Custom Formulation
Create Your
Exclusive Formula
12 formulation scientists, GMPC-certified (ISO 22716, SGS-issued) lab — MOQ from 1,000 units, Guangdong China. From concept to pilot batch — our R&D team builds your unique formula with novel actives, proven stability, and market-ready quality.
Request Custom FormulationWhat Is Custom Skincare Formulation?
Custom formulation (ODM development) is a manufacturing model where a factory's R&D team builds an exclusive formula from your brief — target skin concern, preferred actives, texture, fragrance and budget range. At Skincraftlab, 12 formulation scientists turn that brief into 2–3 formula directions with ingredient rationale and estimated cost, then produce a pilot batch for sensory evaluation before scale-up.
Stability testing (3–6 months), compatibility testing, microbial challenge testing and efficacy testing are included with every project, and the formula belongs to your brand under NDA. Custom formulation MOQ starts at 3,000+ units per SKU.
What is custom formulation, and how long does development take?
Custom formulation is the ODM route, where our R&D team develops a formula from your brief and you own the result. Development runs in a 3,886 m² GMPC cleanroom in Zhongshan with 12 formulation scientists. It covers stability, compatibility, pH and microbial testing before release. Custom development starts at 3,000+ units per SKU and typically runs 60–90 days from brief to shelf. ODM customization of an existing platform runs 45–60 days, against approximately 20 days for standard catalog formulas. Branded samples arrive in 3–7 days, so texture and claims can be checked early. Indicative unit prices run $1.50–$5.00 per serum bottle and $0.08–$0.35 per sheet mask. In practice, briefs move fastest when they name the target claim, the target retail price and the market.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formulation scientists | 12 |
| Manufacturing experience | 24+ years |
| Buyer regions | North America · Europe · Middle East · SE Asia |
| Years exporting | 24+ |
| Mask formulas | 90+ |
| Catalog products | 266 |
| GMPC cleanroom / covered area / full site | 3,886 / 5,000 / 10,000+ m² |
| Standard OEM MOQ | 1,000 units |
| Custom formulation MOQ | 3,000+ units/SKU |
The Formulation Process
Concept to Pilot Batch
Our R&D team of 12 formulation scientists develops your formula from a concept brief. Novel active ingredients, unique textures, and proprietary delivery systems are all stability and efficacy tested before scale-up. The process starts with a written brief — target skin concern, preferred actives, texture, fragrance, and budget range — and returns 2–3 formula directions with ingredient rationale and estimated cost, so you choose with full information.
What formulation areas does the team cover?
Formulation work covers the mask, serum, cream and body-care platforms the factory already runs — hydrogel, sheet and bio-cellulose masks, eye patches, foot peels, silicone patches, sun care and body care — plus actives specified in your brief. The catalog holds 270+ products and 200+ active SKUs, including 90+ mask formulas, so most briefs start from a validated base rather than a blank sheet. Creams and body care are filled in the same 3,886 m² GMPC cleanroom. Custom development runs from 3,000+ units per SKU, with branded samples in 3–7 days and documentation (MSDS, CPSR, COA) for US, EU and AU market entry. In practice, a stability-verified base plus one differentiated active launches faster than a formula built entirely from scratch.
Laboratory Testing
Accelerated and long-term stability testing (3–6 months), compatibility testing, microbial challenge testing, and efficacy testing are included with every formulation project. Full test reports are provided, and the GMP 3,886 m² facility retains batch records for every order. The testing regime matches what export buyers in the EU, US, and AU ask for during due diligence.
Ingredient Sourcing
Access to premium active ingredients from qualified global suppliers — Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Korea, and China. The sourcing team selects ingredients for performance and compliance, not just price, and maintains documentation for INCI listings and safety data sheets so the formula is market-ready wherever you ship.
Confidentiality & IP Protection
Your formula is your intellectual property. We sign NDAs and maintain strict confidentiality on all custom formulations. No third-party access to your formula without your written consent. Formula ownership under the custom formulation model is defined in the agreement before work begins, so both sides know who owns what.
Regulatory Support
Formulations are developed to meet EU, US (FDA), and AU regulatory standards. INCI lists, safety data sheets, and stability reports are provided for global market registration. The compliance team also prepares market-specific paperwork — MSDS, CPSR, and CPNP support where applicable — drawing on 24+ years of export manufacturing.
From Brief to Bulk
Brief
Share your concept — target skin concern, preferred actives, texture, fragrance, and budget range.
R&D Proposal
Our scientists propose 2–3 formula directions with ingredient rationale and estimated cost.
Sample Batch
Pilot batch produced for sensory evaluation. Revisions included if needed.
Scale & Launch
Approved formula moves to stability testing, then bulk production. Ready for market.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Company figures as published by Skincraftlab on skincraftlab.com. Custom MOQ varies by formula complexity and packaging.
Custom Formulation FAQ
Q: How long does custom formulation take?
A: From concept brief to pilot batch: 2–4 weeks. Stability testing adds 3–6 months depending on product type. Full timeline from brief to bulk production: 4–8 months.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for custom formulations?
A: Custom formulation MOQ starts at 3,000–5,000 units to cover R&D and stability testing costs. For established brands with existing formulas, OEM MOQ starts at 1,000 units. Private label from proven formulas starts at 500 units/SKU.
Q: Can you replicate an existing product formula?
A: Yes, we can develop a formula that matches or improves upon an existing product’s performance and texture. Our R&D team analyzes the target product and creates a comparable or superior formulation.
Q: Do you provide samples before bulk production?
A: Yes. Pilot batches are produced for sensory evaluation and testing. Revisions are included. Once approved, the formula moves to stability testing and bulk production.
Q: Who owns the formula after development?
A: Formula ownership is defined in the development agreement before work begins. For fully custom formulations paid for by the client, the formula is typically exclusive to that client. NDAs are signed and strict confidentiality maintained.
Verify the lab before you brief it
Formulation work is only as good as the plant behind it. The photographs, certificate numbers and buyer feedback below are published so your own technical team can check them rather than take our word for the capability.
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