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What is the quantitative quantity of OEM products for cosmetics

March 3, 2020

If you're thinking about starting your own cosmetic brand, you've probably come across the term OEM — short for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It’s a common model in the beauty industry, where a factory produces products under your brand name. But one question almost every new brand owner asks is:

“How many units do I have to order?”

This number, often referred to as the minimum order quantity (MOQ), can vary a lot depending on the product, packaging, and manufacturer. Understanding this early on can help you make smarter decisions about budgeting, inventory, and product selection.

What Is OEM in Cosmetics?

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OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in cosmetics refers to the process where a manufacturer produces cosmetic products based on a client’s formula or idea, often under a private label. Many skincare startups and beauty brands use OEM services to launch their own product lines without building a factory.

Why OEM Cosmetics Have a Minimum Order Quantity

When a manufacturer agrees to produce a private label cosmetic for your brand, they need to prepare materials, packaging, labeling, and often a production line just for you. That comes with fixed setup costs. To make it worthwhile, there’s usually a minimum quantity required.

This MOQ isn't arbitrary—it covers the cost of:

  • Raw material sourcing
  • Custom packaging setup
  • Formula preparation
  • Filling and labeling
  • Quality testing and compliance

The more complex your product or packaging, the higher the MOQ tends to be.

Typical MOQ Ranges for Cosmetic Products

Although every factory is different, here are some common benchmarks:

Product TypeTypical MOQ
Face cream / lotion500 – 3,000 units
Serums1,000 – 5,000 units
Lipsticks / color cosmetics3,000 – 10,000 units
Sheet masks5,000 – 10,000 pieces
Body care (wash, scrub)1,000 – 3,000 units

Keep in mind: If you’re using an in-stock formula and standard packaging, some manufacturers may accept a much lower MOQ—sometimes as low as 100 or 200 units for certain products.

Factors That Influence Your MOQ

Why are some products' minimum order quantities so high while others are so low? As an experienced skin care manufacturer, I will answer your questions one by one.

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1. Formula Type

Custom formulas require more resources, testing, and regulatory approval—leading to higher MOQs. If you're okay using a proven, existing formula, your entry cost drops significantly.

2. Packaging Customization

Want a unique bottle shape, a custom mold, or silk-screen printing? That will increase the MOQ. Choosing from the manufacturer’s existing packaging options is more cost-effective.

3. Product Complexity

A simple lotion is easier to produce than a peptide-rich anti-aging serum or a multi-step makeup product. More ingredients, more process = higher quantity needed.

4. Regulatory Requirements

If you're planning to sell in regions like the EU or USA, compliance and stability testing may be mandatory, which could raise the starting volume required.

Tips for Startups with Limited Budgets

Starting small doesn’t mean you have to compromise. Here are a few ways to make it work:

  • Choose fewer SKUs to start—one or two well-developed products can be enough to launch.
  • Go with existing formulas and standard containers to avoid tooling costs.
  • Ask for trial orders or pilot runs—some factories offer test batches for market validation.
  • Negotiate MOQ by packaging—bottles usually have lower minimums than tubes or pumps.

What MOQ Means for Your Business Plan

Knowing your MOQ helps you:

  • Estimate your initial investment more accurately
  • Avoid over-ordering before testing the market
  • Plan realistic timelines for development and launch
  • Scale your product line gradually based on demand

Let’s say you choose a serum with a MOQ of 1,000 units at $2.80 each. Your starting cost (just for the product) is $2,800—not including packaging, design, or shipping. Multiply that by three SKUs and you're already at $8,000–$10,000. So understanding MOQ is essential to keeping things manageable.

Regional Differences in MOQ

Not all manufacturers work the same way. Here's how it often varies by region:

RegionMOQ Characteristics
ChinaLower MOQs, flexible packaging options
KoreaMid to high MOQs, focus on skincare innovation
EuropeHigher MOQs due to strict compliance and labor cost
USAFlexible MOQs, but higher per-unit price

If you are testing the waters with Chinese cosmetic manufacturers, they often offer the most cost-effective entry point for OEM skincare or cosmetics.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the quantitative quantity of OEM products for cosmetics?

The short answer: it depends — on your product, your customization needs, and your manufacturer. But for most private label skincare or beauty brands, you should be prepared to order at least 500 to 3,000 units per product to start.

If you’re just beginning your cosmetic brand journey, don’t let MOQ scare you off. With the right partner, you can find solutions that fit your budget and goals—whether you're producing in bulk or testing with a soft launch.

Thinking about launching your own skincare or beauty line?

We help small businesses and startups develop custom formulas, choose packaging, and meet low MOQs without compromising quality.

👉 Contact us to get a free quote and samples.

bertha

Bertha

I'm Bertha, with over 11 years of expertise in OEM, ODM and private label cosmetics, focusing on crafting high-quality skincare and makeup products with unparalleled insights into formulation, quality and market trends.
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