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How long does it take to develop a new skincare product?

Launching a new skincare product is an exciting step for any beauty brand. Whether you are a startup or an established company expanding your portfolio, understanding the timeline of product development is essential to plan your go-to-market strategy.

At Bainilan, we follow a structured OEM/ODM process to ensure that your product is developed efficiently, safely, and in line with market expectations. Below, we break down each stage of the journey — from concept to production — with the typical timeframe for each step.

1. Brief & Formulation (1–2 weeks)

The process begins with your brand brief:

What type of skincare product are you envisioning (serum, cream, cleanser, mask)?
What claims or functions do you want (hydrating, brightening, anti-aging)?
Do you need specific active ingredients or a particular texture/sensory profile?

Our R&D team uses this information to design an initial formula draft. Within 1–2 weeks, we create the first lab samples aligned with your concept, regulatory standards, and target market.

2. Samples & Prototyping (≈ 2 weeks)

Once the first prototypes are ready, we send them to you for evaluation. This stage includes:

Adjusting the formula’s texture, fragrance, or absorption speed.
Testing compatibility with packaging.
Aligning the product with your brand positioning (e.g., natural, luxury, dermocosmetic).

This iterative prototyping phase usually takes around 2 weeks.

3. Testing & Validation (2–6 weeks)

Before scaling up to mass production, all skincare formulas must undergo testing to ensure stability, safety, and performance:

Stability tests: verify that the product maintains its quality over time.
Microbiological tests: confirm that the formula is safe against contamination.
Efficacy or dermatological tests (optional, depending on claims and market).

Depending on the scope of testing and regulatory requirements in your target countries, this stage can take 2 to 6 weeks.

4. Production & Quality Control (2–3 weeks)

After approval, we move into industrial-scale manufacturing:

Bulk production of the formula under GMP-certified conditions.
Filling and packaging (bottles, jars, tubes, or custom packaging).
Comprehensive quality control at every step (raw materials, bulk, filling, finished product).

From start to finish, this final step typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Total Timeline: 7–13 Weeks

From the initial brief to final production, a new skincare product can be developed in as little as 2 months — or up to 3 months when additional testing and adjustments are required.

This predictable timeline allows your brand to plan launches strategically, align with marketing campaigns, and ensure compliance with international regulations.

⏱ Need a Faster Option ?

For brands looking to launch quickly, we also offer a 2-week turnkey solution. By choosing one of our ready-made skincare formulas — already tested, validated, and market-proven — you can skip the development stage and move directly to production and packaging. This option allows you to bring a high-quality, reliable product to market in record time, without compromising on safety or performance.