Industry Terms
Whether you’re new to private label cosmetics or looking to refine your industry knowledge, this glossary provides clear, concise definitions of key terms in manufacturing, packaging, compliance, and branding. Use it to navigate conversations with suppliers, understand product specifications, and make informed decisions for your beauty brand.
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3PL (Third-Party Logistics) – A service provider that handles warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping on behalf of a brand.
A
Active Ingredient – The main component in a formula that delivers the intended result, such as retinol for anti-aging or hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Airless Jar – A container designed to protect product from air exposure, using a pump or press system instead of dipping fingers or tools.
Allergen Statement – A disclosure on packaging listing potential allergens, required in certain markets for compliance.
Anhydrous Formula – A product made without water, like balms or solid oils, often giving longer shelf life.
Atomizer – A spray mechanism that turns liquid into a fine mist, often used for perfumes or facial sprays.
B
Back-Bar – Large-size professional products (e.g., 1-liter shampoos) used in salons, spas, or treatment rooms, not intended for retail.
Batch Number – A unique code for tracking a specific production run for quality control and recalls.
Base Formula – A pre-developed product recipe that can be customized with fragrances, colors, or actives.
C
Carton – A paperboard box used for secondary packaging, protecting the product and adding branding space.
cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) – Regulations ensuring products are consistently made to high quality and safety standards.
Clean Beauty – Cosmetic products formulated without certain controversial ingredients, meeting consumer demand for safer formulations.
D
Dip Tube – The plastic tube inside a pump or spray dispenser that carries product from the container to the nozzle.
Disc Cap – A dispensing cap with a press-down tab that opens a small orifice for controlled pouring.
Double Wall – A container made with two layers (inner and outer walls) for insulation, durability, or a premium look.
Drop Shipping – A fulfillment method where products are shipped directly from the manufacturer to your customer, bypassing your own inventory.
DUPE – Industry slang for a product that mimics the performance or feel of another well-known product, often at a lower cost.
E
Emulsion – A mixture of water and oil phases, stabilized by emulsifiers, found in creams, lotions, and conditioners.
Essential Oils – Plant-derived aromatic oils used for fragrance or therapeutic properties.
F
Fill Weight / Net Weight – The actual weight or volume of product in the container, excluding the packaging itself.
Flip Cap – A hinged cap that flips open to reveal the dispensing orifice.
Formulation – The precise recipe for a cosmetic product, including ingredients, their percentages, and processing method.
G
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – See cGMP; global standards for product safety and consistency.
I
INCI Name – International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient name; the standardized way to list ingredients on labels.
K
Key SKU – A brand’s most important product variant or best-seller.
M
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – The smallest number of units required per product/variant in a single order.
MoCRA – Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act; U.S. legislation tightening safety, registration, and reporting requirements.
N
Neck Size – The diameter of the opening at the top of a bottle or jar, important for matching caps, pumps, or closures.
Non-Aerosol – A spray or pump system that dispenses product without using pressurized propellants.
O
OTC (Over-the-Counter) – Drug-classified cosmetics like sunscreen or acne treatment that require FDA monograph compliance.
P
Paraben-Free – Formulated without parabens, a common consumer preference in clean beauty.
Private Label – Products made by one company and sold under another’s brand name.
Q
Quality Control (QC) – The inspection and testing process ensuring each batch meets specifications.
R
Raw Material – An unprocessed ingredient used in cosmetic manufacturing.
Regulatory Compliance – Meeting all applicable safety, labeling, and manufacturing standards for your target market.
S
Silkscreening – A printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen to apply graphics or text directly to packaging.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) – A unique identifier for each product variation (size, color, scent).
Solubilizer – An ingredient that helps blend small amounts of oils or fragrances into water-based products.
Stability Testing – Testing to ensure product performance, safety, and appearance over time.
T
Turnaround Time (TAT) – The time it takes to complete a project from approval to delivery.
Third-Party Testing – Independent testing to verify claims, safety, or compliance.
Twist Cap – A closure that opens and closes by twisting, controlling product flow.
U
USP (Unique Selling Proposition) – The standout benefit or feature that makes your product different from competitors.
V
Viscosity – The thickness of a liquid, important in determining product texture and dispensing.
W
White Label – Pre-made products sold as-is, with only branding applied.
Y
Yield – The total quantity of finished goods produced from a batch.