Key Questions to Ask When Ordering OEM ODM Cosmetics

05 May.,2025

 

Looking for Product Development-ask an OEM/ODM - PolyGel

OEM” is a commonly used term in product development-but many aren’t sure of what the abbreviation “OEM” stands. OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer. Sometimes the OEM definition can be misleading because OEM manufacturers produce components that are used in their products or applied to design specifications when working with a partner. A request from another company for products they wish to sell under their brand or label is also known as “ODM” or original design manufacturer.

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Common product categories in the OEM/ODM industry include products with high-volume output such as toys, plastics, and plastic parts, garments, and cosmetics among others. Researching the type of OEM company that can deliver the necessary component/s for any product can be time-consuming and frankly confusing.

There are many variations & levels of OEM/ODM manufacturing and several paths to travel down on the road to product development, but there are core factors that should exist with any OEM/ODM company positioned an original product manufacturer.

The task of selecting a quality manufacturer for your product design can be a daunting task. Many questions & problems can arise in the product development process. It’s important to know that the company you are working with is capable of problem-solving and this should be a factor in your selection criteria.

These are the three important questions you should ask any OEM/ODM manufacturer before launching into any product design & development discussions.

  1. Do they exhibit expertise with the base components? A good OEM company will guide you through the appropriate base materials required for your product concept.
  2. Do they engineer and manufacture base components and then fabricate an original product? A vertical OEM company will control the raw base component & own fabrication facilities to ensure quality production.
  3. Do they work with small and large volume production? OEM solutions are ideal for start-ups, although adept at design and invention–lack the means or expertise to establish their factory production domestically or overseas. Globalization has made it much easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to also benefit from this option. High volume order requirements can be a “make-or-break” decision for many companies who are looking to expand their product offerings with original designs.

Clients usually commission the manufacturer to produce components or a subsystem of components, according to the client’s desired design specifications, rather than full products. Some OEM/ODM companies, however, are fully vertical and can deliver a complete packaged product to the client. The value in selecting an OEM/ODM manufacturing company is it allows both companies to benefit from each other’s strengths. OEM/ODM manufacturing solutions traditionally offer cost-effective benefits to multinational corporations (MNCs) with large-scale order requirements, but OEM/ODM production is also becoming popular among smaller clients.

Finding an OEM/ODM manufacturer that understands both the established business client as well as the start-up business client and also demonstrates a willingness to work with small to large scale manufacturing will give you more flexibility as you scale your new product line.

Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right OEM Makeup Manufacturer

The global cosmetics OEM/ODM market is growing fast. Recent data shows the market was worth  56.77 billion in and could reach 80.99 billion by , growing by 5.5% yearly. This growth means choosing the right makeup manufacturer is very important for brands wanting to succeed in the beauty industry.

Understanding OEM in the Cosmetics Industry

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in cosmetics refers to brands hiring targeted factories to produce products based on their designs. The brand provides the formula, packaging, and branding, while the factory is responsible for production. This allows the brand to focus on selling products rather than manufacturing them.

It is important to understand the difference between OEM and ODM. ODM factories design and manufacture products, while OEM factories only produce products based on the brand’s design. Many new brands use OEM services because they do not need to build their factories.

In North America alone, especially the United States, the OEM/ODM market was valued at $9.2 billion in and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% by .

Determine Your Requirements

Before looking for a manufacturer, be clear about your needs. This will help narrow down your options and find the best match.

  • Product Type: Determine what product you need – from makeup like foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow to skincare like cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.

Different OEM Makeup Manufacturers often specialize in producing certain types of products.

  • Target Market: If you want to produce luxury products with high-quality formulas, premium ingredients, and sophisticated packaging, look for some makeup factories that use premium raw materials.

For mass-market products, choose factories that produce large quantities at a lower cost. Countries have different markets with different regulatory requirements, so ensure your target manufacturer has production experience in your target region.

  • Production Scale: Check how many units you need to order. Some factories require large minimum order quantities, which may not work for startups and new brands.

However, Xiran Cosmetics offers flexible options for emerging brands, allowing you to start with smaller amounts. This flexibility will enable you to test the market and gradually scale production as your brand grows.

By choosing an OEM Makeup Manufacturer like Xiran Cosmetics, you can ensure that you get the support you need to successfully launch your product without the pressure of a large upfront commitment.

Conducting Market Research

Finding the right makeup manufacturer can help companies reduce costs, increase sales profits, and ensure a stable supply of products. Here are nine supplier search channels summarized from practical experience. You can choose according to the company’s actual situation.

Industry Trade Fairs

Participate in events such as Cosmoprof Worldwide (held in Bologna, Hong Kong, and Las Vegas), in-cosmetics Global, and Paris/New York MakeUp. These events allow you to communicate face-to-face with factories and understand their work.

Internet Online Platforms

Whether search engines, various professional B2B websites, online trade fairs, or even various new media currently exist, they can be used for supplier development.

Industry Groups

Contact organizations such as the Personal Care Products Council to obtain a list of trustworthy factories.

Competitor Suppliers

Keep an eye on industry competitors and analyze material brand supplier resources from competitor products. It is also a standard method at present. It mainly targets strong competitors with high market share in various industries. Companies can cooperate with suppliers based on their actual conditions to improve their competitiveness.

Procurement By Bidding

Procurement publicly releases procurement needs to the public through bidding platforms or other public channels through bidding announcements, attracts potential suppliers to participate, and selects suitable suppliers through legal bidding procedures.

This supplier development channel is generally used by listed companies, state-owned enterprises, large-scale enterprises, and government procurement.

Corporate Website and Platform Promotion

Through market promotion, enterprises publish their own procurement needs on the corporate website and authorize relevant parties to enter the procurement platform docking interface to provide relevant corporate qualifications. This attracts potential suppliers to quote, which is also a commonly used search channel.

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Manufacturer Introduction

As procurement staff, there must be a large number of sales staff who actively call or visit every day to recommend suppliers so that you can understand their preliminary information and keep relevant records. This is also one of the most commonly used channels for procurement to develop suppliers, and perhaps a high-quality supplier is right in front of you.

Domestic and Foreign Industry Associations

As market competition becomes increasingly fierce, many industries will set up industry associations to integrate resources and work together. The industry associations have many lists of similar companies and the operating conditions of related companies. This is also a channel for companies to choose high-quality suppliers with the help of associations.

Professional Third-Party Organizations

Suppliers and demanders focus on their competitive advantages in third-party procurement or third-party information platforms. There are already many professional procurement teams or data information-sharing parties with many supplier resources for companies.

Even for some personalized procurement needs of enterprises, third-party organizations can also make appropriate recommendations. This is also a more commonly used development method.

Evaluating Potential OEM Makeup Manufacturer

Once you’ve identified a list of potential Color Cosmetics Manufacturers through market research, check for the following:

Certifications

ISO (Good Manufacturing Practice for Cosmetics), ISO (Quality Management), and possibly ISO (Environmental Management).

For specific markets, look for manufacturers that comply with regional regulations. For example, if selling in the United States, look for ISO (Safety of Cosmetics) or FDA approval.

Customer Reviews

Ask for references and check online reviews. For example, ask in online industry forums, LinkedIn groups, and business review platforms.

Factory Tours

Visit the factory in person for the most comprehensive assessment of the manufacturer’s capabilities. Check for things like modern equipment, clean facilities, and employee expertise.

Communicate and Ask Questions

When contacting a factory, ask clarifying questions:

Minimum Order Quantity

Ask about their minimum order quantity (MOQ), ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand units.

Production Time:

How long does it take to produce the product, from development to finished product delivery?

Formulation Capabilities

Ask if they have a standard formula you can customize or if they develop completely custom formulas.

Cost Breakdown

Details on material, labor, and packaging costs.

During this discussion, you will want to assess their knowledge of cosmetic formulations, familiarity with ingredient interactions, current industry trends, and understanding of regulatory requirements. For example, formulating for sensitive skin or developing long-lasting cosmetics.

Test Samples

Always test samples before signing a contract:

Request Samples

Request samples of existing or custom products. Some manufacturers may charge a fee for custom sample development, especially for complex formulas or when using unique ingredients. When making your request, provide precise, detailed specifications on formulation attributes, performance expectations, sensory qualities, and packaging requirements.

Check Quality

Test color, texture, and performance. For example, for the longevity of a color cosmetic lipstick, evaluate physical characteristics such as color, texture, scent, and appearance. Remember that initial samples often require refinement, so be prepared for an iterative process of feedback and adjustments.

Get Feedback

Distribute samples to trusted industry colleagues, beauty influencers, or potential customers to see if they like the product. Systematically record all feedback, noting both positive attributes and areas for improvement.

Sign a Contract

Make sure the contract covers the following:

  • Quality Standards: Define precisely how the product will look and perform.
  • Payment Terms: Agree on a deposit amount and payment terms.
  • Confidentiality: Make sure the factory can’t share your designs with others.

Build a Long-Term Relationship

A good partnership helps your brand grow:

  • Regular Communication: Schedule monthly meetings to discuss orders and issues.
  • Visit the Factory: Visit occasionally to stay engaged.
  • Provide Feedback: Tell the factory what’s working and what needs improvement.

Industry Trends

Keep these trends in mind when choosing a factory:

  • Customization: Many customers want personalized products. Look for factories that can produce small batches of products with unique features.
  • Sustainability: Look for factories that use environmentally friendly materials and reduce waste.
  • Technology: Factories with advanced equipment can produce products faster and more consistently.

Conclusion

Finding the right OEM Makeup Manufacturer takes time but is worth the effort. Focus on clear communication, quality checks, and building trust. Following the steps below, you can partner with a factory to help your brand succeed in the competitive beauty market.

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