If you’re a dermatologist or running a dermatology practice and you’ve been considering creating your own custom skincare line, third-party cosmetic manufacturing for dermatologists and clinics is the solution to making that happen for skin-care professionals throughout the country. You can create products that mirror what you recommend to your patients each and every day — branded and named according to you! Most people stop here because the thought of manufacturing seems too complicated, costly, and so far out of reach, but with third-party cosmetic manufacturing, you can create a branded skincare line without having to own a lab, hire chemists, or worry about the logistics of producing your products.
What Is Third-Party Cosmetic Manufacturing?
You can now produce, create, and package your own best-selling beauty, dermatology and cosmetic products with your personal input by using a third-party care manufacturing company to do this job for you.
With this new way of doing business, you can provide your patients with the products they need based on their specific issues that you treat daily without having to go outside of your professional field of expertise.
Why Dermatologists and Clinics Are Turning to Private Label Skincare
As clinical skin care evolves, there is a change in what patients are asking for in terms of skin care products, which involves doing their research using reviews of the ingredients as well as comparing them against other products. Dermatologists are providing information regarding their recommendations (i.e., products under their brand) and once they are able to get a patient interested in a service, they are able to convert that patient into an ongoing customer for additional services.
Here’s how more and more skin professionals are choosing to utilise third party manufacturing for their skincare products:
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You have credibility, and you already recommend products to help your patients — by having your own line of formulated products, you’ve created another way to offer trust and build your business at the same time!
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Customised formulations — Although there are many great off-the-shelf products, you and your patients desire skincare solutions tailored to their individual skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, age, and sensitivity, to name just a few — these exact conditions your patients come to see you about. A reputable third party manufacturer can help you create a skincare product that is tailored specifically for your patients’ needs!
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Brand differentiation — In an extremely crowded skincare marketplace, by creating your own branded product line you are giving your clinic the opportunity to differentiate your practice and turn it into an actual skincare destination, versus only a consultation service.
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A reliable source of recurrent revenue — Skincare products will produce residual or passively selling revenues to augment the clinical skills and services you offer by providing a third source of retail or retail-like revenue for your clinic or practice.
What the Process Actually Looks Like
The majority of dermatologists assume that third party manufacturing is a long and complicated process; in fact, a solid manufacturing partner can significantly simplify this process. Below is a high-level overview of the process:
Consultation and Product Brief
You tell us what you want to achieve with this product, including the skin concerns you want to address, what type of patients you are looking to appeal to (demographics), the types of textures you want, key active ingredients you want in the formulation, and any active ingredients you want out of the formulation.
Formulation Development
Based upon the product brief you supplied us, the R&D department will develop an appropriate formulation for your product based upon tested, clinically proven active ingredients, along with the best delivery method for the active ingredients.
Sampling and Review
You will receive samples to test for product texture and performance(s), scent, and compatibility with skin. After evaluating the sample product, if necessary, we will adjust the formulation to your standard.
Packaging and Branding
After development has reached an agreed upon acceptable formulation, your branding, logo, and product information will be printed on a package that displays the aesthetics and professionalism of your practice.
Regulatory Compliance
A quality manufacturer will obtain the required labelling compliance, will conduct stability testing, and ensure the product complies with all applicable cosmetic regulations; this step is critical in protecting both you and the patients that you care for.
Production and Delivery
Upon completion of the approval process, the product(s) will be manufactured according to the agreed upon batch size/delivery method and delivered either for retail sale or clinical use.
What to Look for in a Third-Party Cosmetic Manufacturer
Not all manufacturers are created equally. There is a certain level that manufacturers must achieve to be considered qualified resources for dermatologists. To ensure you partner with the right manufacturer, you should look for the following characteristics:
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A Strong Background in Dermatological or Cosmeceutical Formulations
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Transparency in Sourcing Ingredients and Quality Testing Protocols
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Willingness to Create Custom Formulations as Opposed to Relabelling An Existing Generic Product
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Knowledge of Regulatory Procedures Pertaining To Cosmetics and Skin Care Products
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Minimum Order Quantity Flexibility – New Clinics, For Example, Will Need Lower Quantities Than Established Clinics
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Communication and a Collaborative Process Would Be Required From the Time of Initial Contact To Final Production
Your manufacturer should become a true partner in your business efforts, providing assistance beyond the production of your products to also help you establish your business and give your product a true representation of your clinical experiences and the philosophy of patient care.
Conclusion
Utilising a third-party manufacturer to create a line of cosmeceuticals offers dermatologists or skin clinics an effective, professional and cost-efficient method of branching out their brand outside the walls of their office. This is not only for selling products but also to help build the trust of patients by reiterating their real concerns regarding their skin through clinically-supported formulations so much so that they return to your business time after time. If you're interested in learning more about what cosmeceuticals can do for your business, Skya Transdermic has the formulation expertise, dermatological knowledge, and production abilities to support you in developing and launching a cosmetics line that reflects your standard of care.
FAQs
What exactly is third-party cosmetic manufacturing, and how does it work for dermatologists?
Simply stated, third-party cosmetic manufacturing signifies that a specialised facility manufactures skincare products on behalf of others, under their brand names. As a dermatologist or clinic owner intervening, you communicate product purposes, who it is for, and how you envision it. The manufacturing company handles everything from formulations to testing, and then packaging and delivery. You get a final product, ready for the clinic, without ever getting your hands dirty in the lab.
Do I need any technical or chemistry background to get started?
No way! That's the best part about this system. You have your own expertise as far as medicine and skin problems, but you will also have to rely on the manufacturer to supply the biochemistry. The best manufacturers will help you with every step of the process, convert your clinical criteria into an appropriate product description, and make the entire project as simple for you as possible, even if this is your first time doing something like this.
Can I get formulations customised specifically for the skin concerns I treat?
This is actually one of the main reasons why dermatologists select third-party manufacturing over developing their own formulations. There are no generic products you select from a stock list and put your label on. You are able to have unique formulations made that are designed for the specific issues that you see in your practice (such as acne, discolouration, recovery after procedures, rosacea, etc.). The specific formulations for each condition are what help differentiate your product.
How long does the entire process take from idea to finished product?
Your timeline can vary based on the complexity of your formulation and how quickly you can get approvals, but generally speaking you are looking between 8-16 weeks for a custom formulation from start to finish (from development to receipt of product). The process is inclusive of development, sampling, revision, packaging design, and production. Some manufacturers can provide faster turnaround times for simpler or semi-custom products; therefore, it is a good idea to discuss the timeline with your manufacturer before you begin planning your launch.
