Why Now Is the Right Time to Develop Private-Label Sunscreen
The global sunscreen market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2030. At the same time, the market is undergoing a structural shift: Consumers are increasingly seeking specialized, high-quality SPF products rather than mass-market items. It is precisely this gap that presents the opportunity to successfully develop private-label sunscreen.
What’s more, thanks to modern white-label providers like Tojo Cosmetics, it’s now possible to develop and launch private-label sunscreen without your own production facilities, without a chemistry lab, and without a multi-million budget—starting at just 100 units, EU-compliant, and with professional formulation development by Cosmacon.
Step by Step: Developing Private-Label Sunscreen
Step 1: Define the Target Audience and Positioning
Before you develop private-label sunscreen, you need to establish your strategic positioning: Who is the product for? What problem does it solve? A clear target audience is the most important starting point. Typical positioning examples:
- Premium daily SPF for urban skincare enthusiasts
- Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin and children’s skin
- K-Beauty SPF for beauty-savvy millennials and Gen Z
- Anti-aging SPF for the 40+ demographic
- Sunscreen for dark skin without a white cast
- Pharmacy brand with a dermatological focus
- Pet-friendly sunscreen (for pets)
Step 2: White-label or custom development?
When developing private-label sunscreen, you generally have two options:
- White label (fast, affordable, starting at 100 units) – ready-made, proven formulas from Tojo Cosmetics are branded with your logo. Ideal for market entry, rapid launch, and cost-effective scaling.
- Custom development (exclusive, differentiated) – Cosmacon develops a custom formula tailored to your requirements. Ideal for premium positioning, specific active ingredient concepts, and exclusive market differentiation.
Many successful brands start with white-label products and only develop custom formulas after initial sales have proven successful—a proven way to minimize risk and investment.
Step 3: Choose Product Category and Texture
When developing private-label sunscreen, the choice of texture is crucial for targeting the right audience and achieving differentiation. Tojo Cosmetics offers over 30 specialized SPF formulations for this purpose:
- Lightweight fluids and serums – for daily use, under makeup
- Gels and gel-creams – for oily and combination skin
- Rich creams – for dry and sensitive skin
- Oils and glow products—for body care and a radiant finish
- Sprays and emulsion sprays—for reapplication and full-body protection
- Sticks—for targeted application and on-the-go use
- Tinted formulations—for protection tailored to skin tones
Step 4: Understand Regulatory Requirements
Anyone looking to develop private-label sunscreen must be familiar with regulatory requirements. In the EU, the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 applies, which sets specific requirements for sunscreen products:
- Approved UV filters listed in Annex VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation
- SPF testing according to ISO 24444 (in vivo or in vitro)
- UVA testing according to COLIPA/ISO 24442
- Product Information File (PIF) for each product
- Safety assessment by a qualified toxicologist
- CPNP notification prior to market launch
- Labeling requirements (SPF category, water resistance, etc.)
Cosmacon handles all regulatory support—from the safety assessment to the CPNP notification. This allows brands developing private-label sunscreens to focus on marketing.
Step 5: Packaging and Branding
Developing private-label sunscreens also means choosing the right packaging. Packaging not only influences the brand image but also product stability and ease of use. Key considerations:
- UV protection of the packaging (important for the photostability of the filters)
- Airless systems for oxidation-sensitive active ingredients
- Sustainable materials (PCR plastics, glass, aluminum)
- Pump bottles, sprays, sticks, jars—depending on texture and target audience
- Minimum order quantities for custom packaging (often 500–1,000 units)
Step 6: Launch and Marketing
Anyone who wants to develop and successfully market private-label sunscreen should plan their communication strategy early on. Particularly effective: SPF educational content, “no white cast” demonstrations, routine integration, and influencer collaborations.
How much does it cost to develop private-label sunscreen?
The costs for developing private-label sunscreen vary greatly depending on the approach:
- White Label starting at 100 units (Tojo Cosmetics) – lowest initial investment, fastest time-to-market
- Custom Development (Cosmacon) – higher development costs, but an exclusive formula and full differentiation
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety Assessment – mandatory investment, efficiently supported by Cosmacon
- Packaging & Design – depends on minimum order quantities and choice of materials
- Marketing & Launch – variable, depending on channel and target audience
The Partner Network for Private-Label Sunscreen
Tojo Cosmetics GmbH – White-label SPF starting at 100 units
Over 30 ready-to-use SPF formulations, all EU-compliant, dermatologically tested, and available immediately. The fastest way to develop and launch private-label sunscreen.
Cosmacon GmbH – Formulation Development & Regulatory Affairs
For custom sunscreen concepts, Cosmacon offers comprehensive development support—from the initial idea to CPNP notification.
Cosactive GmbH – Innovative Raw Materials
Modern UV filters, barrier protection ingredients, and sensor technology raw materials for superior SPF formulations.
Innosicos GmbH – International Markets
For brands looking to develop private-label sunscreen and market it internationally: regulatory support for markets outside the EU.
Conclusion: Developing Private-Label Sunscreen—How to Get Started
Developing private-label sunscreen is easier, faster, and more cost-effective today than ever before. With the right development partner, clear positioning, and a market-ready product, you can launch your own SPF brand in just a few months.
Our network—comprising Tojo Cosmetics, Cosmacon, Cosactive, and Innosicos—will guide you every step of the way—from the initial idea to the finished product in your customers’ hands.
→ Request a no-obligation consultation now