How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Beauty Brand?

The cost to start a beauty brand typically ranges from $4,500 to over $25,000 per formula, depending on whether you choose a stock formula, a custom formulation, or an accelerated VIP development experience. For founders focused on product quality, ownership, and manufacturing readiness, these costs are driven almost entirely by formulation, sampling, revisions, and development timelines rather than branding or marketing.

Stock Formula Costs and What You’re Paying For

Stock formulas are pre-developed cosmetic formulations that have already been created and refined by a professional lab. Because the research and development work has been completed ahead of time, this option allows founders to move quickly while keeping formulation costs predictable.

Stock formulas are priced at $4,500 per formula, with formula ownership included upon purchase. Founders can request samples at $50 per sample to evaluate texture, performance, and suitability before committing. One adjustment is included, with additional revisions available for $1,500 per adjustment.

This option is often chosen by founders who want to launch efficiently or validate a product concept before pursuing deeper customization. 

Custom Cosmetic Formulation Pricing

Custom formulation is the process of developing a proprietary cosmetic formula from scratch with a chemist. This path is designed for founders who want full differentiation, long-term ownership, and flexibility as their brand grows.

Custom cosmetic formulation starts at $15,000 per formula. This pricing reflects original formula development, two included adjustments, full formula ownership, accelerated stability testing, DECCAS online learning portal, and access to a preferred vendors list for manufacturing and sourcing.

Founders choosing this route are often planning for retail expansion, long-term scaling, or stronger intellectual property.

VIP Day Formulation Pricing and Scope

For founders who want an immersive, accelerated development experience, the VIP Day option offers a hands-on approach to formulation.

The VIP Day is priced at $25,000 per formula and includes exclusive access to the laboratory for a full day, direct collaboration with the formulation team, and real-time decision-making. Founders typically leave the session with an approved formula and samples, along with 60 days of ongoing consulting and support to assist with next steps.

This option is ideal for founders working on tight timelines or complex products who want to be deeply involved in the formulation process.

Sampling as Part of the Formulation Process

Sampling plays a critical role in cosmetic product development. Purchasing a sample allows founders to test texture, performance, and overall suitability before moving forward with formula ownership or revisions.

Formula samples are priced at $50 per sample, and sampling is considered a best practice across the cosmetic industry. While formulation labs support development, cosmetic brands remain responsible for product safety under guidance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Fragranced products also commonly follow standards set by the International Fragrance Association, which is why sampling and evaluation are essential steps before scale manufacturing.

How the Formulation Process Typically Works

Most founders follow a structured formulation process that begins by selecting a stock formula or discussing a custom concept, then ordering samples to evaluate performance. After testing, founders schedule a call with the chemist to review feedback, make adjustments if needed, and move forward with formula purchase and ownership.

Total Formulation Cost Range for Beauty Brands

When focusing strictly on formulation and development, most founders fall into one of three ranges. Stock formulas typically land between $4,500 and $6,000 per formula, depending on sampling and revisions. Custom formulation generally ranges from $15,000 to $20,000 or more per formula, while the VIP Day experience is priced at $25,000 per formula.

Manufacturing costs are separate and depend on minimum order quantities, packaging components, and production location, which founders often plan for after finalizing their formula. Determine the profit margins here.

So how much does it cost to start a beauty brand?

Starting a beauty brand is fundamentally an investment in formulation quality, ownership, and development strategy. Transparent pricing and a structured formulation process allow founders to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Choosing the right path depends on your timeline, goals, and level of customization, but understanding formulation costs upfront creates a stronger foundation for everything that follows.