Starting a Skin Care Business from the Ground Up
COVID-19 may have shut down businesses due to the social distancing and self-isolation measures. But it did not break the skin care industry's spirit. Despite multiple businesses shutting down in 2020, the skin care industry continues to thrive and is even expecting big growth in the future.
A recent study reported that the global market for cosmetic skin care was estimated at $145 billion in 2020. By 2027, experts predict the market will reach $185.5 billion. The U.S. market for cosmetic skin care is estimated at $39.2 billion.
These numbers prove that the industry is thriving despite the crisis and it will continue to do so.
If you're planning to sell facial night serum or dreaming of creating your skin care line, make your mark in the industry with this guide:
Learn Everything that You Can
When starting your skin care business, focus on the different types of products you want to make. For example, you can create products for the face like serums, masks and moisturizers. If you're fascinated with helping customers create a spa experience at home, venture into the world of aromatherapy blends, soaps, lotions and bath salts. No matter what you choose, you should have a hero product that is supported by other products.
The hero product is the main product of your business. Once you've chosen your hero product, learn as much as you can about it. Read books or go online to see what the beauty community wants: are they looking for organic face wipes? Should you create a nighttime skin care routine line?
If there are classes available in your area, take them. Check out the organic cosmetics and skin care classes to learn more about in-demand products and how you can make them.
Submit All the Legal Requirements to Run Your Business
The requirements to open a skin care business are similar to other small businesses. One of the biggest differences is that these businesses are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Your cosmetics must be safe for use under the FDA's customary conditions of use. All products should also be properly labeled.
You need to make sure all of your products are safe. Follow the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines Checklist and make sure you're ready before an inspector visits your manufacturing space.
Manufacture Your Products
If you're creating a skin care line at home, purchase the right equipment to create your products. For example, if you plan on making soaps, you need the following items:
Stainless steel and pans
Stainless steel utensils
Face mask
Rubber gloves
Protective clothing
Soap-making oils
Soap-making butter
Digital pocket scales
Digital scales
Pipets and jugs
Soap cutter
Drying racks
Simplify your life by looking for bulk suppliers for the ingredients to make your products.
Choose a Skin Care Line Manufacturer
If you're unable to produce products at home but have the budget to hire, choose a manufacturer to produce your line. Choose carefully to make sure that their production quality meets your product quality preferences. Look for a manufacturer that has solid experience in the skincare industry. You can also choose to outsource your manufacturing.
Great private label companies exist in all areas of the beauty products industry. Looking for private label cbd skin care or private label face lotions? They are out there are ready to help you get your products made.
When you work with private label manufacturers, you gain help with:
Distribution
Formula design
Regulatory approval
Graphic packaging, design and printing
Marketing Your Skin Care Products
Once you have all your products ready, it's time to market them. The first step to successfully marketing your products is to choose the right business name. The name should resonate well with your target audience and it should be easy to spell (so people can easily find you on Google). Make sure that no other business has that name, too. One way to do so is to check through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
After you've decided on the name, get your product out in the market. This can include:
Start your website. With a website, you can sell your products outside of your area. If you don't how to do it yourself, consider using e-commerce solutions like Shopify.
Sell wholesale. Visit local health stores like beauty salons and spas. Give them free samples for them to try. If they are interested in your products, offer your products at wholesale pricing.
Skincare parties. Hold at-home skincare parties to let the attendees try your samples.
A basic college diploma (or even a high school diploma degree) combined with some learning and patience can make your business dreams come true. Now that you know the basics of opening a skin care business, it's time to make your mark. The cosmetic skin care industry is thriving; don't want to miss out on the countless business opportunities.