From 2023 to 2025, the UK cosmetics industry has demonstrated robust growth momentum. According to a Grand View Research report, the UK cosmetics market reached $9.937 billion in 2023 and is projected to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030 .
Meanwhile, IMARC Group data indicates the market surpassed $13.845 billion by 2024 and is poised for continued expansion over the next decade . This growth stems not only from rising demand for natural, organic, and personalized skincare products but also from the momentum driven by emerging social commerce platforms like TikTok, which has become the UK cosmetics industry's fourth-largest retail channel .
In such a fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving market, finding reliable manufacturing partners is crucial for brands. Whether startups are entering this space or established brands are expanding product lines, partnering with the right manufacturer often determines whether products can swiftly capture consumer attention.
Next, we will review the top ten cosmetics manufacturers in the UK, delving into their business scope, R&D capabilities, contract manufacturing services, and market advantages to help brands identify the most suitable partners.
EXQUISITE Luxury is recognized as one of the most representative companies in the global private label skincare, haircare, and body care sectors. Collaborations with numerous top international suppliers enable them to consistently launch products featuring innovative ingredients and premium textures.
Their strength lies in customization: brand clients can either adjust ingredients, colors, and fragrances based on existing formulations or develop entirely new, independent product lines.
Its frequent inclusion in “Luxury Private Label Manufacturers” lists underscores its industry influence. While specific minimum order quantities remain undisclosed, its luxury positioning implies relatively higher entry thresholds. Overall, EXQUISITE Luxury best suits brands targeting mid-to-high-end markets seeking unique formulations and differentiated experiences.
Based in the UK, Herrco Cosmetics partners with numerous local and international brands. Renowned for technological innovation, the company specializes in developing natural beauty products. Unlike other manufacturers, it offers a “full-service” model—clients can entrust nearly every step from initial concept to product launch to Herrco.
Herrco holds certifications including GMP, ISO 9001:2015, and EcoVadis Bronze, and is a registered Sedex member. These accreditations ensure compliance and sustainability throughout its production processes. On Indeed, team members describe a positive workplace atmosphere. For external clients, its rapid product development capabilities remain paramount—solutions like “Fast Beauty” help brands accelerate the journey from R&D to market launch.
COSMETICS LABORATORY LIMITED (Cosmetics Lab) is an independent and innovative cosmetics laboratory specializing in formulation development, product testing, and manufacturing, ensuring all products fully comply with EU regulations.
The company offers private label, custom line, and bulk production services, with over 15 years of experience in formulation development and innovation. Clients can rely on their expert team for end-to-end support from concept to finished product. Despite average employee satisfaction, the company remains highly recognized within the industry for its compliance and professionalism.
Established in 2014 and headquartered in the UK, Wrimes Cosmetics is dedicated to transforming creativity into premium brands. Their product portfolio spans beauty, medical supplies, face painting, and pet care, encompassing brands such as Moon Creations, Lavology, Buddycare, and Derora.
Wrimes offers end-to-end services from concept to filling, enabling clients to rapidly transform ideas into market-ready products. While lacking direct customer reviews, its diversified product portfolio and retail channel partnerships demonstrate robust market capabilities and flexibility.
DCC Health & Beauty Solutions is a key division of DCC plc, specializing in contract manufacturing for nutritional supplements and beauty products. With over 600 professionals and robust R&D capabilities, the company delivers customized solutions for leading global brands.
Its subsidiaries—EuroCaps, Thompson & Capper, Laleham Healthcare, and Vitamex—cover diverse product categories. DCC's strengths lie in end-to-end contract manufacturing, bespoke formulation, and robust R&D support, enabling brands to rapidly achieve market readiness.
Based in Hampshire, THE COSMETIC EXPERTS LLP specializes in cosmetic formulation development and technical/regulatory consulting services. The company does not directly manufacture products but assists clients in transforming ideas into compliant product formulations.
Founded by industry-renowned Daniela Del Ciotto and Martin Mackenzie-Smith, the firm excels in providing end-to-end consulting from concept research to project management, particularly suited for brands seeking EU and international regulatory compliance.
Headquartered in the UK and US, Orean is an award-winning manufacturer of premium private-label skincare and haircare products, operating as a B-Corp certified company emphasizing sustainability.
The company offers comprehensive guidance from concept design to production, handling orders ranging from 2,500 to 2.5 million units and beyond, demonstrating flexible manufacturing capabilities. Orean emphasizes technology-driven, high-performance formulations and provides clients with ingredient sourcing, product development, and technical support services to accelerate brand launches.
Hera Beauty specializes in manufacturing premium private-label skincare products using natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients. The company offers custom formulation or bulk production of existing formulas, allowing clients to incorporate up to three selected ingredients.
With a clear focus on natural, sustainable, and flexible manufacturing, Hera Beauty enables brands to rapidly launch proprietary products while emphasizing eco-conscious and ethical production principles.
With over 30 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, Wormser UK specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing private label and branded cosmetics across key categories including color cosmetics, skincare, men's grooming, and fragrances.
The company offers global sourcing, product design innovation, end-to-end project management, and logistics services, serving as a reliable partner for established brands or retailers entering the market.
Founded in 1979, Linco Care specializes in manufacturing sun protection, hair removal, and personal care products. The company offers comprehensive private label customization services and holds ISO 9001, ISO 22716, and BRCGS certifications.
With over 700 formulations supporting customization for all skin types, Linco Care delivers end-to-end solutions from concept to production. Employees report positive workplace experiences, highlighting a fast-paced environment, flexibility, and strong teamwork.
When selecting contract manufacturers, brands consider not only UK-based production but also Chinese factories compliant with EU regulations. UK factories feature higher minimum order quantities, longer R&D cycles, and higher costs, making them suitable for established large brands. Chinese manufacturers, however, offer greater flexibility, competitive pricing, and support for small batches, making them ideal for startups or testing new products.
| Comparison Dimensions | UK Cosmetics Manufacturers | Chinese Cosmetics Manufacturers |
| Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) | Generally requires higher quantities, | Supports smaller batch orders, more accommodating for startups and product expansion clients. |
| Cost and Pricing | High R&D and production costs, resulting in higher quotes | Low labor and production costs, offering more competitive pricing |
| R&D Cycle | Lengthy timeline, complex processes | Highly efficient R&D with rapid iterations to meet market demands |
| Product Selection | Limited categories, low customization | Diverse formula and packaging options with high flexibility |
| Market Responsiveness | Long delivery cycles, inflexible adjustments | Short cycles enabling swift adaptation to emerging trends and new product launches |
| Certification & Standards | Complies with EU standards, strong compliance | Also meets international certification standards like EU and US |
| Customer Support | Focusing on Serving Major Clients | Placing Greater Emphasis on Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Brands and Entrepreneurs |
Chinese factories demonstrate significantly faster response times to emerging trends compared to their British counterparts, while British factories exhibit greater stability in quality and regulatory compliance. Overall, brands seeking low-barrier, rapid market entry will find Chinese manufacturers offer superior value for money; those pursuing high-end, strictly compliant products are better served by British manufacturers.
UK private-label cosmetics manufacturers provide reliable support to the global beauty market through their professional expertise and diversified services. From EXQUISITE Luxury, which pursues premium quality, to Hera Beauty, focused on natural and sustainable ingredients, to Herrco Cosmetics, offering end-to-end solutions, these companies help brands turn creative visions into reality. They provide comprehensive services from concept to launch, covering formulation development, packaging design, and stringent quality control.
However, UK manufacturers typically require high minimum order quantities, which can be unfriendly for startups or businesses looking to expand their product lines. In such cases, we recommend exploring collaborations with Chinese cosmetics manufacturers that hold European and American certifications.
Choosing the right manufacturer means selecting a trustworthy partner, laying the foundation for your brand to stand out in a fiercely competitive market.
