You are ready to launch your OEM skincare products, but you don’t know how to choose the right OEM cosmetics manufacturer in Malaysia to do the work.

Here are some tips that will help you make the best decision for you and your OEM company.

1. OEM Manufacturer Contract

Before you start working with a manufacturer, it is a good idea to speak with a commercial lawyer with experience of working with OEM manufacturers. This is because you must sign a contract with your OEM manufacturer, one that includes a confidentiality agreement.

It will cost you money to hire a lawyer, but remember you are building a OEM brand and a business and you could lose a lot of money if something goes wrong.

Keep in mind that you are protecting your intellectual property so you need to be sure that any legal agreements you sign protect it at all times.

For example, when the contract comes to an end, can you keep the same formula? If the manufacturer makes any changes to your formula, it is still yours?

2. Good OEM Manufacturing Practice

Before your OEM manufacturer starts producing your skincare products, you should really learn all the mandatory factors your products should meet. In this case, it is wise to ensure your cosmetic manufacturer meet all the standards you want.

So ask specific questions, go into details. Talk to your OEM skin care and cosmetic manufacturer about good manufacturing practice. It is a good idea to have a checklist of what you want to cover.

Remember it is your brand and you should be totally happy with how the manufacturer makes your product, especially when it involves the compliance of law. Not only Malaysia law, but if you are going to sell anywhere else, make sure it meets international standards too.

3. Ingredients

When you outsource your skincare manufacturing, you need to ask your manufacturer where the ingredients come from.

This is especially true in Malaysia where 65% of the population is Muslim, so you need to consider the Halal Factor. You need to make sure the manufacturer understands the problems and sensitivities of the Muslim, because Islam encourages their followers to choose Halal products.

The manufacturer should be ethical and follow the guidelines you provide when shopping for the ingredients for your products.

It is a good idea to put together a formal brief. In this brief, you should make a list of what you expect; specify which ingredients you want them to use, how to preserve your products and which ingredients are banned.

Go into every detail, this way you have less chance for any confusion.

4. Samples

Talk to the manufacturer and agree how your product will look, smell, function and feel. Ask for a benchmark sample, with the final packaging that you intend to use.

Before investing on and ordering your skincare products, make sure you agree on:

• The texture
• Colour
• Viscosity
  
• and fragrance of your formulation.

Once you agree on this, ask for a benchmark sample so that even though the OEM manufacturer changes anything about the formula, you will notice.

5. Size and Delivery Time

Finally, you need to agree on how your skincare products will be manufactured and delivered.

Would you prefer the products to be manufactured by batches? Or would you prefer them to be manufactured as you need them? Either way, how much time does it take for them to be made and delivered? You should be really clear on how much time is needed if you don’t want to wait for 3 – 4 months before the next batch is delivered.

Ask about the size of the batch, and the minimum order quantity. Remember the fewer units you produce, the more they will charge.

As you can see, there are many factors you should consider before choosing the OEM manufacturers of your cosmetic and skincare products. Follow all the points in detail.

We wish you a smooth sailing ahead in creating your cosmetic brand!