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FAQs

Answers to the questions we’re asked most often about private label oral care manufacturing. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact our team on 01642 690062 or at info@cosmolab.co.uk.

Getting started

What does CosmoLab make?

CosmoLab is a UK manufacturer dedicated exclusively to private label oral care. We develop and manufacture toothpaste and toothpaste tablets, mouthwash, mouthwash tablets and breath sprays, teeth whitening gels, strips, pens and powders, breath freshening pearls, xylitol rocks, sensitivity serums and aligner cleaners for brands to sell under their own name.

What’s the difference between a stock formula and a bespoke formula?

A stock formula is one of our ready-made formulations. It has already completed challenge and stability testing, so it’s the fastest route to market: you choose the product, packaging and artwork, then order. A bespoke formula is developed from your own idea by our R&D chemists and dental experts. It creates a product unique to your brand, but needs its own testing before launch.

How do I get started?

Contact us through the website, on 01642 690062 or at info@cosmolab.co.uk. Tell us about your product idea, expected volumes, packaging and any special ingredient requirements. You’ll be given a dedicated Account Manager, who will guide you through every stage.

Minimum orders, costs and payment

What are your minimum order quantities?

Minimums depend on the product:
Product Minimum order
Toothpaste and mouthwash 10,000 units
Toothpaste and mouthwash tablets 160,000 individual tablets
Whitening powders, whitening pens, breath sprays and concentrated mouthwash 5,000 units
Breath freshening pearls and xylitol rocks 5,000 packs
Tray and aligner cleaner 3,000 units
Each product page on our website shows its minimum order.

Do you charge for developing a bespoke formula?

No. Formulation work is free as long as you go on to manufacture your product with us. The only development cost is for the lab samples we make for you. The current prices are in our Testing Price List, which you can download from the Brochures page.

What are your payment terms?

50% is payable on receipt of the order invoice, and 50% before your order is shipped. Your order starts once we’ve received the deposit and your artwork has been approved.

How long does production take?

Typical production lead times are 8 to 16 weeks from order confirmation. The exact time depends on the type of packaging and whether CosmoLab supplies it or you provide your own. Some packaging has a longer lead time, so your Account Manager will confirm the timescale with your quote.

Are repeat orders quicker?

Yes. If there are no changes to the formula or artwork, a repeat order is simply a case of telling us how many units you need.

Packaging and artwork

What packaging options do you offer?

We offer standard to luxury packaging, including tubes in plastic, recycled plastic, aluminium, ABL and sugarcane, as well as bottles, pumps, sprays, jars, tins, pouches and boxes. Available options are listed on each product page.

Can I use my own packaging?

Yes. You can supply your own packaging for us to fill.

Do you help with artwork?

Yes. We supply artwork templates for your packaging and a guide to the information that must appear on it. We also offer optional ingredient (INCI) checks for the UK, EU and USA, and an artwork compliance check by a toxicologist.

Testing and compliance

What testing does my product need?

Water-based products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and breath sprays need a challenge test and a stability test. Water-free products such as tablets, powders and peroxide gels don’t need a challenge test, but still need stability testing. Our stock formulas have already completed both.

How long does testing take?

Standard stability testing takes around 14 weeks in total. Accelerated stability testing takes around 6 weeks, and still includes a 12-week stability report. Challenge and stability tests can run side by side. The Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) then takes 2–3 weeks.

Do you provide the CPSR and Product Information File (PIF)?

Yes. We arrange the CPSR with a qualified safety assessor, and help you create and maintain your PIF. Both are legal requirements for selling cosmetics in the UK and EU. Your PIF documents can be downloaded at any time, for example if you’re inspected by Trading Standards.

Who is legally responsible for the product?

Under UK and EU cosmetics regulations, the brand owner is legally deemed the manufacturer, even when production is outsourced. You’ll need to appoint a Responsible Person for each market, register the product on the OPSS portal for the UK and the CPNP for the EU, and keep the PIF up to date. We’ll guide you through each step.

Do you offer a compliance package?

Yes. Our compliance bundles cover everything needed to launch a product at a reduced price: the testing your product needs, an artwork check, the CPSR and the PIF. There’s also a discount when you order bundles for two or more products.

Products and ingredients

Do you make fluoride-free toothpaste?

Yes. We make fluoride-free toothpastes with hydroxyapatite and nano-hydroxyapatite, as well as fluoride-free toothpaste tablets. We also make fluoride toothpastes, including 1450ppm formulas, and kids’ formulas.

Do you make peroxide-free teeth whitening products?

Yes. Our PAP range is peroxide-free and includes peelable and dissolving whitening strips, a whitening kit with LED light, a whitening pen and whitening powder. Our hydrogen and carbamide peroxide whitening gels are professional products for supply through dental practices.

Are your products vegan?

Many of our formulas are vegan-friendly, and each product page shows its attributes. We can also help prepare your product for Vegan and Leaping Bunny certification.

About CosmoLab

Where are you based, and what accreditations do you hold?

We’re based at Tooth Towers in Billingham, Teesside, UK, and have been manufacturing oral care products since 2010. Our site is GMP and ISO accredited.

Do you supply brands outside the UK?

Yes. We manufacture for brands around the world. We can also check your ingredient listing for the USA, and guide you through registration for the UK and EU.