White Label vs. Private Label: Which Business Model is Best for Your Skincare Brand?

If you’re thinking about starting your own skincare brand, you’ve likely heard of both white label and private label. Many people get confused between the two, but choosing the right one can save time and money. I’m here to help you understand the difference so you can make the right decision.

White label skincare uses ready-made formulas with your brand name, while private label lets you choose or tweak formulas for more control. White label is faster and cheaper to launch; private label offers uniqueness and flexibility for brand-building. Choose based on budget and business goals.

Curious which model fits your brand best? In the next sections, I’ll break down the pros, cons, and real-world tips to help you make a smart decision, whether you're just starting out or ready to scale.

What Is the Difference Between White Label and Private Label?

Many people get confused between white label and private label in skincare. At first glance, they sound similar. Both allow you to sell ready-made products under your own brand. But the level of control, cost, and flexibility are quite different.

White label products are mass-produced by a manufacturer. Businesses only add their own brand name or packaging. On the other hand, private label products are made by a manufacturer but are tailored to one brand’s needs. This means you can choose your own ingredients, packaging style, and even design. Here’s a quick comparison to make it clearer:

White label is great for simple entry into the skincare market. But if you're serious about standing out with your own product identity, private label gives more room to build your brand story. Both models work – it just depends on your goals and how much control you want over your products.

How Much Control Do You Get with Each Model?

White label gives very little control. You cannot change the product formula, texture, or scent. The product is already made in bulk and sold to many other brands. Your only option is to add your logo and choose from a few packaging styles. It’s fast, but not unique.

Private label offers much more control. You can work with the manufacturer to choose ingredients, improve texture, or avoid allergens. Watch 5 harmful chemicals in skincare to avoid here. You can also select bottle shape, box design, label colors, and more. This helps you build a product that matches your brand’s story and customer needs.

With a private label, the product belongs to your brand only. That means no one else will have the same formula or exact look. If your goal is to offer something special in the market, private label is a better choice for control and creativity.

Which Is Faster to Launch: White Label or Private Label?

White label is much faster to launch. The product is already made, tested, and packaged. You only need to add your brand name and design the label. In most cases, you can start selling within a few days or weeks.

Private label takes more time. You work with the manufacturer to adjust the formula, packaging, and design. This process includes testing and approvals, which can take several weeks to months. But the result is a custom product that fits your brand better.

If speed is your top priority, white label is the quicker option. But if you want a product made just for your brand, private label is worth the extra time.

Which One Offers Better Branding Opportunities?

When it comes to branding, private label gives you more freedom. You can choose your own formula, fragrance, texture, and packaging. This means you can create a product that matches your brand’s story and values. Your skincare line will look and feel unique in the market.

White label products are already made. So, your brand name is added to a product that many others may also be selling. You might be able to design your own label, but the formula and packaging usually stay the same. This limits how much you can stand out from others.

If your goal is a strong brand identity, a private label is a better choice. It allows you to control how your product looks, works, and feels. You can even match your brand colors or create something that tells a special story.

For example, if your brand supports clean beauty or wants plant-based ingredients, private label helps you build that message clearly. You can highlight your unique features on packaging, marketing, and your website. Check out the ingredients that we use in our manufacturing skincare here. 

White label works best when you need speed or want to test the market quickly. But for long-term branding success, private label helps you grow a loyal customer base. It makes your skincare line memorable and more trusted.

What Type of Skincare Business Is Best Suited for Each?

White label works best for small businesses, first-time founders, or beauty stores that want to launch fast with low risk. You don’t need to worry about product development or large budgets. It’s a good choice if you just want to sell ready-made skincare under your own brand.

Private label is better for growing brands or serious startups that want more control. It suits businesses that already know their market and want unique formulas, packaging, and branding. If you want to stand out in a crowded skincare space, this model gives you more power to do that.Each model fits different needs - think about your goals, time, and budget before choosing.

Can You Switch from White Label to Private Label Later?

Yes, you can switch from white label to private label later. In fact, many skincare brands start with a white label to test the market, build a customer base, and keep startup costs low. Once the brand starts growing, it shifts to private labels to gain more control and stand out from the competition.  Watch the secret to launching your private label beauty brand here.

Switching allows you to create your own custom formulas, improve packaging, and focus on specific skin needs. It also helps you offer something different from other brands using the same white label products. This move can make your business feel more personal and trustworthy to customers.

The process takes some planning. You’ll need to find a reliable OEM manufacturer, decide on your ingredients, and invest time in testing and packaging. But if you already know what your customers like from your white label experience, this helps make smart choices.

Keep in mind that switching may involve a higher cost and longer production time. So, it’s best to make the move when your business has stable sales and clear goals. Also, be ready to rebrand or update your product listings, as your new formulas will be different from the old ones.

How Do Profit Margins Compare?

Profit margins differ between white label and private-label skincare models, mainly because of how much control and customization you have.

White label products are usually cheaper upfront. Since the products are already made and sold to many brands, manufacturers can offer them at lower prices. This makes white label a good option if you want to launch fast with low investment. However, because many brands use the same formula, it's harder to raise your prices or stand out. So, while your costs are low, your selling price is also limited, which can lead to lower profit margins over time.

Private label gives you more control. You can create unique formulas, design premium packaging, and target specific skin concerns. All these custom features let you charge higher prices. Your product becomes something only your brand offers. Yes, the starting cost is higher, but you can set better prices and increase your margins as you grow.

What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Label Partner?

Before choosing a white label or private label partner for your skincare brand, ask the right questions to save yourself from problems later. Learn how to choose the top suppliers for private label services here. It’s not just about who gives you the cheapest deal  -  it’s about who helps your brand grow smoothly and supports you in the long run. A good partner can make your business stronger, while the wrong one can cause delays, poor quality, or damage your reputation. Here are some important questions to ask:

• What kind of products do you specialize in?

• Do you offer low minimum order quantities?

• Can I customize formulas or packaging?

• How long does production and delivery take?

• What’s your process for quality control?

• Do you provide samples before the final order?

• Are your ingredients and packaging eco-friendly?

• What support do you offer for new brands?

• Are there any hidden fees or setup charges?

• Can I switch from white label to private label later?

These questions help you understand how flexible and experienced the supplier is. They also show how much support you’ll get if you’re new to the skincare business.

At the end of the day, you want someone who understands your goals and respects your time and money. A label partner should be more than a vendor  -  they should feel like part of your team, helping you launch a skincare line you’re proud of.

Conclusion

Choosing between white label and private label depends on what you want for your skincare business. If you want a quick start and don’t mind using a ready-made product, white label works well. But if you want full control over ingredients, packaging, and branding, private labels give you more freedom. Both models have benefits, but your goals, budget, and time will guide your decision.

At Amarrie, our CEO, Leona Ho, helps you find the best model based on your brand vision. We offer both white label and private-label options with high-quality skincare formulas. Whether you’re a new brand or an established one, our team supports you with fast production, custom designs, and clear communication every step of the way. Both business models can lead to success. It’s about what fits your needs best. Take time to understand your market, define your goals, and choose a trusted partner who understands skincare  -  that’s where we come in.