Certain small businesses are exempt from registration, listing and good manufacturing practice rules, but not for products that touch the eye's mucous membranes, are injected, are for internal use, or alter appearance for more than 24 hours. Check the FDA's current guidance.

5. 05

   Label it to FDA rules

   Cosmetic labels need a statement of identity on the front panel in bold type, an accurate net quantity, ingredients in descending order of predominance, and the name and business address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.

   Design labels with all of this before you order them. StickerApp lists 200 roll labels for $63, and Wholesale Supplies Plus sells 12 airless 1.7 oz bottles with pumps for $25.20, which protect formulas from air.

6. 06

   Price and test with real people

   Cost each unit from ingredients, bottle, label, testing spread across the batch, and your time. Add card or marketplace fees and shipping, then price so you can afford to send samples.

   Give samples to people in your target group and ask for honest feedback on texture, scent and results over two weeks. Their words, with permission, become your first reviews and product page copy.

7. 07

   Build one great product page

   Makeup and skincare brands that advertise send more than half their ads to a single product page. Yours should show the texture, who it's for, the full ingredient list, how to use it, and reviews.

   With one product in one size, Replo checkout takes the payment directly. For several sizes, bundles or subscriptions, run the catalog on Shopify and let Replo build the product, homepage and ingredient pages on top of it.

What it costs to start a skincare line

What packaging and setup cost for a first skincare product, not counting ingredients or lab testing. The cheapest way in is one product in one size.

Your first 30 days

1. Week 1

   Pick the hero product

   • Choose one product and one skin concern you'll describe in cosmetic terms.
   • Decide whether you'll formulate yourself or contact contract manufacturers.
   • Search the brand name on USPTO and buy the matching domain.

2. Week 2

   Formulate and start testing

   • Make or order a first batch and start stability and preservative testing.
   • Set up batch records and a folder for your safety substantiation.
   • Check whether MoCRA registration and listing apply to your business.

3. Week 3

   Label and sample

   • Design labels with identity, net quantity, ingredients and your business address.
   • Order bottles and labels, then fill samples for ten people in your target group.
   • Collect written feedback on texture, scent and results after two weeks.

4. Week 4

   Build the page and launch

   • Write the product page from your testers' words and the full ingredient list.
   • Build the product page, homepage and a how-to-use section.
   • Launch to your testers' friends and ask first buyers for reviews.

What brands in this category run ads to

Build your skincare line's store

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to create a skincare brand?

Packaging and setup for one product start around $130: a dozen airless bottles, 200 labels, a barcode and a domain. Ingredients, stability and preservative testing, and any contract manufacturer's minimum order come on top and are usually the larger costs.

How do I start making skincare as a beginner?

Start with one simple product, learn safe handling and preservation, and keep batch records from the first batch. A balm or oil made without water is a simpler first formula than a lotion, which needs a preservative system. Test stability before you sell anything to anyone.

Do I need FDA approval to sell skincare?

No. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic products or ingredients before sale, except color additives. You're still responsible for safety and correct labeling, and claims to treat or prevent disease make the product a drug with stricter rules.

Can I make skincare at home and sell it?

Yes. It isn't against federal law to make cosmetics at home, but you must make them in conditions that won't contaminate them. Check your state and city rules too, since most small businesses need some state or local licenses.

Do I have to register my skincare line with the FDA?

Usually, under MoCRA: facility registration and product listing with ingredients. Certain small businesses are exempt from registration and listing, except for products that contact the eye's mucous membranes, are injected, or alter appearance for more than 24 hours. Check the FDA's guidance for your case.