Custom-Made Cosmetics: What Does It Cost?

Whether you already have a set budget or not, we’re here to help you understand the various costs involved in starting your own cosmetics brand. In this article, we explain which factors determine the price of having customized cosmetics produced in a professional lab.

1. Custom Formulation or Ready-Made Product?

On the market, there are two main types of formulations: custom-made cosmetics and ready-to-use formulas. But what’s the difference?

A ready-made formula is an existing product that has already gone through development and testing. Labs offering this service often have a catalog of pre-approved products. This is ideal if you want to launch your product quickly, it saves both time and money.

A custom formulation, on the other hand, requires much more work and comes with a higher cost. Since no product exists yet, you start from scratch: selecting and sourcing ingredients, developing the formula, and conducting tests like quality control. While it requires more investment, it also gives you full creative freedom and allows you to avoid controversial ingredients, such as peracetic acid, which is sometimes found in pet shampoos.

2. The Ingredients You Choose

Naturally, the cost of launching your cosmetic brand also depends on the ingredients you choose. Raw material prices vary greatly depending on their nature. For example, a cream with hyaluronic acid will cost more than one with a less exclusive active ingredient.

The rarer and more expensive the ingredients, the higher the total cost. It’s smart to reach out to suppliers in advance for a rough idea of raw material pricing, but keep in mind that these often don’t reflect volume discounts. If an ingredient exceeds your budget, most labs can suggest more affordable alternatives within the same formula.

3. Legally Required Testing

Cosmetics is a highly regulated sector. Every product must undergo a series of mandatory tests (safety, stability, efficacy, etc.) before it can be sold. In addition, creating a Product Information File (PIF) is required by law.

These tests come with a cost. A Challenge Test (microbiological) typically costs around €300. The complete PIF ranges from €600 to €1,100, depending on product complexity.

4. The Production Process

Production costs also affect the total price. The more complex the process, the more expensive the product becomes.

Some raw materials, like clay, require specific equipment to be properly processed or packaged. For instance, clay flows poorly, which complicates the bottling process and can drive up costs.

5. Certifications and Labels

Are you working with a certified organic cosmetics lab that offers official labels like Ecogarantie, Ecocert, or Cosmebio? In that case, expect a price increase. Certification costs are usually included in the overall project cost.

6. Packaging Materials

Packaging often plays a significant role in the cost of cosmetic products. In a world where appearance is as important as content, your packaging must be attractive, user-friendly, sustainable, and aligned with your brand identity.

Plastic is cheap, but single-use plastic is harmful for both the planet and your brand image. Fortunately, there are alternatives such as recycled or recyclable plastic, or even refillable packaging, ideal for eco-conscious brands.

Metal packaging like aluminum is more expensive, but 100% recyclable. Glass looks luxurious and is reusable, but beware: glass is made from sand, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce.

In short: your packaging not only affects your product’s price, but also your brand’s appearance and environmental footprint.

How Anybrand Cosmetic Supports You Through the Process

At Anybrand Cosmetic, we make things easy. We guide you from A to Z in the development of your brand and provide full transparency on production costs, so there are no surprises.

You start by completing an intake form that helps us understand your project and your budget. Why? Because when starting a cosmetics brand, it’s nearly impossible to know exact costs in advance. As you’ve seen above, the price depends on many factors.

That’s why we recommend setting a clear budget upfront. That way, we understand your financial limits, your desired retail price, and the margin you want to maintain. Based on this, we can set realistic expectations, give you honest advice, and determine whether your vision is achievable within your budget.

Prefer a White Label Solution?

At Anybrand, we also offer a white-label concept. This gives you access to a range of high-quality, ready-to-use products that can be branded with your own logo and label. It’s ideal for hair salons, beauty institutes, or hotels.

You get professional quality and fast market entry, all while maintaining your own brand identity. It saves time and money while still allowing for customization. It’s a cost-effective way to launch your own brand without bearing the full development cost.

What Does a White-Label Brand Cost?

Great question! Pricing varies depending on the product, order volume, and level of customization. Feel free to contact us, we’ll review your project with a personalized approach.

You now know everything about the costs of launching a white-label or custom-made cosmetic brand. No more searching for “cosmetic brand startup cost” or “cosmetics lab Belgium prices.” At Anybrand Cosmetic, we’re here to help, with your ideas, your project, and your budget, to create a skincare line that’s truly yours.