Making your own cosmetics to retail?

[shazzawilson]

Hi I was wondering how many geeks make their own product.
if so what do you make? And any advice?
Thanks

 

[shazzawilson]

Anyone at all?

 

[Lynne Baker]

There are all manner of rules and regulations surrounding the sale of home made skincare/cosmetic/bath products, as well as not insubstantial product liability insurance requirements, and a thorough knowledge of INCI.
I suspect that these alone are what put people off creating their own line. An alternative option is to create a private label line instead.

 

[shazzawilson]

Thanks Lynn. It seems no one on here does.
I'm looking into the certification etc and the legalities too.

 

[ClaireL]

There are all manner of rules and regulations surrounding the sale of home made skincare/cosmetic/bath products, as well as not insubstantial product liability insurance requirements, and a thorough knowledge of INCI.
I suspect that these alone are what put people off creating their own line. An alternative option is to create a private label line instead.

Hi Lynne

May I ask what you mean by a private label line?

Thanks

Claire

 

[Mobilenailsbfd]

Yes in the uk or europe you need a chemical safety assessment which is approved by an independent chemist, then you need specialist insurance and register with the local authority's health inspectors or equivalent. The reason I know is I used to be a soap and cosmetic maker, anything which is applied to the skin has to be tested as part of eu law. It's quite expensive for the safety assessment then your insurance on top, unlike the insurance tho the safety assessment is a one off fee. Hope this helps x

 

[sjmand]

You would be better visiting cosmoprof in bologna they have loads of suppliers, manufactures, bottle design etc. Loads of contacts and all the safety side is dealt with

 

[essentia]

The Eu laws have tightened up again from this July I believe. I had products tested last year and the process of getting products to market sometimes makes my head whirl!! It is of course not impossible but there are many stages which you have to go through and get right from testing though to labelling, suppliers etc. I had problems also with Trade marks as if you have any name vaguely similar to one of the big companies they challenge you immediately. If you want to pursue a specific name it may cost up to £2000 in fees if you lose your case. I am now waiting to see if my new name has been accepted. It is quite a journey so be aware of all the ins and outs from the begining and the associated expense.