A cosmetic manufacturer is a company that produces cosmetic products. For example, a cosmetic company may produce items used for daily grooming, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, as well as those that help a person to smell good, such as perfume and deodorant. Cosmetic manufacturers also make products that make a person look better, such as makeup. A cosmetic manufacturer may produce a full range of products or focus on just a few types.
Among the things a cosmetic manufacturer may produce are makeup, such as blush, eye shadow and lipstick; nail polish; hair sprays; hair creams; and hair dyes. A cosmetic manufacturer may also produce toothpastes, breath fresheners, a variety of soaps and body washes, lotion, lip glosses, and body creams. Bath salts and bubble baths, perfumes and colognes for both men and women, body glitter, and lip balms are also among the products cosmetic manufacturers make.
Sometimes, things that seem to be cosmetics are actually considered drugs. For example, some cosmetics can improve or clean the skin, hair, or even the teeth. If a product that seems to be a cosmetic also contains ingredients capable of altering the function of the body or treating diseases or conditions, it may be considered a drug instead. In many jurisdictions, such products are subject to different manufacturing standards than those set for cosmetic manufacturers; they may require different labeling as well. Whether or not a cosmetic manufacturer can legally produce such products depends on the laws in effect where the company is located.
Often, people equate a cosmetic manufacturer and a company or brand that sells cosmetics. This is not always the case, however. Some companies do manufacturer and market their own products to consumers, but others may contract the manufacturing job out to other companies. For example, a cosmetic company may create a formula for a lipstick or lotion, and instead of manufacturing it in house, it may send it to the manufacturer for production, packaging, and labeling.
A person may even start a home-based cosmetics business by outsourcing to a manufacturer. For example, a person who wanted to sell all-natural soaps or baby products could research and experiment with ingredients at home. Once he was satisfied with his product, he could produce, package, label, and market it on his own. If he received numerous orders, however, it could become difficult for him to continue producing them on his own. In such a case, he might contract with a cosmetic manufacturer to make filling the orders easier.
