What Is Cosmetic ODM?

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) is a business model in which a manufacturer handles the entire process, from product planning and design to manufacturing. The finished products are sold under the client’s brand name. This page explains the differences between OEM and ODM, along with key information to know when launching a cosmetics brand.

Differences Between
Cosmetic ODM and OEM

Meaning

• ODM: The manufacturer provides integrated support from planning and design to product development.
• OEM: The client determines the product concept and specifications, while the manufacturer is primarily responsible for production.

Planning lead

• ODM: Led by the manufacturer through proposals and development support.
• OEM: Led by the client based on its own direction and specifications.

Scope of request

• ODM: Comprehensive support including planning, proposal, formula development, ingredient review, design, and manufacturing.
• OEM: Manufacturing based on the client’s specifications, sometimes with additional development support.

Burden on the brand owner

• ODM: Low (most of the process can be outsourced).
• OEM: High (the brand owner is responsible for finalizing the plan).

In OEM, the manufacturer is mainly responsible for production, while the client handles planning and specifications. In ODM, by contrast, the manufacturer takes the lead and is responsible for integrated support from planning to product development. This allows brands to leverage the manufacturer’s accumulated expertise and develop products that stand out from competitors.

Advantages and Disadvantages
of ODM

Because ODM allows the entire process from planning to manufacturing to be outsourced, a brand can be launched with minimal resources. On the other hand, because quality control is also entrusted to the manufacturer, product quality can vary significantly depending on the partner selected.

Advantages of Using ODM

The main advantage of ODM lies in the ability to launch a brand at low cost and in a short time. By reducing the need for internal planning resources and capital investment, brands can allocate more resources to market research and sales activities. In addition, because the manufacturer is involved from the planning stage, it may be possible to shorten time to market.

Disadvantages of ODM

Because ODM allows a company to delegate most processes to the manufacturer, one disadvantage is that expertise is not accumulated within the company. Another is that the manufacturing process can be less transparent, making quality control more difficult. When working with an ODM partner, it is important to carefully review the manufacturer’s quality control system.

How to Start
Your Own Skincare Line

When launching a skincare line, start by deciding who you want to reach and what you want to offer. Once the concept is defined, conduct market research and determine what types of products to offer and how you plan to sell them. You will also need to decide how the products will be manufactured. The page below explains the process of launching a skincare line, sales methods, and the differences between manufacturing approaches.

How Much Does It Cost
to Manufacture Cosmetics?

The cost of cosmetic manufacturing varies depending on ingredients, containers and packaging, and outsourcing fees. When outsourcing to an ODM partner, it is a good idea to request quotes from multiple manufacturers. However, minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary from one manufacturer to another. The page below provides a detailed overview of cosmetic manufacturing costs and general MOQ guidelines.

Cosmetic Product
Development Process

When developing cosmetics, it is important to analyze market trends and consumer needs. Once the concept is defined based on that analysis, the next step is to select raw materials and develop the formulation. Testing is also required to verify safety and quality before bringing the product to market. After the product passes these tests, the next step is to determine the container and confirm regulatory requirements. The page below explains the specific steps in the cosmetic product development process.

Three Global
Private Label Cosmetic Manufacturers
with Differentiated
Technologies

Find Your Match

To identify proven private label cosmetic manufacturers, this article examined 115 exhibitors at MakeUp in New York in 2025*, a global trade show where cosmetic trends and technologies from around the world converge. Here, we present a detailed overview of three carefully selected manufacturing partners that operate as full-service turnkey providers, backed by extensive expertise and unique technologies not found elsewhere.

*Source: MakeUp in New York Official Website | As of survey conducted in December 2025 (https://www.makeup-in-newyork.com/en/exhibitors)

Advanced Skincare
Formulations

PICASO

JAPAN

Source: PICASO COSMETIC LABORATORY Official Website
(https://www.cosme-park.com/en/)

Japanese-Standard Quality
and Skin-Enhancing Benefits

PICASO COSMETIC LABORATORY is a leading Japanese private label cosmetics manufacturer specializing in skincare products. Drawing on 200,000 formulation data points*1 and over 72 patented ingredients*2, PICASO proposes differentiated products focused on the skin-enhancing benefits associated with Japanese brands.

Turnkey Skincare Solutions Using Unique Ingredients Originating from Japan

PICASO can develop ingredients derived from uniquely Japanese sustainable upcycled materials, as well as ingredients that leverage materials such as matcha and sake. The company offers end-to-end turnkey services, covering everything from ingredient selection through product storytelling designed with market communication in mind.

MOQ From 5,000 units*3 (From 3,000 for startups)

View PICASO’s
official website

Inquire on Official Website

Emerging
Makeup Trends

C&C

SOUTH KOREA

Source: C&C INTERNATIONAL Official Website
http://www.cnccosmetic.com/eng/

Proposing the Next
Texture Trends in K-Beauty

C&C International is a leading Korean cosmetics manufacturer for color cosmetics. The company creates new textures based on data accumulated through its leadership in K-beauty, combined with the development capabilities of its research team. C&C proposes products that anticipate upcoming trends.

Accelerated Multi-Color Product

Development With a prototyping system and production capability built on accumulated color and texture data, C&C can efficiently develop multi-color variations suited to diverse skin tones, as well as derivative lines featuring different textures.

MOQ Not listed on the official website

View C&C’s
official website

Inquire on Official Website

Premium
Hair Care Line

SRL

ITALY

Source: COSMETIC SERVICE SRL Official Website
https://www.cosmeticservice.it/en/

Hair Care Development
Inspired by Italian Aesthetics

COSMETIC SERVICE is a full-service Italian private label cosmetics manufacturer specializing in hair care development. While meeting Italy’s high standards for organic practices and sustainability, the company designs formulations from the ground up, tailored to specific needs such as scalp care and damage repair.

Designing a Brand World,
from Fragrance to Bottle

COSMETIC SERVICE provides integrated support covering everything from container materials and graphic design to fragrance development. By integrating the brand’s world into the product’s appearance, texture, and scent, the company can create a memorable brand experience.

MOQ Not listed on the official website

View COSMETIC SERVICE’s
official website

Inquire on Official Website

*1 Source: PICASO COSMETIC LABORATORY Official Website | As of survey conducted in January 2026 (https://www.cosme-park.com/en/business/research_and_development/)
*2 Source: PICASO COSMETIC LABORATORY Official Website | As of survey conducted in January 2026 (https://www.cosme-park.com/en/business/research_and_development/)
*3 Source: PICASO COSMETIC LABORATORY Official Website | As of survey conducted in January 2026 (https://www.cosme-park.com/en/business/development_flow/)