What should be noted in the cooperation process between hand cream processing manufacturers

1、 Core Process of Hand Cream Processing Cooperation

Clear requirements and precise matching:

Product definition: clearly describe the dosage form of hand cream (cream, gel, lotion), core efficacy appeal (moisturizing, repairing, refreshing, fragrance, etc.), target skin feeling, packaging form (tubular, bottled, special design) and approximate budget range.

Market screening: Based on demand, search for potential manufacturers with corresponding qualifications, production experience (especially successful cases of similar products), and matching production capacity. Industry exhibitions, professional platforms, and peer recommendations are important channels.

Preliminary communication and qualification review:

A valid Cosmetic Production License (including hand cream units).

Quality management system certification (such as ISO 22716/GMPC).

Past cooperation cases and customer evaluations (can be attempted to contact for verification).

On site inspection: When conditions permit, personally inspect the factory environment, production workshop, laboratory, and storage conditions, seeing is believing.

In depth communication: Communicate in detail with the intended manufacturer to understand their research and development capabilities, production equipment, quality control system, minimum order quantity, delivery cycle, cooperation mode (OEM/ODM), etc.

Qualification verification: This is of utmost importance! Strictly inspect the manufacturer:

Product development and sample confirmation:

Request the manufacturer to provide samples that meet the requirements.

Conduct rigorous multidimensional testing, including sensory evaluation (appearance, odor, application sensation, absorption), stability testing (heat resistance, cold resistance, room temperature, light exposure), and compatibility testing (content and packaging materials). Do not skip or simplify this step due to a rush of time!

According to the test results, communicate and adjust repeatedly with the manufacturer until the sample fully meets the standards.

Formula communication: Clearly provide proprietary formulas or commission manufacturers to develop (ODM). If it is ODM, detailed communication is required regarding efficacy, skin feel, raw material preferences (such as natural sources, specific active ingredients), and cost requirements.

Sampling and testing:

Contract signing and production preparation:

Rigorous review of contracts: covering product specifications, quality standards, prices, payment methods, delivery dates, intellectual property ownership (formula, design), confidentiality clauses, quality breach responsibilities, return and exchange mechanisms, etc. It is recommended to have a professional legal review.

Packaging material confirmation: Provide or confirm packaging materials (inner packaging materials, outer boxes, labels, etc.), and the manufacturer needs to conduct packaging material inspection and filling testing.

Clear production plan: Determine the final production schedule.

Mass production and quality control:

Prenatal confirmation: Confirm again before production that all materials, formulas, and process parameters are correct.

Process monitoring: Manufacturers should strictly adhere to production standards and quality control points. The brand can request inspection reports for key nodes such as feeding, semi-finished products, and filling, or send personnel to supervise on-site (as agreed in the contract).

Factory inspection: The manufacturer must complete the full project factory inspection and provide a qualified report.

Inspection and delivery:

Arrival sampling inspection: Conduct sampling inspection according to the agreed proportion and standards in the contract to confirm that the product meets the requirements.

Complete delivery: After confirming the accuracy, complete the final payment and receive the goods.

2、 Key precautions that must be taken in cooperation

Qualification is the bottom line, and the review should penetrate:

Do not trust verbal promises or rely solely on promotional materials. Be sure to verify the original certificate and confirm that the production license scope includes hand cream.

Pay attention to whether the factory has any quality penalty records in the past. Enterprise credit information can be queried through official channels.

Formula confidentiality and intellectual property:

If using proprietary core formulas or unique technologies, a detailed confidentiality agreement and intellectual property ownership agreement must be signed, specifying the scope, duration, and liability for breach of confidentiality.

In ODM mode, it is necessary to clarify the ownership and usage rights of the development results.

Production standards and quality system:

Confirm whether the internal quality standards (enterprise standards) implemented by the manufacturer comply with or exceed national/industry standards.

Understand the specific process of its quality control and laboratory testing capabilities (whether it can complete full testing of microorganisms, physical and chemical properties, heavy metals, etc., or partially outsource?).

GMP/ISO 22716 certification is an important manifestation of good manufacturing practices, but attention should be paid to its actual implementation.

Transparency of cost composition:

Request the manufacturer to provide a detailed quotation composition (raw material cost, processing fee, packaging fee, testing fee, management fee, etc.) to avoid hiding costs.

Pay special attention to the significant impact of packaging material costs (mold cost, minimum order quantity), special raw material costs, and minimum order quantity (MOQ) on unit price. The term 'low price' may imply cutting corners or subsequent price increases.

Communication mechanism and response efficiency:

Clearly define the contact persons and communication channels (email, instant messaging, regular meetings) for both parties to ensure smooth information transmission and timely feedback on issues.

Assessing the response speed and problem-solving attitude of manufacturers directly affects project progress and problem-solving efficiency.

Regulatory dynamics and compliance:

Ensure that the product formula, label claims, and raw materials used fully comply with the latest "Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics" and supporting regulations.

Manufacturers should have the ability to promptly follow up on regulatory changes and adjust production. Pay attention to the compliance of raw materials (such as prohibited substances, restricted substance concentrations, and updates to the list of approved preservatives/sunscreens).