You've probably already started looking in South Korea if you want to start a beauty brand that really stands out.
Why would a Korean cosmetic factory be the best partner for your private label business, though? Their distinctive ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) system is the key. This is a comprehensive one-stop shop that covers everything from R&D and market trend analysis to final production and quality control. It goes beyond contract manufacturing. The top 10 private label cosmetic manufacturer in Korea are listed here; each is a formidable force prepared to turn your idea for beauty into a commercial reality.
Before delving into manufacturing, let's examine Korea's standing in the global private-label cosmetics manufacturing sector.
According to a report by GlobalGrowth Insights, the global cosmetics market size is projected to reach approximately $69.37 billion in 2024, growing to $112.99 billion by 2033. Core South Korean manufacturers such as COSMAX, Kolmar, and Intercos are listed as major players.
This data underscores the formidable competitiveness of South Korean cosmetics manufacturers within the global contract manufacturing market.
The first name that springs to mind while discussing the industry titans is COSMAX. With an annual production capacity exceeding 1.77 billion units worldwide, they are more than just a Korean cosmetic manufacturer.
They are the gold standard for high-volume, worldwide companies because of their sheer size and their global reach (facilities in Korea, China, Indonesia, and the USA). A comprehensive One-Stop Solution (OEM, ODM, OBM) is provided by COSMAX.
Their OBM service, which can even involve suggesting pre-made, tried-and-tested brands, and ODM service, where their researchers proactively create creative items based on market insights, are their strongest points. Whether you're a big, well-known company or a quickly growing startup looking for the best R&D and worldwide compliance, COSMAX provides unmatched speed and flexibility to drastically cut down on time-to-market.
As the first cosmetics ODM firm in Korea, Kolmar Korea has a distinct place in the K-Beauty world. This well-known Korean cosmetics industry has been growing steadily for more than 30 years.
It is known for its technological expertise and great quality. They were one of the first companies in Korea to be certified as CGMP-compliant, which shows how serious they are about quality control. Kolmar Korea offers a "Total Solution Process" that covers everything from planning the product to helping with marketing.
The "Principle of 1 Prescription to 1 Company" is what makes them most appealing to private label companies. This promise of honesty implies that your special formula will never be shared with another customer. This guarantees brand exclusivity and builds a strong, trusting relationship. Kolmar Korea is a great alternative for firms who want to keep their formulas secret, get a lot of help with research and development, and work with a partner that has a long history of quality.
Intercos Korea, the Asian Beauty Hub for the global Intercos Group, is where high-end luxury meets Korean creativity. They are experts in formulation with more than 45 years of experience around the world, and they focus on high-performance color cosmetics and advanced skincare.
They are a truly global cosmetics company in Korea because they have a huge network of production plants and sales offices all over the world. This ensures that quality is always high and that problems are fixed quickly. If your firm sells high-end, high-pigment makeup or new skincare products, Intercos Korea's ability to predict trends and do research and development is a big plus that can help you take your product line to the next level.
In the world of K-Beauty, the sheet mask is the best, and iM1ne is the best of all. Former academics and engineers started this very specialized Korean cosmetics factory, which has built a strong reputation for making skincare products, masks, and cutting-edge hydrogel technology.
They are the best choice for companies who want to take advantage of the big sheet mask trend since they provide unique, high-quality products like hydrogels that melt smoothly on the skin. iM1ne offers a smooth, all-in-one solution for everything from brand marketing to product planning.
If your main product is a sheet mask or hydrogel, you will need to collaborate with material science and formulation experts when you choose iM1ne.
Brands that care about clean beauty should work with ENS Korea. They have been in business since 1992, and their motto is "Science through Nature, Nature through Science."
They were the first to make cosmetics that use natural preservatives, and their fermented cosmetics, which contain unique Bacillus strains, are what they are best known for. Because of this, they are a reliable Cosmetic Manufacturer in Korea for companies that wish to get into the growing markets for clean and organic beauty.
ENS Korea offers a wide range of private label services, with a focus on developing items that are both clean and work well. They are the greatest choice for businesses who wish to leverage the unique advantages of Korean fermentation technology and acquire organic certification.
Seoul Cosmetics is a partner that really believes in making things personal. This Korean cosmetics company is known for making innovative products, which makes them a wonderful alternative for young beauty companies with a defined objective.
They stress modern, ethical, and clean production standards, especially for vegan and clean beauty products. Their power stems from how they work together to come up with a highly specific, original, and often morally-driven product idea. Seoul Cosmetics provides the expertise you need to assist your brand create a unique, vegan, or cruelty-free product.
MINU STORY knows a lot about the sector and can act quickly. People who used to work for a big cosmetics company put them together. They have the abilities and experience of a major corporation, but they function like a small, focused group.
This makes them a dynamic Cosmetic Manufacturer in Korean that can provide quick service and high-quality work without the hefty prices and long wait times that come with working with major organizations. They generally sell skin care items, such sun care, which are very trendy right now.
The founders' years of experience help their private label services directly. For companies who want a manufacturing partner who is both experienced and adaptable, they are a great choice.
Aekyung is a large Korean corporation that has been around for a long time and is quite stable, which is something few other companies can match.
They make a variety of diverse consumer goods, but their OEM/ODM services for cosmetics, personal care, and household goods are the best. Because they have been in the business for so long, it is likely that they have a well-established manufacturing system and stringent quality control. Aekyung can help you with all aspects of product creation, from creating it to packaging it.
If you're a brand looking for a big, reputable partner with a proven track record in various consumer goods categories, Aekyung is the partner you need.
Coreana is a Korean cosmetics firm that stands out because of its history and cutting-edge research. People know them for their powerful research and development center, which uses both traditional Korean herbal medicine and modern bio-technology to make novel ingredients and formulas.
With this information, they can provide OEM/ODM services that can help your brand communicate a unique, science-based story.
They manufacture high-end skincare and functional cosmetics, usually with uncommon Korean components. Coreana is a perfect partner if your business wants a one-of-a-kind tale that includes new bio-technology, rare ingredients, and a touch of Korean culture.
Sourcinglab is the greatest place for new K-Beauty brands to get help with production. They are a middleman and collaborate with Korean cosmetic factories, which makes things easier for brands all around the world.
They make everything from body care to hair care to cosmetics to skin care. Sourcinglab's major purpose is to be the "one-stop shop" for the newest Korean private label technologies. They offer bespoke ODM cosmetics and help with everything from coming up with an idea to delivering it.
If you're a brand that needs help with the intricate process of sourcing and creating items in Korea, they're the finest choice.
In Asia, besides South Korea, Chinese manufacturers are also a force to be reckoned with. After decades of development, they have quietly and rapidly risen to become one of the strongest competitors in the South Korean private label cosmetics sector.
Korea is still the greatest place to get functional, trend-driven skin care with high-quality products and cutting-edge research and development. This is a terrific area for firms who want to try new things and receive high-quality textures.
China is now the best place in the world for speed, scalability, and low costs. Because its supply chain is fully integrated, brands may launch faster, customize more easily, and acquire a wider range of product categories at lower minimum order quantities (MOQs). This includes raw materials, packaging, formulation, and shipping.
Korea is fantastic for high-end, specialized skin care, while China is the greatest site for companies who want to grow quickly or make products that cover a wide range of categories. This is because China has the most possibilities for customization, production capacity, flexibility, and reasonable prices.
Finding your perfect partner: Choosing the right cosmetics manufacturer is a crucial decision for successfully launching your beauty brand. Now, you have 10 reliable options—each rigorously vetted and accompanied by detailed information.
If Korean manufacturers aren't a good fit, Xiran Cosmetics Manufacturer from China is also a worthwhile partner to consider.
We specialize in creating high-end and functional cosmetics, offering faster development speeds, greater flexibility, and lower minimum order quantities to meet the needs of both startups and established businesses.
Contact us today—we are dedicated to helping your brand build a high-end skincare and cosmetics brand.
Korea is great for trend-oriented, functional skincare, while China offers faster lead times, wider product categories, and more competitive pricing. The best choice depends on your brand goals.
Yes. Many Chinese OEM/ODM manufacturers are GMP, ISO 22716, and FDA-certified. Large facilities now serve global brands in the US, EU, Middle East, and Latin America.
Usually no. Korean manufacturers tend to require higher MOQs and higher pricing due to labor and R&D costs.
China provides unmatched packaging diversity, custom molds, and faster prototyping—making it ideal for private label brands.
Yes. Many Chinese OEMs provide full regulatory support, including ingredient safety reports, stability testing, and export certificates.
