How Skincare Products Are Actually Made
Table of Contents
Ever wonder what goes on behind the trendy serums and creams? What really is the process of creating and launching skincare or haircare products?
At Selfnamed, we’re obsessed with peeling back the layers of the skincare product development process. We believe beauty products shouldn’t be made in the dark. And if they are, there’s probably something off about them.
Beauty products should be made with transparency in mind – from gathering information and sourcing compatible ingredients to creating functional and aesthetic packaging. Why? Because that’s how you know whether or not the product will actually work and speak to your customer, and make them purchase it again and again.
That’s why in this article, we’re pulling down the magic lab curtains and walking you through each step in the skincare product development process.
Let’s see what actually happens when a product is made!
Step 1: Research
Every product starts with a question: What do people’s skin and hair really need right now?
We’re here to listen, observe, and provide effective solutions. What people want and need is usually tied to changing environments and global trends. So it’s crucial to listen, investigate, and gather data before making any big moves.
At this point, the Research & Development team investigates. This means exploring beauty trends, ingredient innovations, and other insights to discover real opportunities in the beauty market.
This research investigates:
What’s trending in skincare and haircare
Customer pain points and demands
Product benchmarks and opportunities
Suggested hero ingredients
The ideal texture, scent, claims, and experience
At Selfnamed, we dive deep into global trends and consumer behavior. It’s important to make sure each idea doesn’t just look good on the shelf, it’s backed by demand.
Step 2: Feasibility Check
Once the research is finalized, it goes straight to our laboratory teams. They review the concept in detail. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the formula is scientifically sound, technically possible, and aligned with regulatory requirements.
Some ideas are approved immediately. Others need adjustments – and sometimes entirely new approaches.
This early collaboration between research and formulation ensures that every concept is achievable, stable, safe, and innovative from day one.
Step 3: Formulation
This is where the real magic (and science) happens.
Selfnamed works hand-in-hand with our lab chemists through a back-and-forth formulation process. It’s not a one-and-done moment. It's iterative, detailed, and extremely hands-on.
Every tweak is important. Every adjustment is considered. Because with every iteration, we get closer to the perfect balance of performance, safety, and sensory experience.
Together, we:
Review multiple formula samples
Test textures, absorption, viscosity, color, and scent
Evaluate performance on different skin and hair types
Request adjustments until the product feels exactly right
Here, no detail is too small. That’s because we know that the difference between a good product and an exceptional one often lies in the subtle nuances.
Ultimately, every element (from fragrance to texture to final skin feel) is evaluated separately and refined with care.
Step 4: Ingredient Sourcing
Next up: sourcing.
Ingredient sourcing is handled directly by our laboratory partners, who follow strict quality, sustainability, and clean beauty standards.
Key priorities during this stage include:
Purity. Each ingredient undergoes testing to confirm its quality, safety, and suitability for use.
Traceability. We know exactly where everything comes from.
Sustainability. We only source responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and supporting ethical practices.
Integrity. Our formulations are free from fillers, unnecessary additives, or misleading “miracle” claims. What you see is what you get.
To note: Most Selfnamed products are vegan-friendly and certified by ECOCERT, and meet the stringent standards for organic and natural ingredients.
By carefully sourcing ingredients in this way, we lay a strong foundation for products that are safe, effective, and aligned with our clean beauty standards.
Step 5: Packaging Sourcing
Packaging is more than just aesthetics. It’s product protection, sustainability, and user experience all in one.
Yes, it’s got to look good on your bathroom shelf, but it also has to work.
And at Selfnamed, we pay special attention to packaging because we know it’s where your brand truly shines. At our Design Studio, you can fully customize your product’s packaging and labels and preview it in real time. This is where you can bring your vision to life and create unique, ready-to-ship products.
Selfnamed’s Design Studio
Now when it comes to the development process, our team sources packaging that:
Matches the formula requirements (airless? light-protective?)
Meets sustainability and material standards
Feels premium and user-friendly
Is aesthetically pleasing
Just like formulation, packaging selection is a back-and-forth process. We receive samples, test durability and compatibility, and ensure quality standards are met.
Our lab also tests formula + packaging compatibility to confirm the product stays stable, safe, and effective inside the chosen container.
During this phase, our design team also works on label and box layouts. This is a crucial step to make sure we’re creating a polished, retail-ready look.
Step 6: Stability & Safety Testing
Now before anything goes into production, the formula undergoes essential testing. Here’s what’s happening:
Stability testing (about 3 months)
Compatibility testing with the chosen packaging
Quality and safety assessments
Stability testing takes about three months and simulates the product’s entire life cycle. It’s stored in different environments to see whether and how the product changes.
Does it separate?
Does it thicken?
Does the scent change?
Does the packaging swell or crack?
This process isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.
Also, if a product is intended for ECOCERT certification, we also prepare and submit all required documentation during this stage. This ensures that every product is compliant with organic and natural standards. In addition, we manage product registrations with the relevant authorities and industry portals. For example, submitting products to the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal).
Only when everything is approved do we move on to manufacturing.
Step 7: Production
Once the formula and packaging are finalized, we move into full-scale production.
This is where concepts become tangible products:
Formulas are mixed in controlled conditions
Units are filled, sealed, and batch-coded
Every batch undergoes strict quality control checks to ensure consistency and compliance.
Step 8: Shipping & Launch
Finished products are delivered to our warehouse. This is where our print team carefully applies your label design and assembles the packaging to ensure every item meets the highest standards.
Here, we:
Apply labels with your custom design. Your products are labeled using your creatives to ensure a brand-ready presentation.
Pack your order safely. Each product is securely packaged to protect it during transit.
Ship globally. We ship to 30+ countries in as little as 3 days from our facilities in the US and Europe.
Support both DTC dropshipping and large-scale retail launches. From small direct-to-consumer orders to bigger retail campaigns, we handle the logistics.
But the Work Doesn’t End There
Here’s the truth – skincare product development never really ends.
We continuously:
Track customer reviews
Collect feedback
Analyze repurchase patterns
Adjust formulas or packaging when needed
Improve future generations of the product
Source: Trustpilot
For us, beauty is always changing and improving. We’re moving with you. And we move forward to new and improved ingredients, formulations, and products.
Final Thoughts
Transparency – princess treatment or bare minimum? We say, bare minimum. We’re happy to peel back the labels and show exactly what goes into our products.
We believe skincare and haircare products shouldn’t be mysterious. They need to be developed right – with honesty, science, and sustainability at every step.
Because at the end of the day, it’s all about building trust, one formula, one product, and one brand at a time.
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