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.
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.
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:
The more complex your product or packaging, the higher the MOQ tends to be.
Although every factory is different, here are some common benchmarks:
| Product Type | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|
| Face cream / lotion | 500 – 3,000 units |
| Serums | 1,000 – 5,000 units |
| Lipsticks / color cosmetics | 3,000 – 10,000 units |
| Sheet masks | 5,000 – 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Starting small doesn’t mean you have to compromise. Here are a few ways to make it work:
Knowing your MOQ helps you:
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.
Not all manufacturers work the same way. Here's how it often varies by region:
| Region | MOQ Characteristics |
|---|---|
| China | Lower MOQs, flexible packaging options |
| Korea | Mid to high MOQs, focus on skincare innovation |
| Europe | Higher MOQs due to strict compliance and labor cost |
| USA | Flexible 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.
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.
We help small businesses and startups develop custom formulas, choose packaging, and meet low MOQs without compromising quality.
