Differences between Full Custom Formulation vs. Core Custom Formulation

Most Korean manufacturers usually require 5,000 units or 10,000 units MOQ for basic skincare products. However, our network of manufacturers enables us to offer MOQs as low as 1,000 units for custom formulation/OEM products.

Your initial Custom Formulation sample fee ($199 or $249) includes the creation of your first customized sample and one subsequent round of revisions. If you require further refinements after these two samples, additional revision rounds are available for $69 each.

Once an order has been processed, we do not offer order cancellations. Due to the costs involved in development, ingredients, shipping and handling, sample fees are non-refundable for both Retail-Ready and Custom Formulation samples.

However, your satisfaction is paramount. If your sample arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of receiving it with a photo of the damage. We'll take care of it as soon as possible and arrange a replacement.

A benchmark product significantly reduces the R&D time by giving the manufacturer a tangible reference point. It helps us quickly understand your desired texture, absorption, scent profile, and overall sensory experience, minimizing the need for multiple sample revisions and guiding us closer to your vision with fewer iterations.

For Retail-Ready Formulations, it usually takes around 4 weeks to produce after confirming your label designs.

For Custom Formulations, it usually takes 6-9 weeks to produce after confirming your label designs.

Retail-Ready Formulation: Samples are generally available much faster and can typically be shipped within 1-2 weeks of your request.

Custom Formulation: Developing a unique formula from scratch requires meticulous R&D. Samples for custom formulations typically take about 3-6 weeks to develop for the first round. Each subsequent round of revision (if needed) will also take approximately the same amount of time.

For Custom Formulations, the cost per unit depends on the product category, packaging, ingredients, and overall complexity of the formulation.

As a general rule of thumb, the cost per unit typically ranges between $4~5 for skincare products, and about $0.9~$1.2 for sheet masks.

Yes, the choice of ingredients can significantly impact the cost. Generally, ingredients that are rare, highly concentrated, patented, or sustainably/ethically certified tend to be more expensive. Similarly, some active ingredients (eg. PDRN) require specific complex processing or stability considerations that can add to the formulation cost.

For Retail-Ready Formulations, all products are formulated to meet the regulations of most countries.

For Custom Formulation, yes, we can ensure that they comply with regulations of most countries. As long as you disclose your targeting selling country upfront, our partner manufacturer will work towards meeting that country's regulations.

We will check with our partner manufacturers to confirm whether the ingredients are readily available in Korea. If any of the ingredients are not commonly available, they will suggest suitable substitutes which are available.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to use your original ingredients, we kindly ask that you supply them directly to us—along with the necessary documentation for importation (such as COA, MSDS, specification sheet, and composition sheet).

For Retail-Ready Formulations, the cost per unit shown on our website typically includes standard primary packaging (e.g., the bottle or jar). Secondary packaging (such as label and box) are additional costs. For Custom Formulations, the final cost per unit will explicitly include both the formulation and your chosen primary and secondary packaging, as packaging is a significant cost driver that you select during the R&D and quoting process.

For custom formulations, we will try to source for the ingredients you requested. However, we prioritize raw materials stocked by our manufacturing partners or supplied through their trusted sources. If specific ingredients are difficult to source, we may recommend alternatives with similar efficacy to meet your formulation needs.

For custom formulations, we strictly follow a “one brand, one formulation” policy: your formula will not be shared or reused with other clients.

While full IP is retained by the manufacturer, your brand exclusively uses the developed product.

Yes, but only for Custom Formulation orders, and only if your MOQ is at least 3,000 units per product. Do note that we will also suggest manufacturers that are suitable for your needs, and you may not be able to work with your ideal manufacturer depending on your requirements (eg. specific certifications for specific countries).

For Custom Formulation orders with MOQs over 5,000 units per product, you can choose the manufacturer. This MOQ is the standard MOQ across most Korean manufacturers. For MOQs lower than that, we will suggest manufacturers that can meet your needs, and you may not be able to work with your ideal manufacturer depending on your requirements (eg. specific certifications for specific countries).

For Retail-Ready Formulations, since the products are ready-made, it is not possible.

1. Purchase a custom formulation sampling service here.

2. Fill in a form to specify your requests (eg. ingredients that must be included).

3. Receive a custom formulation sample.

4. Sample feedback - to proceed or to revise.

5. One round of revision is included in the initial fee.

6. Begin production once you're satisfied with the sample.

7. Pay 50% of the production to start production and designing.

8. Pay 50% of the balance and shipping fee to receive your products.