Have you ever experienced that moment when you feel inspired to create an herbal serum in your mind and then come crashing back down to reality when considering all the logistics involved (size of the vats, certifications required to produce and sell, and getting organic Manjistha to complete your recipe)? Creating a beauty product is such an exciting time but then the reality of getting your product from your mind to the world becomes an enormous mountain. I can relate to this. So many successful beauty entrepreneurs have taken advantage of using third party manufacturers as their "backroom crew" with the ability to focus on creating and producing their own personalized products while someone else takes care of all the other details that go into making a product; that is how they can make authentic Ayurvedic products easily and without all the headaches of trying to manufacture their own product.
So here in this blog, we give you proper information about third-party manufacturing for ayurvedic cosmetics and herbal skin care. Stay tuned with this blog.
Why the Shift to Herbal and Ayurvedic Skin Care?
There is a "green revolution" happening in the global market. People have shifted away from just searching for immediate solutions; people today want long-term solutions; they want clarity regarding what they're putting into their bodies; they want pure products. The answer to all of these demands is Ayurveda and its 5,000 years of history. However, producing these types of products is not as easy as just putting some herbs in a pot; instead, it requires extensive research and specific extraction techniques that will allow you to keep the bioactive compounds present in the plant materials. Contract manufacturers provide brands with the ability to outsource their production processes to third-party manufacturers that specialize in particular types of products. This is especially critical for Ayurveda-based cosmetic products since compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and the AYUSH guidelines is expected at all times.
Key Benefits of Third-Party Manufacturing
Whether you should build your own business or hire someone else, the following are a few reasons why outsourcing tends to be the better option for Herbal Brands:
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Financially Viable: Millions of dollars can be saved on capitalization costs related to machines, land and labour costs.
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The Knowledgeable: Access to experienced chemists and Ayurvedic doctors who know how to formulate their product.
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Scalability: No matter what level of production you are at, whether you require 500 or 50000 units, third party companies can accommodate your growth.
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Compliant: Third party companies take the headache away from you by handling the tedious process of certification and testing in an approved laboratory.
Overcoming the "Quality" Hurdle
A common misconception is that products created in outsourcing will lack control over their quality but this is generally not true. In fact, many companies have found this to be true when working with properly managed contract manufacturers.
Professional contract manufacturers produce products consistently using strict global guidelines and procedures that may be too difficult for a very small, owner operated facility to duplicate.
"Quality in Ayurvedic cosmetology is not limited to the fragrance or extremity of the texture of a product. Quality is also defined by how the ingredients have maintained their integrity from the soil they were grown in to the skin they are applied to," said one Ayurvedic professional.
By sourcing directly from manufacturers that possess the appropriate certifications (GMP, ISO, and Organic), you are ensuring that the ingredients you use are of high potency.
Innovation in Herbal Skin Care
What is great about third-party manufacturing is how much freedom you have in experimenting! For example, do you want to develop a Bakuchiol retinol alternative? Or how about a Saffron-infused night gold oil? Many of the manufacturers already have a variety of “ready to go” formulations that you can modify. They can also assist you in developing a unique proprietary formulation from the beginning. Their R&D assistance can provide you with a competitive edge by keeping you up to date on market trends without needing to use the service of an entire company of full-time scientists.
Finding the Right Partner
The success of the herbal skincare industry is largely determined by the manufacturers of products. The manufacturers that can understand that natural is a commitment to the consumer and not just a marketing term will likely be your best partners. A quality manufacturer will provide you with transparency in their sourcing and have honest lead times.
Conclusion
In India, the advent of third-party manufacturers has drastically changed the way brands create ayurvedic and herbal cosmetics. This new model has opened up barriers to entering the ayurvedic cosmetics space as well as reduced overall risk, allowing both entrepreneurs and established businesses to provide authentic, quality skincare products to an expanding customer base of consumers looking for natural products.
If you are searching for a proven, scientifically based partner who combines knowledge of both Ayurveda and modern cosmetic science, SKYA Transdermic is your partner. We will work alongside you, from product development through packaging, maintaining our commitment to integrity and producing high-quality, natural products while bringing your herbal skincare vision into reality.
FAQs
What exactly is third-party manufacturing in Ayurvedic cosmetics — and is it legal?
This is a very good question, as many new brands ask the same thing! A third-party manufacturer produces your product at a certified facility with your company's name on it, while you continue to own the product. There are many third-party manufacturers in India, all you need to make sure of, prior to hiring one, is that they have a lot of different licenses such as GMP certification, AYUSH registration and CDSCO compliance. As long as all documentation is in order and above board you will be able to hire a third-party manufacturer.
Do I need my own formula, or will the manufacturer create one for me?
You don't have to approach a third-party manufacturer with a pre-existing formula! Almost all well-established manufacturers will have their own R&D team who can work with you to develop your own custom product formulation based on your desired target skin concern(s), ingredients and brand positioning. For example, if you were to discuss creating a neem and tea tree face wash for oily skin, a good manufacturer will take your concept to a lab tested, ready for the market, product and work with you to communicate and collaborate throughout the entire process.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Ayurvedic cosmetic products?
Each manufacturer has a different definition for "minimum order quantity” (MOQ), but there is a general range for Ayurvedic/herbal skin care items that is between 500 and 5,000 units per SKU. If you're a startup trying something out for the first time, look for manufacturers that will let you order fewer than that or create small-scale (pilot) batches. As an added bonus, ask about it in advance so that no surprises come along later on.
How do I know if the ingredients being used are genuinely natural and safe?
Before you sign an agreement, it is incredibly important to check several things that relate to the manufacturer you are going to purchase raw materials from. One of these things is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which should be provided for each raw material, and also has to show where the herbs are sourced. In addition, you should ask for ingredient transparency reports, dermatological testing results, and any information related to allergens. If a manufacturer is unwilling to share any of this documentation with you, this is a red flag that tells you to walk away and continue your search elsewhere.
