If you’re trying to bring a skincare or haircare product to market, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: do I make it myself, or do I work with a manufacturer?
And if you’ve decided to work with a manufacturer, the next question is: how do I actually find the right one?
This guide walks you through exactly that — what to look for, what questions to ask, and what to watch out for.
First, understand what you actually need
Not every manufacturer offers the same service. Before you start searching, you need to know which stage you’re at:
You have an idea but no formula. You need someone who can develop a bespoke formula for you from scratch — this is a cosmetic chemist, not just a manufacturer. Some companies offer both under one roof. Others only manufacture and expect you to arrive with a finished, tested formula already in hand.
You have a formula but need it tested and manufactured. You’ve developed or purchased a formula and now need stability testing, a safety assessment, and a production run.
You have everything ready and just need production. Your formula is complete, your Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is done, and you just need someone to manufacture.
Being clear on which stage you’re at will save you a lot of wasted conversations.
What is a CPSR and why does it matter when choosing a manufacturer?
In the UK, every cosmetic product sold to the public legally requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report — a CPSR. This is a document produced by a qualified safety assessor that confirms your product is safe for its intended use.
You also need a Product Information File (PIF) and stability testing. Stability testing is required for all cosmetic products — whether water-based or anhydrous. It is what determines your product’s shelf life and confirms that the product remains safe and unchanged throughout that period. This is not optional regardless of product type.
Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) is a separate requirement and applies specifically to water-based formulations. Anhydrous products such as balms, butters, and oils do not require PET. A qualified cosmetic chemist or safety assessor will advise you on exactly what your product needs.
Some manufacturers handle all of this for you. Others don’t touch it at all. When you’re speaking to potential manufacturers, ask directly: do you offer regulatory compliance support, or do I need to arrange that separately? There is no right or wrong answer — but you need to know upfront so you can budget and plan accordingly.
Minimum order quantities — what is realistic for indie brands?
This is one of the most common frustrations for indie founders. Many UK manufacturers have minimum order quantities (MOQs) of 1,000, 5,000, or even 10,000 units. For someone launching their first product, that’s a significant financial commitment before you’ve validated anything in the market.
There are manufacturers who work with smaller quantities — some from as low as 250 units — specifically to support indie and emerging brands. These tend to be smaller, more specialist operations rather than large commercial manufacturers.
When comparing manufacturers, always ask:
- What is your MOQ per product?
- Does the MOQ change depending on product type?
- What happens if I want to reorder a smaller quantity later?
Starting small and scaling is almost always the smarter approach for a new brand.
Private label vs custom formulation — know the difference
These two terms get confused a lot.
Private label means choosing a ready-made formula that the manufacturer already produces, and putting your brand name on it. It’s faster and cheaper, but the formula isn’t unique to you. Another brand could be selling the exact same product with a different label.
Custom formulation means a formula is developed specifically for your brand from scratch. It takes longer and costs more, but the formula is yours — your intellectual property, your unique product.
Neither option is wrong. It depends on your brand positioning, your budget, and how important differentiation is to you. Just make sure you know which one you’re getting before you sign anything.
Questions to ask any manufacturer before you commit
- Do you formulate from scratch or only manufacture existing formulas?
- What are your minimum order quantities?
- Do you handle stability testing and CPSR, or do I arrange that myself?
- What is the typical timeline from brief to finished product?
- What does your sampling process look like and how many rounds of samples are included?
- What are your payment terms?
- Do you have experience with my product type — water-based, anhydrous, leave-in, rinse-off?
A manufacturer worth working with will answer these clearly and without hesitation.
Red flags to watch out for
- No mention of regulatory compliance or safety testing anywhere on their website or in conversation
- Vague pricing with no written quote offered at any stage
- No clarity on what is and isn’t included in their service
- Inability to explain the testing requirements for your specific product type
- Poor or slow communication before you’ve even started working together
Where to find UK cosmetic contract manufacturers
- Google search — search terms like “cosmetic contract manufacturer UK low MOQ” or “small batch skincare manufacturer UK” will surface options
- Cosmetic trade directories — the CTPA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association) lists UK industry suppliers
- Industry events — in-cosmetics UK and Olympia Beauty are good places to meet manufacturers in person
- LinkedIn — many cosmetic chemists and manufacturers are active here and open to enquiries
- Word of mouth — indie beauty founder communities on Facebook and Reddit often share recommendations based on real experience
The most important thing
Take your time. Your manufacturer is essentially a production partner — you’ll be working closely with them for months, potentially years. The cheapest option is rarely the best option. Look for someone who communicates clearly, is transparent about what they can and can’t do, and has genuine expertise in your product category.
Ask for references if you can. And trust your gut — if something feels off before you’ve even started, it usually is.
This guide was written by Anne, a cosmetic chemist with over a decade of experience in cosmetic formulation, regulatory compliance, and contract manufacturing for indie beauty brands in the UK.
Looking for a UK cosmetic contract manufacturer?
Skin and Hair Manufacturing Hub is a small-batch UK contract manufacturer specialising in skincare and haircare for indie brands. We work with low MOQs, support you through stability testing and CPSR, and develop bespoke formulations when you need them. If you’re ready to talk to a manufacturer who actually understands indie brands, get in touch.