Private Label Cosmetics & Beauty FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our private label fragrance and cosmetics manufacturing. Learn more about our expertise and commitment to quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • General
  • Product Development
  • Customization
  • Packaging & Branding
  • Ordering & Minimums
  • Shipping
What does “private label” mean in the beauty and cosmetics industry?

In the beauty and cosmetics industry, "private label" refers to products that are manufactured by a third-party company but are sold under the brand name of the retailer or another company. The retailer or brand owner typically has control over the product formulation, packaging design, and marketing strategy, while the third-party company handles the production process. This allows the brand owner to offer products that align with their brand identity without having to invest in their own manufacturing facilities.

How experienced is your team in formulating and producing cosmetics or fragrances?

At Opal, our team has over 30 years of experience in formulating and producing cosmetics and fragrances. We have a robust R&D department with a library of over 20,000 formulations and numerous patents, ensuring we can meet the needs of both the US and EU markets. Our operations are supported by two wholly-owned plants and collaborations with ten partner factories. Our commitment to quality and compliance has earned us the trust of many Fortune 500 companies and renowned brands.

Does your company have a reliable quality control and safety management system?

Absolutely. We have a strict quality control and safety management system in place to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards and have received important certifications such as BRC, GMPC, SMETA (5 Pillars) and several ISO certifications. In addition, we are C-TPAT, FDA approved and Halal certified. Our commitment to innovation, safety and efficacy is further validated by accolades such as the “WBA Supplier of the Year Award”, the “High-Tech Enterprise” designation and the “IFSCC Silver Medal”.

What certifications and accreditations does your facility hold (e.g., GMP, ISO)?

BRC, ISO14001, ISO 22716, ISO 14064, ISO 9001, Sedex, RSPO, GMPC, HALAL

Do you offer consultations to help me decide product specifications for my requirements and brand?

Yes, we provide comprehensive consultations and end-to-end services, including research and development, formulation, packaging, and regulatory support, tailored to your brand's unique needs.

What’s the typical turnaround time from project inception to finished products?

From the start of a project to the completion of your products, our typical lead time ranges from 1.5 to 4 months. This timeframe can vary depending on whether we are in a peak production season or not.

Do you have a minimum budget requirement for new clients?

We don’t have a minimum budget but rather a minimum order quantity (MOQ): Typically 10,000 units per item but we can be flexible for promising clients.

What kind of clients do you usually work with (startups, established brands, etc.)?

We work with a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, and have built strong, long-term relationships with each of them.

How do you protect my brand’s proprietary information during and after development?

We will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with you to legally ensure the confidentiality of your proprietary information, preventing any unauthorized disclosure throughout our collaboration and beyond.

Can you handle large-scale orders as my business grows, and is there a limit to your capacity?

Absolutely, with over 30 years of experience in large-scale cosmetic manufacturing and two wholly-owned factories, we are well-equipped to manage your growing order volumes without any limitations on our capacity.

Can we visit your factories?

To book a visit, please write to jiagao@opalhk.com

How does the product development process begin—do you start from a base formula or from scratch?

Our product development process is flexible. We can either provide you with a base formula from our extensive library of over 20,000 formulations or develop a completely new one tailored to your specific needs with the help of our expert R&D team.

Can I bring my own formula for you to produce, or do you strictly develop in-house?

We are open to manufacturing your products based on your provided formulas in addition to our in-house development capabilities.

What is the typical timeline for developing and finalizing a new formula?

The timeline for developing and finalizing a new formula can vary depending on the complexity of the product. Typically, it takes around 4 to 8 weeks to complete this process.

How many rounds of formula revisions are included in the initial product development package?

Our service commitment includes as many rounds of formula revisions as needed to ensure customer satisfaction. There is no set limit on revisions in the initial product development package.

Do you offer product stability and efficacy testing, and how long do these tests take?

Yes, we provide both in-house and third-party product stability and efficacy testing to suit your requirements. These tests generally take about 2 to 3 months to ensure your products adhere to the necessary standards for reliability and performance.

Are clinical trials or focus group testing available for new product concepts?

Yes, we offer in-house clinical trials and focus group testing. Our state-of-the-art testing facilities and experienced team are fully equipped to provide these services for your new product concept.

Do you have in-house chemists, or do you partner with external labs for specialized formulations?

We have a strong in-house team at our Opal R&D Centre, which includes 25 nationally accredited engineers and over 60 researchers, as well as an independent skincare innovation team. Additionally, we collaborate with labs in Shanghai, Korea, and Germany, leveraging their expertise for specialized formulations when needed.

How do you handle ingredient sourcing—do you offer organic, fair trade, or specialty ingredients?

We manage ingredient sourcing through a well-established and stable supply chain, ensuring a broad selection of options to meet various needs, including the provision of organic and fair trade ingredients.

Can you produce vegan products according to clients' needs?

Yes, we can produce vegan products tailored to our clients' specific requirements.

Can I request specific fragrances, colors, or performance attributes during development?

Of course, we offer customisation options where you can request specific fragrances, colours or performance attributes to be included in the product development process according to your needs.

Is it possible to reformulate an existing product for improved performance or cost-efficiency?

Yes, we can reformulate existing products to enhance performance or achieve cost-efficiency based on our customers' needs.

What aspects of the product can I customize—color, fragrance, texture, packaging, etc.?

We provide comprehensive customization options, allowing you to tailor almost every aspect of the product, including specific fragrances, colors, textures, performance attributes, and packaging, to meet your unique specifications.

Can you match a specific fragrance profile or color that I provide?

Yes, we can match the fragrance profile or color you provide. For fragrances, to achieve a 100% match with your specific requirements, it would be beneficial if you could supply the fragrance's trade name information. This detail will enable us to accurately replicate the desired scent.

Are custom finishes or unique textures (e.g., shimmer, matte) available for makeup products?

Yes, we offer a variety of custom finishes and unique textures for makeup products to meet your specific product requirements.

Are there additional costs associated with extensive customization?

No. Our pricing structure includes the customization process, allowing you to tailor your products to your exact specifications without incurring any additional charges.

What if I want to create a seasonal or limited-edition product line—can you accommodate that?

Yes, we have extensive experience with creating seasonal or limited-edition product lines, including holiday gift sets. Our professional design team is on hand to assist you in developing unique and timely products that meet your specific marketing and branding needs.

How do I ensure my custom product meets global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU, etc.)?

We ensure compliance with global cosmetic regulations through a rigorous quality control and safety management system. We hold key certifications such as BRC, GMPC, SMETA (5 Pillars), and multiple ISO certifications. Additionally, we are C-TPAT, FDA approved, and Halal certified. Our commitment to innovation, safety, and efficacy is recognized by awards like the "WBA Supplier of the Year Award," the "High-Tech Enterprise" designation, and the "IFSCC Silver Medal," providing you with confidence that your custom products will meet the necessary global standards.

Do you offer sample sizes for custom products, so I can test the market before a large order?

Yes, we offer free samples to all potential customers, allowing you to test the products and ensure they meet your requirements before making a significant commitment to a large order.

Can I add my own proprietary technology or ingredient to the formulation?

Yes, you can incorporate your own proprietary technology or ingredients into the formulation, provided they are legal and comply with relevant regulations.

How flexible are you with specialized requests like fragrance layering?

We are highly flexible due to our robust supply chain and strong R&D team, capable of meeting all kinds of special requirements to fulfill your specific product needs.

What are the lead times for custom requests compared to standard production timelines? 

For both custom and standard production requests, our typical lead time from project start to product completion is between 1.5 to 4 months. This timeframe may vary depending on the production season's peak periods.

What types of packaging do you offer—bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, etc.?

We offer a comprehensive range of eco - friendly packaging options. To provide you with detailed information and to view our complete catalog, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you with all your packaging needs.

Can I source my own packaging from a third-party supplier, or do I have to use yours?

While we recommend using our packaging to minimize waste and ensure compatibility, we are also open to using packaging from third-party suppliers that you may prefer. We aim to be flexible to meet your specific needs and requirements.

Do you provide in-house design services for labels, boxes, and overall branding?

Yes, we offer in-house design services. Our talented design team leverages artistic vision and advanced technology to create labels, boxes, and overall branding that will make your products stand out in the market.

Can you accommodate special printing techniques like foil stamping, embossing, or UV coating?

Yes, we can accommodate special printing techniques to enhance the finish and appeal of your packaging and branding.

Do you help with regulatory label requirements, such as ingredient lists and disclaimers?

Yes, as part of our end-to-end solution, our legal department assists with ensuring that your product labels comply with all regulatory requirements, including ingredient listings and necessary disclaimers.

What are the available material options—glass, plastic, aluminum, eco-friendly, etc.?

We offer a comprehensive range of material options. To provide you with detailed information and to view our complete catalog, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you with all your needs.

Can you create a unifying brand design for multiple product lines (e.g., skincare + makeup)?

Yes, we have the capability to create a cohesive brand design that unifies multiple product lines, ensuring consistency and brand recognition across different categories such as skincare and makeup.

How do you ensure packaging durability and compatibility with the product formula?

Our Quality Control Department will conduct a series of rigorous in-house tests, including product internal compatibility tests and simulated packaging transport tests. These tests help us identify any potential problems and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the packaging protects and maintains the integrity of the product.

Can you provide mock-ups or prototypes of the packaging before mass production?

Yes, we can provide mock-ups or prototypes of the packaging for your review and approval before proceeding with mass production. This allows you to visualize and assess the final product packaging and make any necessary changes prior to full-scale manufacturing.

Are packaging samples available for testing and feedback prior to a full run?

Yes, we provide packaging samples for testing and feedback before proceeding with a full production run. This enables you to evaluate the packaging quality and functionality, ensuring it meets your expectations and requirements.

Do you have any eco-friendly or sustainable packaging solutions for brands aiming to go green?

Yes, we are dedicated to environmental sustainability and offer a range of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions to our customers.

Is it possible to alter the packaging or branding after production begins?

While it is generally not advisable due to the costs and logistics involved, limited changes can be made to the packaging or branding after production has begun. However, these changes may require additional time and resources, so it's best to finalize all details before commencing production to avoid any disruptions or extra costs.

What is the typical Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for different product categories?

Our standard MOQ is 10,000 units per item, but we can be flexible for promising clients.

Is there a price break at higher order volumes, and how does that affect per-unit costs?

Yes, we offer attractive discounts for higher order quantities. This means that as you increase your order quantity, the unit cost will be lower, allowing you to take advantage of economies of scale and reduce your overall expenditure.

How long is the lead time from placing an order to receiving the finished product?

Our typical production lead time is from 1.5 to 4 months, which can vary depending on the production season's peak periods. Adding the shipping time from China to the EU or USA, which is typically 1 to 1.5 months, the total lead time from placing an order to receiving the finished product is approximately 2.5 to 5.5 months.

What payment methods and terms do you accept (deposit, balance on delivery, net terms, etc.)?

We accept the following payment terms: a 50% deposit in advance, which is required to initiate the production process, and the remaining 50% balance must be settled before the shipment of goods. This ensures a secure transaction and helps both parties maintain clear financial arrangements.

Do you offer a reorder process that’s faster than the initial production timeline?

Yes, for reorder processes, we can typically expedite the timeline since we are already familiar with your product requirements.

Do you have rush-order services available for quick product turnaround?

Yes, we do offer a Rush Order Service. If you require a quicker turnaround, we will prioritize your order based on your specific needs and our current production capacity.

Are shipping timelines guaranteed, and what happens if there is a delay?

Yes, we guarantee 100% on-time delivery. We understand the importance of timely delivery to our customers, so we make every effort to avoid any problems that may arise from late shipments. In all the years we have been in business, we have never had a late delivery under any circumstances.

Which shipping carriers and freight options do you use for both domestic and international orders?

We offer a variety of shipping options to meet your needs. For domestic orders, we typically use reliable ground transportation services. For international orders, we primarily use sea freight to ensure cost-effective and efficient shipping. However, we can also arrange air freight for faster delivery if required. We work with reputable carriers to ensure your products are shipped safely and on time.

Do you handle all customs clearance and documentation for international shipments?

It depends on the shipping agreement chosen by the customer. We can handle customs clearance and documentation for international shipments under certain terms such as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) etc. However, if you choose FOB (Free On Board) or other terms, the responsibility for customs clearance and documentation may lie with the customer.

Can I use my own freight forwarder or logistics partner instead of your shipping options?

Yes, you can certainly use your own freight forwarder or logistics partner. We are flexible and can accommodate your preferred shipping arrangements to ensure that your shipping needs are met according to your specific requirements and preferences.

How do you ensure the products are protected during transit (packaging, temperature control, etc.)

We ensure the protection of products during transit through a rigorous shipping testing process and by using robust packaging materials. Additionally, we implement appropriate temperature control measures when necessary to maintain product integrity throughout the shipping journey.?

What’s the estimated transit time once the order leaves your facility?

The estimated transit time varies depending on the destination, but typically, shipping from China to the EU or USA takes about 1 to 1.5 months.

Do you provide tracking information for all orders once shipped?

Yes, we provide tracking information for all orders once they have been shipped. This allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment and stay updated on its delivery status.

Can I schedule partial or staggered shipments for large orders?

Yes, we can certainly schedule partial or staggered shipments for large orders. This option allows you to receive your products in smaller batches over time, which can be beneficial for managing inventory and cash flow effectively.