Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we hear from beauty brands, clinics, salons, retailers, and pet product entrepreneurs about working with an Australian contract manufacturer. Question not listed? Get in touch.
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our MOQ varies by product type. Skincare and bath/body lines typically start at 500–1,000 units per SKU. Hair care and animal care can start at 500 units. We can run smaller batches for stability and shelf-life testing, and bespoke arrangements are possible for first-launch development runs — talk to us about your specific situation.
How long does it take to go from concept to launch?
Most projects move from initial brief to first production run in 3–6 months. Timeline depends on formulation complexity, regulatory requirements (AICIS notification, stability testing), and packaging lead times. Established formulations and private-label projects can launch faster.
What does contract manufacturing pricing include?
Our per-SKU pricing typically covers formulation, raw material sourcing, manufacturing, filling, primary labelling, and final QA. Costs vary based on formulation complexity, batch size, packaging components, and any additional services such as stability testing or fragrance matching. See our pricing page for current ranges.
Do I need AICIS notification for my cosmetic product in Australia?
Most new cosmetic ingredients introduced into Australia require AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme, formerly NICNAS) notification or registration. The exact category depends on the ingredient and volume. Epilab will guide you through which AICIS pathway applies and prepare the supporting documentation.
What is the difference between private label and custom formulation?
Private label means using one of our tested existing formulations with your branding — fastest to market, lower cost, proven stability. Custom formulation is a bespoke formula developed for you from a brief — more expensive, longer timeline, but you own a unique product nobody else can sell.
Can Epilab manufacture both cosmetic and animal care products?
Yes — Epilab is one of the few Melbourne contract manufacturers running both cosmetic personal care and animal care lines from the same facility. We apply the same GMP-aligned processes, raw material standards, and documentation across both, so brand owners with multi-category lines (for example a clinic skincare range and a pet grooming line) can work with a single trusted partner.
What is involved in formulation development?
A development project typically starts with a creative brief and target benchmark, then progresses through raw material selection, lab samples, sensory and stability testing, packaging compatibility checks, microbial testing, and finally regulatory documentation before pilot production.
Are Epilab products manufactured to GMP standards?
Epilab manufactures to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards relevant for cosmetic production in Australia. Our processes, facility controls, and documentation align with ISO 22716 cosmetic GMP principles, and we maintain quality records appropriate for both retail and clinic-grade product lines.