5 Cosmetic Manufacturing Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 1st, 2023

Start A Cosmetic Manufacturing Business

The cosmetics industry enjoys a large customer base among men and women who spend money on daily cosmetic products.

Therefore, starting a cosmetic manufacturing business has a huge potential for profitability and growth. Ensure professional packaging, so you attract more customers and retain the existing ones.

Digital marketing is also another secret to a successful cosmetic business.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a cosmetic manufacturing business:

1. Mented Cosmetics ($5.88M/year)

How much they make: $5.88M/year
Current team size: 20

How Mented Cosmetics Grew From Side Hustle To Multi-Million Dollar Beauty Brand (w/ KJ Miller)

Mented Cosmetics, co-founded by Amanda Johnson and KJ Miller, is a multi-million dollar beauty brand that became one of the most in-demand all-expanding beauty lines for Black and Brown women, securing $1 million in venture capital with a best-selling nude lipsticks range and inclusive shade range.

About

KJ started Mented Cosmetics over 7 years ago

Revenue

KJ grew the business to $490K/month

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Learn more about starting a cosmetic manufacturing business:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a cosmetic manufacturing business?
-> Pros and cons of a cosmetic manufacturing business

Need inspiration?

-> Examples of established cosmetic manufacturing business
-> Marketing ideas for a cosmetic manufacturing business

Other resources

Part of

Starting A Cosmetic Manufacturing Business: Everything You Need To Know

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2. ELLIE Cosmetics ($9K/year)

Dr. KeShawn Haynes, a chemist, came up with the idea for her business, KLH Industries LLC and ELLIE Cosmetics, after realizing her passion for chemistry and a desire to be her own boss. She conducted market research, developed a unique product made with naturally sourced ingredients, and spent years perfecting her formula. After participating in vendor shows and bootstrapping her business, she now focuses on marketing efforts and plans to expand into skincare and fragrances in the future.

How much they make: $9K/year
How much did it cost to start: $250
Current team size: 2

My Passion For Beauty Led Me To Start A Cosmetics Business

KLH Industries founder Dr. KeShawn Haynes shares her journey of starting up her own makeup brand ELLIE Cosmetics, developing a new product using naturally-sourced ingredients and eventually launching a successful business through bootstrapping and social media marketing.

About

Dr. started ELLIE Cosmetics about 15 years ago

Revenue

Dr. grew the business to $750/month

Costs

It cost Dr. $250 to start the business

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3. ClearForMe ($3.9M/year)

How much they make: $3.9M/year
Current team size: 11

Female Founders: Sabrina Noorani of ClearForMe On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman Founder

ClearForMe is an ingredient SaaS solution used by 300 companies, including Credo Beauty and Ulta Beauty, offering user-friendly ingredient education, filter, and search capabilities based on transparency and customization, with over 1.6 million ingredients.

About

Sabrina started ClearForMe over 6 years ago

Revenue

Sabrina grew the business to $325K/month

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