So, you're dreaming of launching your own skincare line? Whether you're inspired by a gap in the market, a passion for natural ingredients, or a drive to build your own beauty empire – you're in the right place.
At Crafted, we’ve helped countless start-ups and small businesses bring their skincare visions to life, right here in the UK. The good news? You don’t need huge budgets or massive quantities to get started – just the right partners and a clear plan.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to starting your own skincare brand with confidence.
1. Define Your Brand Identity
Start with the ‘why’. Ask yourself:
What problem are you solving?
Who is your target customer?
What values will your brand stand for?
Are you all about sustainability, vegan ingredients, results-driven formulations – or perhaps all three? This will shape every decision, from ingredients to packaging to tone of voice.
2. Choose Your Product Range
You don’t need to launch with 20 products. In fact, we recommend starting small and strong. Pick one to three core products that represent your brand.
Popular starting points include:
Hydrating facial moisturiser
Gentle foaming cleanser
Nourishing facial oil or serum
Natural clay mask
3. Understand the Legal Bits
Skincare in the UK (and EU) is regulated – and rightly so. But don’t let the paperwork put you off. You’ll need to ensure:
Your products are safety assessed (through a CPSR – Cosmetic Product Safety Report)
Your labelling complies with UK/EU cosmetics regulations
You’ve created a Product Information File (PIF)
When you work with us, we guide you through all of this. We provide full documentation and compliance support, so you can focus on building your brand.
4. Choose a Trusted UK Manufacturer
Partnering with an experienced manufacturer is essential – especially if you’re new to the industry.
Crafted is proud to support start-ups and small businesses with:
Low minimum order quantities
White and private label options
In-house formulation and lab testing
Flexible packaging and filling solutions
UK-based manufacturing and regulatory support
We know every brand is different, so we keep the process transparent, collaborative, and stress-free.
5. Design Your Packaging and Branding
This is where your brand comes to life visually. You’ll need:
Logo and label design
Packaging (jars, bottles, droppers, tubes – all available through us)
Outer cartons (optional, but great for shelf appeal)
Make sure your design reflects your values and appeals to your target audience. And don’t forget to include the legally required info on your labels – we’ll help you get this right.
6. Launch Your Brand
Once your products are made and your packaging is ready, it’s go time!
Plan your launch carefully:
Build your website or online store (Shopify and Squarespace are great options)
Create a content calendar for social media
Send out samples to influencers or early customers for feedback and buzz
Use email and PR to tell your story
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – just get started. You’ll learn as you go.
7. Stay Agile and Grow
Start small, test the waters, listen to your customers, and evolve. Many of the brands we work with began with one product and are now stocked nationwide.
We’re here for the whole journey – whether you’re scaling up, launching new products, or rebranding down the line.
Ready to Make Your Skincare Brand a Reality?
If you’ve got the passion, we’ve got the expertise. At Crafted, we make it easy for you to create high-quality, UK-made skincare without the stress – or the high minimums. Get in touch with our team to learn more. Let's build something beautiful, together.
