Starting Your Own Skincare Business

There's no doubt that if you've been toying with the idea of starting your own skincare line for years now or if you are just now engaging in the process, you can't deny the excitement associated with it. The prospect of starting your own, personal skincare line is exciting, thrilling, and invigorating - just imagine how many people you may have the chance to help achieve healthy, beautiful skin! Even just thinking about how much of an impact you could make with your skincare line must overwhelm you, right?

There is likely to be a balance between the good and the complicated overwhelming feelings, however. Yes, starting a skincare line seems like a great idea, but how do you do it?

It's okay if you're unsure where to start because you are in the right place! To help you start a skincare line, we have produced this little guide based on some of our expertise and experience.

We’ll now be looking at the steps to take before putting up your own skincare line or business.

LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT SKINCARE BEFORE YOU START YOUR BUSINESS

Having a skincare line doesn't mean you have to be a dermatologist, but you should understand the skin in general, your products, and which consumers they can help. To make successful products, you will need to understand the types of products you would like to make, the types of skin that you would like to serve, and the type of skin that your product would benefit from.

Taking a few courses in skincare, reading as many books as you can, working with a professional, finding a mentor, and doing tons of research online can all help you become more knowledgeable before you begin developing your skincare line.

IDENTIFY YOUR NICHE

In the skincare industry, products range from sunscreen and cleansers to makeup and moisturizers. If you want to sell your products, you need to narrow down the market.

Make a list of the types of products you would like to sell, such as exfoliators, creams, serums, moisturizers, acne treatments, or facial oils. Your unique selling point could attract a specific customer type depending on what makes your product different.

CREATE PRODUCTS THAT SOLVE PROBLEMS

A skincare line can be developed that offers many great benefits to people, but when you're just getting started, you may want to start with one product that stands out. Your flagship product is your main selling point. It could be an anti-aging cream, a blemish treatment, or a moisturizer that gives skin a healthy, glowing glow. Start with your hero product before introducing your entire line. Make sure what you're creating is highly sought-after, works effectively, and makes a real difference in people's lives-it doesn't hurt if the product also has high-profit potential.

Knowing what your skincare products contain and how they work can be beneficial. As you become more knowledgeable, you will produce better products, and as you become more knowledgeable about how to create products that solve the problems people are dealing with, the more successful you will be.

START MANUFACTURING EFFICIENTLY

For formulating products, you can make them by hand at home, rent a dedicated manufacturing space, work with a laboratory to formulate custom products or go the private label route with a beauty manufacturer.

It is possible to make simple formulations at home, such as facial oils. To manufacture cosmetics in the US, however, you need to adhere to FDA guidelines for ventilation, air control, and surface preparation. Even though your manufacturing processes should adhere to FDA standards, businesses that manufacture in spurts can show quite a bit of flexibility. Small businesses can benefit from mobile clean rooms, which are essentially pop-up tents designed for the purpose.

You'll gain a greater understanding of the properties you want in a formulation by experimenting with it yourself - consistency, appearance, smell - and you'll be prepared for informed discussions with your manufacturer.

MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Be sure to obtain all the necessary permits and licenses before starting a business and creating a skincare line. You will also need to get product liability insurance. Consulting with a local business attorney to ensure you're covered on all fronts is a best practice. Having a booming business only to lose it because you didn't follow the rules is the last thing you want.

CREATE YOUR SKINCARE BRAND

You don't just sell a product to customers, you build a relationship with them through your brand and the personality you develop for your company.

To set yourself apart from your competition, your skincare brand will incorporate everything you use. Including the packaging of your products as well as the colors of your brand logo and the name of your business.

BUILD AN ONLINE STORE

You now have your brand and products ready for market, and it is time to create your online store.

With eCommerce platforms, anyone can start selling skincare products online today, which is good news for skincare brands today. Shopify, for instance, lets you create online stores without needing any technical assistance.

Creating a Shopify account is simple, as is choosing the right theme and customizing your shop's layout.

DON’T FORGET TO MARKET YOUR LINE

The last step can be the most time-consuming but the most fun! Do some research on where your customers spend their time and market to them there. Ensure your website, social media pages, and email marketing reflect the brand you’ve created. Customers expect consistency so don't ignore the basics of your day-to-day business. Keep your policies, contact information, holidays and availability for open hours up to date.

In addition to networking at grassroots levels, it can be helpful to sell wholesale to local health stores, spas, and salons, as well as hosting at-home sales of skincare products to encourage word-of-mouth marketing!