If you've ever looked into skincare brands – whether scrolling through social media or shopping in the city – you've probably come across the term Private Label Skincare.

Although private label might initially sound like exclusive or individually developed skincare, it actually refers to pre-made products sold by various companies under their own brand names. These products usually originate from third-party suppliers and are used by multiple brands with only minor adjustments.

The global market for private-label cosmetics is estimated at over USD 10 billion, with a projected growth rate of 5.2%. Consumer interest in private-label brands is particularly high in Europe. As a result, more and more cosmetic brands are opting for this form of outsourced production, partly because it allows them to bring products to market more quickly.

But what exactly is behind the private label process? Why do so many brands rely on it? And above all: Why does our family business do it differently?

An interesting topic for consumers like you, which I would like to discuss in more detail here.

What Is Private Label Skincare?

At its core, private label refers to skincare products or cosmetics that are created by one company (the manufacturer) and sold by another under their own brand name.

These products are typically pre-formulated or slightly modified versions of a base formula that the manufacturer offers to multiple brands. Private label manufacturers often have a menu of ready-made products: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, etc. The brand can customize things like the scent, active ingredients, packaging, and marketing—but the base formula itself generally is not exclusive. Some manufacturers might make some formulas semi-exclusive, in that they limit how many brands use a specific formula. So ultimately what happens is that the same base product may be sold under many different brand names, with slight variations.

The private label model makes it possible for just about anyone to launch a skincare line without having to invest in research, product development, or an in-house lab and production. Therefore, it’s easily used by boutique brands, spas, dermatologists, influencers, online retailers, and even some larger beauty brands that want to expand their offerings quickly. Once the brand selects, and maybe customizes, a formula and packaging, the product is ready to go on the market, with their own logos and branding attached.

Why Do Some Brands Choose Private Label Solutions?

The private label route offers a fast, lower-cost way to bring products to market.

For entrepreneurs and influencers looking to start a skincare line, it removes the need for scientific expertise or access to lab or manufacturing facilities. In just a few weeks or months, a new brand can have an entire collection of skin, body, or hair care products ready to sell. Overall, private label offers speed and simplicity with less differentiation.

Private label services are convenient, scalable, and widely available - which is exactly why they’re so common.

Why is Doctor Eckstein® not a private-label brand?

At Doctor Eckstein, we take a completely different approach for our own brand:

• We have independent production. The decision to use our own recipes and produce in-house means control, exclusivity, and long-term brand strengthening.
  
  
• Our products are created from scratch by our own in-house team – from the selection of ingredients to in-house production, we are involved in every step.
  
  
• We don’t choose from a catalog of pre-made options. We create the catalog. In a world where there are endless options, we like to provide unique, one-of-a-kind formulations, that consumers can't get anywhere else. 

This hands-on, start-to-finish process has been part of our approach since day one. It’s how we maintain our standards, support professional skincare estheticians, and provide a product line we’re proud to put our name on.lity standards and offer skincare solutions we are proud to put our name on.

Why Original Formulas & Independent Production Make a Difference

Do you want something unique that can't be found anywhere else? When a skincare brand develops its formulas entirely in-house and produces them on its own, it has full control over every ingredient and every step in the manufacturing process – and therefore the opportunity to create truly individual and effective formulations.

This brings you clear advantages:

• Ingredient Transparency
  Consumers today are paying more attention than ever to what goes into their skincare products. Because we at Doctor Eckstein® formulate everything ourselves, we can communicate clearly and comprehensibly what our products contain – and why. Complete transparency in our product declarations has therefore always been part of our core values and company philosophy.
  
  
• Consistent Performance
  At Doctor Eckstein®, this means: We don't have to rely on others for the effectiveness of our products. We are not dependent on external manufacturers whose formulas can change between batches. We have developed, tested, and optimized them ourselves – and know exactly how and why each individual product works.
  
  This creates consistency and reliability – both crucial factors for our skincare professionals, who need to deliver reliable results in their cosmetic treatments.
  
  
• Scientific integrity
  Our products are grounded in decades of research, not market trends. We balance modern dermatological science with a deep understanding of how the skin functions and responds to treatment over time.
  
  
• Generational knowledge
  As a family-owned business, Doctor Eckstein has been shaped by generations of scientific inquiry, curiosity, and care.
  
  

  Our story began in 1949 with Dr. Richard A. Eckstein, a visionary pharmacist who believed skincare should be based on sound scientific principles and a deep respect for the skin’s natural processes. He worked alongside his wife, Linde Eckstein, to create the first Doctor Eckstein formulas — combining pharmaceutical precision with hands-on skin expertise. Their approach was thoughtful, deliberate, and always grounded in the belief that healthy skin is beautiful skin. That philosophy has carried through every generation since.

  Their son, Dr. Gerd Eckstein, and his wife Iris brought their own scientific rigor and insight to the company, expanding the brand’s reach without compromising its foundational values.

  Now in the hands of the third generation — Dr. Verena Eckstein and her brother, Michael Eckstein — the legacy continues, with each new product built upon decades of accumulated research, premium ingredients, clinical testing, and lived experience.

This isn’t a brand built on buzzwords or borrowed formulas. It’s built on family, science, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. Every generation has contributed not only technical knowledge but also a sense of responsibility to the skin, to our customers, and to the professionals who trust our products in their practices.

None of these private label risks are inherently negative, but they can signal that the brand is relying on an outside manufacturer rather than original development. For consumers who care about how their skin and body care products are made, that difference matters.

Experience high-quality skincare – with our name on it.

At Doctor Eckstein® we believe: Good skincare takes time, care and knowledge.

We don’t cut corners or follow fleeting trends. We’ve invested decades into creating original, scientifically-backed products that support the skin’s natural function and long-term health.

This isn’t just our business model - it’s our identity. Our skin care formulas are developed with care, our standards are self-imposed, and our products reflect a commitment that, we believe, can’t be replicated with outsourced private labeling.

When you choose Doctor Eckstein®, you’re choosing skincare that was made with a clear purpose and a trusted hand. Explore our custom, unique formulations and skincare products that clients love.

Take care, Verena

Sources:

Fernandes, L. (2024). Mid-Year Consumer Outlook: Guide to 2025. NielsenIQ. https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/report/2024/mid-year-consumer-outlook-guide-to-2025/ I Grand View Research, Inc. (2025). Private Label Cosmetics Market. Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics, Fragrance), By Type (Organic/Natural, Conventional/Synthetic), By End Use, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025-2030. San Francisco, CA: Grand View Research. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/private-label-cosmetics-market-report