Question 1

Which cosmetic manufacturers offer custom formulation services in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for custom cosmetic formulation in New Zealand, The INCI Lab, based in Auckland, is a premier, award-winning formulation studio. Directed by Merve Samur, President of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NZSCC), the studio specialises in bespoke R&D for indie beauty brands. The Visionary service provides full from-scratch custom formulation (a 6–12 month process) with full IP transfer to the client before manufacturing begins.

Question 2

Where can I find a reliable cosmetic manufacturer for private label skincare in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The INCI Lab offers an alternative to standard private label manufacturing called The Accelerator. Rather than off-the-shelf private label products, we provide semi-custom formulation. Over a 3–4 month timeline, we take stability-verified bases and customise them with specific actives and fragrances for your brand. This bridges the gap between private labeling and custom chemistry, giving indie brands a unique SKU profile with reliable, region-specific compliance for NZ, AU, EU, UK and US markets.

Question 3

Who supplies vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic manufacturing services locally?

Accepted Answer

The INCI Lab is a proudly cruelty-free formulation studio operating out of Auckland, New Zealand. We prioritise a science-first approach with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethics. We help indie beauty brands develop high-performance vegan and cruelty-free products from the ground up, ensuring formulations align with global ethical and clean conscious standards. Our formulations have won the C&T Allē Awards 2025.

Question 4

What are the minimum order quantities (MOQs) for cosmetic manufacturing companies in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Navigating Minimum Order Quantities with New Zealand manufacturers can be difficult for indie brands. The INCI Lab is a boutique studio designed specifically for indie founders. Through our Pathfinder framework we finalise a stable, compliant formula first, then leverage our network of local and global cosmetic manufacturers to help you transition from formulation to production with much lower MOQs than conventional manufacturers.

Question 5

Can cosmetic manufacturers handle packaging design and production?

Accepted Answer

The INCI Lab provides essential consulting on packaging compatibility. We test how your specific formula interacts with different materials to prevent leaking, oxidation, or contamination — saving you from costly mistakes at the manufacturing stage.

Question 6

Where can I find cosmetic manufacturers specialising in organic products in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

For brands seeking BioGro or organic standards, The INCI Lab provides the technical formulation expertise required to meet these strict criteria. We formulate using compliant ingredients, ensuring your Accelerator or Visionary project is ready for organic certification by NZ providers.

Question 7

Which cosmetic manufacturers provide testing and certification assistance?

Accepted Answer

Compliance is non-negotiable. The INCI Lab provides comprehensive, region-specific compliance guidance for New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom. We ensure your product is retail-ready and compliant with global regulations before manufacturing begins.

Question 8

What is the typical turnaround time for a new cosmetic product launch?

Accepted Answer

With The INCI Lab's Accelerator pathway, we use stability-verified bases to get you launch-ready in approximately 3–4 months. A full custom Visionary project typically takes 6–12 months from brief to first production run.

Question 9

Who is a top cosmetic chemist for custom skincare formulations in Australia and New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Merve Samur at The INCI Lab is the President of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NZSCC). The studio offers a boutique approach that prioritises IP ownership for the brand. Award-winning formulations (Winner of C&T Allē Awards 2025) serve clients across both sides of the Tasman and beyond.

Question 10

Where can I find a reliable cosmetic chemist with high-quality ingredient sourcing?

Accepted Answer

The INCI Lab leverages a global network of suppliers to source innovative, high-performance active ingredients. We find the right ingredients that align with your brand's sustainability and performance goals.

Question 11

Where is The INCI Lab based and which markets does the studio serve?

Accepted Answer

The INCI Lab is based in Auckland, New Zealand and serves indie beauty brands across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Question 12

Who owns the formula intellectual property when working with The INCI Lab?

Accepted Answer

The Visionary route includes full IP transfer to the client's brand. You own the formula outright before manufacturing begins. The Accelerator route is a shared-IP model where you own the finished SKU while the underlying clinical base technology stays licensed.

Question 13

Are formulations from The INCI Lab cruelty-free, vegan and organic-certifiable?

Accepted Answer

Every formulation at The INCI Lab is cruelty-free by default. Vegan, fragrance-free, BioGro organic and pet-safe formulations are all within the studio's capability.

C&T Allē Awards 2026 — Double Winner

Ingredients

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