For those who have developed a cosmetics product or formula that’s beginning to show success and grow in sales, there often comes an important crux point: When to consider outsourcing manufacturing. However, if you’re considering going this route, you need to be 100% sure it’s the right move, plus that you’re working with a quality manufacturer who will not take advantage of you.

At Dynamic Blending, we’re here to help. We’re thrilled to provide numerous turnkey cosmetic contract manufacturing services for those who have developed proprietary products and simply need assistance with scaling up and standardizing their manufacturing. Our clients always own the formula IP (intellectual property) for their products no matter what, and we never hold you captive for custom formulation. This two-part blog series will go over several areas to keep in mind when moving your formula to our quality contract manufacturers, including timing considerations plus some basic areas to prepare.

Private Label Vs. Custom Contract Manufacturing

Firstly, it’s important to lay out the differences between our two primary forms of service: Private label manufacturing and custom contract manufacturing. The former refers to either individuals or companies purchasing products from us that we’ve already designed and manufactured – we generally retain control over these products from a manufacturing and IP standpoint, but you are able to brand them as you see fit.

With custom contract manufacturing, also known as turnkey custom contract manufacturing, this approach is flipped somewhat. Buyers approach us to assist them with design and manufacturing of their product they’ve already created, retaining the final control and IP over their product even as we assist them with tweaking, perfecting, manufacturing and even marketing it.

Timing for Contract Manufacturing

So if you’re an individual or company who has created your own formula or line and wants assistance with turnkey solutions, this is the area to be in. One of the first big questions for those in this position: When is the right time to approach a contract manufacturer?

There’s really no set answer here, and this depends entirely on your business and desires. Are you reaching a point where your sales are nearly eclipsing your manufacturing capability? This is often one of the first signs that it’s time for a move, but there are also others. Especially if you’re trying to expand your line, or if you don’t quite have the time for every piece of R&D, design and even product marketing that’s required, these are other reasons you might consider approaching our team to discuss options. We’re always here to work with you.

Our next few sections will go over some basic steps if you’ve decided to make this leap.

Formula Composition and Steps

First and foremost, you want to confirm the veracity of your formula before you meet with our team. Be sure that a cosmetic chemist will be able to work with your formula and convert it to their measuring needs, including writing down several steps and processes:

• Equipment used
• Temperatures used to heat or cool product, plus how long they’re used for
• The specific steps used to add raw materials and mix them
• Any other special steps or equipment required
• The strength and approach of the preservative systems, including mold prevention and other areas

For more on the steps to take if you’re moving your cosmetics formula to a contract manufacturer, or to learn about any of our cosmetic vendors or other services, speak to the staff at Dynamic Blending today.