Step 1: Market Research and Brand Positioning

• Target market: Domestic vs. international; B2C vs. B2B (clinics)
• Category focus: Anti-aging, brightening, acne, body, medical aesthetics
• Price tier: Mass, masstige, premium, luxury
• Channel: D2C, Amazon, clinics, retail

Step 2: Select an OEM/ODM Manufacturing Partner

• Certifications: ISO 22716, US GMPC, ISO 13485 for medical devices
• Production capacity matching volume needs
• Formulation library depth and R&D capability
• Regulatory support for target markets
• Sample quality and MOQ flexibility

Step 3: Formulation Selection

• Stock formula: 2-4 weeks; fastest path to market
• Custom formulation: 3-6 months; maximum differentiation

Step 4: Regulatory

• China NMPA: 6-18 months cosmetics; 12-36 months medical devices
• USA FDA: MoCRA facility registration + product listing (2024+)
• EU CPNP: Product Information File required
• Halal: For UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia markets

Step 5: Packaging

Custom packaging: 6-12 weeks lead time. Stock packaging: 2-4 weeks.

Timeline and Investment

• Stock formula private label: 2-3 months; USD 5,000-20,000 initial
• Custom formulation: 6-12 months; USD 20,000-100,000+
• Custom + medical device registration: 12-24 months; USD 50,000-200,000+