Sourcing private label cosmetics from UK factories has consumed most of my bandwidth over the last two years. Following Brexit, UKCPNP registration has shut out numerous overseas brands. Conversely, domestic UK cosmetic manufacturing capacity has become increasingly competitive.
Having toured seven to eight factories, I find UK producers operate with a distinct edge. German factories excel in engineering accuracy, and Korean manufacturers focus on ultra-fast new product launches, whereas UK manufacturers stand out for creative formulation expertise and flexible cooperation with indie beauty brands.
I’ve filtered these seven UK local factories based on product range, certification systems, MOQ requirements and formula portfolios. All are available to take orders directly.
Quick Overview
| Manufacturer Name | Core Strengths | Key Certifications |
| Herrco Cosmetics | 4-tonne reactors, 75,000 sq ft facility, expertise in natural & organic formulations | ISO 22716, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EcoVadis Gold, COSMOS |
| Orean Personal Care | B Corp certified, dual manufacturing bases in the UK and US, formulations IP belongs to clients | B Corp, ISO 22716 |
| THG LABS | Flexible production capacity from 50 kg to 5 tonnes; full product portfolio covering sun care, skincare and hair care | COSMOS Organic, COSMOS Natural, RSPO |
| Creative Cosmetics | 30 years of cosmetic formulation expertise, 200+ in-house formulas, low MOQ starting at 1,000 units | ISO 22716, ISO 9001 |
| Cosmiko（Stuart Hirst Group） | Parent company founded in 1919, three-tier product ranges | REACH, EC 1223/2009 |
| Natural Spa Factory | 18 years of expertise in natural plant-based formulations, collaborated with 600+ brands, 18-week lead time | Cruelty-Free |
| EXQUISITE Luxury | Award-winning manufacturer, free formulation development, unlimited samples until satisfaction | ISO 22716 |
1.Herrco Cosmetics
Herrco Cosmetics is one of the UK’s largest private label cosmetic contract manufacturers. Founded in 1988, it remains a family-run business to this day. The site is equipped with 4-tonne reactors and offers over 75,000 sq ft of warehousing space. Its newly built “Mega Factory” has boosted production capacity by 400%, catering to clients at every stage, from startup brands to global retailers.
Factory Overview
- Based in Halesworth, Suffolk. Established in 1988, family-owned operation. 75,000 sq ft manufacturing facility fitted with 4-tonne reactors.
- Triple certifications: ISO 22716 GMP, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 environmental management. EcoVadis Gold Rating (top 3% globally) and COSMOS Organic certification licensed by the Soil Association.
Core Specialities
- Expertise in natural & organic formulations: COSMOS-certified natural and organic products form its core offering, covering skincare, hair care and body care.
- Fast Beauty solutions: Ready-made formula library enabling product launch within 6 months. MOQ starts at 3,000 units with zero development fees, and all formulation IP belongs to clients.
2.Orean Personal Care
Orean Personal Care is an award-winning, B Corp certified cosmetic contract manufacturer with production facilities in both the UK and the US. Founded in 1995, the company specialises in custom formulation development for premium skincare, hair care, body care and sun care. All formulation IP fully belongs to clients with no development fees charged.
Factory Overview
- Located in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. Established in 1995, dual manufacturing bases in the UK and US, around 200 employees, annual turnover exceeding 20 million US dollars.
- B Corp certified; in the process of obtaining triple certifications: ISO 22716, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001. Operates a pure contract manufacturing model with no in-house brands.
Core Specialities
- Dual UK-US manufacturing capability: identical formulations and production processes can be replicated in both countries to shorten lead times, optimise working capital and guarantee consistency across markets.
- Expertise in natural functional formulations: multiple award-winning formulas. Packaging solutions cover full formats including glass, aluminium, tubes, bottles, powders, liquids and hot-fill systems.
3.THG LABS
THG LABS is a leading end-to-end cosmetic development and manufacturing partner in the United Kingdom, part of THG (The Hut Group). It operates in-house R&D laboratories and manufacturing plants equipped with reactors ranging from 50 kg to 5 tonnes, enabling flexible production from small-batch trials through to large-scale mass manufacturing. It serves a diverse client base ranging from multinational corporations to independent startup brands.
Factory Overview
- UK-based in-house R&D laboratory and manufacturing facilities. Reactors ranging from 50 kg to 5 tonnes supporting all batch sizes; capable of producing emulsions, detergents, oils, salts, scrubs, creams, colourants, fragrances and SPF formulations.
- Certifications include COSMOS Organic, COSMOS Natural and RSPO. Signatory to Cosmetics Europe’s “Commit for Our Planet” initiative.
Core Specialities
- Specialist sun care formulations: SPF formulation development constitutes its core competitive advantage, covering the full portfolio of skincare, hair care, body care and fragrances.
- End-to-end one-stop solution: covering concept creation, formulation, packaging, regulatory compliance and filling & delivery. Internal teams span the full value chain including R&D, regulatory affairs, packaging and production.
4.Creative Cosmetics
Creative Cosmetics is the only UK private label cosmetic manufacturer specialising exclusively in colour cosmetics contract manufacturing with 30 years of industry experience. Its owned manufacturing facility is located in Ipswich. The firm has developed over 200 exclusive formulations and served more than 50 brands, with an MOQ as low as 1,000 units, making it a preferred UK manufacturing partner for indie colour cosmetic brands.
Factory Overview
- Owned production site in Ipswich; 30 years of colour cosmetics manufacturing experience, 200+ exclusive formulations, 50+ partner brands, EU partner network.
- Dual certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 (issued by UKAS-accredited GCL International). Supports cruelty-free and vegan certification frameworks.
Core Specialities
- Full range of colour cosmetics: Face (primers, foundations, loose powders, blushes), eyes (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow products), lips (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners), nail products.
- Hybrid makeup-skincare formulations: cosmetic items infused with active skincare ingredients. Low MOQ of 1,000 units per shade, offering a complete development journey from moodboard to finished goods.
5.Cosmiko（Stuart Hirst Group）
Cosmiko is the private label cosmetics manufacturing division of the Stuart Hirst Group. The parent company was founded in 1919, boasting over a century of manufacturing heritage. Cosmiko carries out the full scope of operations including formulation development, filling, labelling and packaging at its Yorkshire headquarters. With an MOQ of only 250 units, it ranks among the UK’s legitimate contract manufacturers with the lowest entry thresholds.
Factory Overview
- Headquartered in Yorkshire. Parent company Stuart Hirst Group established in 1919. In-house full service covering formulation development, filling, labelling, packaging and lamination.
- Compliant with EU REACH and EC Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Animal-testing free and adheres to hypoallergenic standards.
Core Specialities
- Three-tier product ranges: Everyday (entry-level cost-effective line), Premium Natural (premium range with natural ingredients), Performance (active-ingredient functional line).
- Full packaging service: bottles, jars and tubes (including recycled materials); label & carton printing (foil stamping, embossing, matte finish, textured effects) plus lamination for one-stop delivery.
6.Natural Spa Factory
Natural Spa Factory is a natural cosmetics manufacturer based in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage City, with 18 years of industry experience. The company maintains an in-house laboratory team that continuously develops new formulations each year. It has shared its award-winning formula portfolio with more than 600 brands worldwide, specialising in skincare, hair care and body care products formulated with naturally plant-derived ingredients.
Factory Overview
- Located in Bath (UNESCO World Heritage City). 18 years of cosmetics manufacturing experience, in-house laboratory team, 600+ brand partners globally.
- 18-week lead time for ready-made formulations. Cruelty-free; free from parabens, microbeads, SLS, MI, mineral oils, palm oil and genetically modified ingredients.
Core Specialities
- Natural plant-based formulations: ingredients sourced from herbs, botanicals and flowers; Fair Trade procurement. Eco-friendly alternatives including natural colourants and gamma irradiation sterilisation.
- Sustainable packaging: priority given to PCR plastic, aluminium and glass; peel-and-reveal labels as an alternative to cartons, silk-screen printing finishing, alongside biodegradable and refillable options.
7.EXQUISITE Luxury
EXQUISITE Luxury is an award-winning British cosmetic manufacturer. It began by crafting handmade soaps in 2010 and has since grown into a full-spectrum contract manufacturer covering skincare, hair care and body care. The brand has built a strong reputation within indie brand circles thanks to its exceptional service model featuring free formulation development and unlimited samples, with clients based across the UK, EU, United States and Australia.
Factory Overview
- Based in Guisborough, North Yorkshire. Founded in 2010, all production made in the UK. Client reach spanning the UK, EU, USA and Australia.
- ISO 22716 GMP certified. In-house R&D equipped with state-of-the-art machinery; complete internal capabilities for filling, packaging and labelling.
Core Specialities
- Free formulation development & unlimited samples: Complimentary custom formulation (adjustments to fragrance, ingredients and colour) upon order placement. Samples are supplied until full client satisfaction.
- Flexible collaboration with low MOQs: Two service streams – customisation on existing private label formulas and fully bespoke ground-up development. End-to-end services including packaging warehousing and silk-screen printing.
Summary
These seven manufacturers span colour cosmetics through natural skincare, ranging from century-established enterprises to award-winning emerging producers, covering the major categories and business models of UK-based cosmetic contract manufacturing. When selecting a factory, category compatibility should be your primary consideration: prioritise manufacturers specialising in colour cosmetics for makeup projects, and verify COSMOS certification credentials for natural and organic lines. Before signing any contract, be sure to confirm support for UKCPNP notification and clauses governing the ownership of formulation IP.
If you are open to manufacturers based in China, you are also welcome to contact us. We offer private label cosmetic OEM solutions that meet equivalent quality standards with superior cost advantages.
