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Review skincare, makeup, nail, eyelash, salon and packaging options before requesting a quote.
Browse product categoriesChina Cosmetics Buying Guide
Plan a Cosmetics Sourcing Project Before Requesting Quotes
Use practical checklists for product specifications, supplier comparison, private label, OEM development, packaging and export handover. Better inputs lead to clearer quotations and fewer surprises during sampling and production.
How should an international buyer begin a China cosmetics sourcing project?
Begin with one written brief and one commercial objective. Decide what you want to sell, where it will be sold, how much you expect to order and which parts must be customized. Supplier conversations become more useful once those points are clear.
Planning guides
Use the right guide for the decision in front of you
These pages are organized around common buyer decisions rather than broad marketing claims.
Select a sourcing route
Compare wholesale, private label, semi-custom and full OEM/ODM development.
Compare sourcing routesShortlist manufacturers
Understand what to check in identity, capability, MOQ, samples and documents.
Review supplier matchingPrepare a skincare brief
Define product format, skin feel, ingredients, pack size, claims and target market.
Read the skincare guidePlan color cosmetics
Account for shade count, texture, finish, components and color approval.
Read the makeup guideSource packaging
Coordinate component stock, decoration, compatibility, artwork and carton requirements.
Read the packaging guideEditorial library
Practical guides for cosmetics sourcing decisions
Browse supplier, product, packaging and manufacturing guidance written around the details buyers need before sampling and quotation.Latest Buying Guides
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Use the category planning pages above for product specifications, quotation inputs and supplier-matching requirements.
Browse product category guidesQuotation checklist
Information to prepare before contacting suppliers
- Commercial objectiveLaunch, line extension, market test, distribution order or packaging replacement.
- Product definitionFormat, benchmark, size, variants, desired claims and ingredients to include or avoid.
- Order structureUnits per SKU, number of shades or scents, repeat-order expectation and price target.
- Destination marketCountry, sales channel and any retailer, importer or regulatory documentation needs.
- Packaging and artworkStock or custom component, decoration method, label, carton and barcode.
- TimelineDate needed for samples, approvals, production completion and shipping handover.
Compare like with like
Five questions to ask about every quotation
A quotation is only useful when the assumptions are visible.
What exactly is included?
Confirm formula, fill, component, decoration, carton, labels, testing and packing.
Which MOQ applies?
Check whether the limit comes from formula batching, packaging stock or decoration.
What must be approved?
List samples, shades, artwork, packaging and written specifications requiring sign-off.
What can change the timeline?
Ask about component stock, custom work, testing, revisions and peak production periods.
Which documents are available?
Check the named holder, scope and relevance to the selected product and market.
Who handles export handover?
Clarify packing list, commercial documents, freight booking and transfer of responsibility.
Buyer questions
China cosmetics sourcing FAQ
What should be included in a cosmetics RFQ?
Include product format, quantity per SKU, destination market, target price range, formula or claim requirements, packaging, documents and preferred timing.
How should buyers compare supplier quotations?
Normalize the specification first. Confirm formula, fill size, component, decoration, carton, testing, MOQ, lead time and commercial terms before comparing unit prices.
When should packaging be selected?
Packaging should be reviewed early enough to check stock, decoration MOQ, compatibility, artwork and lead time. Custom moulds require a separate schedule and budget.
What is the first step for a new beauty brand?
Choose one priority product and define the customer, target market, price position, quantity and desired launch date. This makes the sourcing route easier to evaluate.
Send a brief that suppliers can quote accurately
Include the product, quantity, target market, packaging, customization and documents you need. We will review the brief and identify a suitable sourcing route.