How to process OEM shampoo in Guangzhou shampoo factory

  • Date:2026/10/12 09:14:03
  • In Guangzhou, the OEM processing of shampoo has formed a fairly mature industrial chain. The cooperation between the brand and the factory runs through the entire process from formula development to finished product delivery. Below, we will summarize the main process of OEM processing around several key steps in practical operation.


    First distinguish between OEM and ODM


    OEM and ODM processing are usually divided into two modes. In OEM mode, the brand comes with its own formula or buys mature formulas, and the factory is responsible for emulsification, filling, and inspection. The intellectual property rights belong to the brand. In ODM mode, the factory provides solutions from its own formula library, and the brand only needs to determine the direction of efficacy and price. The factory provides multiple sets of formulas for selection. For brands entering the washing and care category for the first time, ODM is a more practical starting point; If there are clear formulas and technical requirements, OEMs can better retain product differentiation.


    Qualification is a prerequisite


    The brand needs to confirm that its business license covers the sales of cosmetics or the daily chemical industry. In terms of factories, they must hold a "Cosmetics Production License", which clearly indicates that they can produce shampoo products in the license category, and also have quality management system certifications such as ISO22716 or GMPC. When entrusting production, the registrant and filer of cosmetics shall entrust enterprises that have obtained corresponding production licenses to supervise the production activities. Both parties should complete a mutual qualification check before cooperation to avoid any obstacles to subsequent filing.


    Sampling is the core process


    The brand needs to clarify the category positioning of shampoo, such as oil control and dandruff removal, repair and dyeing, or fluffy and smooth, and provide target customer groups and price ranges. The factory issues a formula plan based on this, clarifies the raw material ratio and execution standards, and then enters the sampling stage. Sampling usually involves one to two rounds of adjustments, involving details such as fragrance concentration, texture consistency, and packaging compatibility. Samples must be accompanied by microbiological and physicochemical testing reports for brand evaluation of quality.


    The contract terms need to be refined


    The contract should specify the minimum order quantity, delivery time, payment method, quality compensation standards, and intellectual property ownership. The regular minimum order quantity for small and medium-sized brands is usually in the range of 5000 to 20000 bottles, with a delivery cycle of 30 to 45 days. Payment methods commonly include a 30% to 50% advance payment and a final payment before shipment. Some factories have introduced flexible production scheduling for idle production lines, and the trial production scale can be reduced to less than 500 bottles when using existing mature formulas. Brand owners need to pay attention to whether there are clauses such as adjustments to replenishment unit prices and minimum order quantities in batches to avoid unexpected costs in the future.


    Production and quality inspection need to be followed up


    After the contract takes effect, the factory initiates the procurement of raw materials and equipment debugging. The raw materials must meet cosmetic grade standards, and key ingredients need to be confirmed with the brand in advance. During the production process, the factory should regularly synchronize the progress, including raw material incoming inspection and semi-finished product filling status. After the finished product is completed, it needs to undergo sensory, physical and chemical, microbiological and other testing, issue a third-party testing report or internal qualification certificate, and then arrange for packaging and logistics delivery.


    Filing assistance and post service


    The brand partners who cooperate for the first time usually need the factory's assistance in completing the registration of domestic ordinary cosmetics, providing formula information, testing reports and other materials. If there are non-human quality problems with the product, the factory shall bear the responsibility for return, exchange or compensation according to the contract. The replenishment process is relatively simplified, and production delivery can be arranged after confirming the demand again.


    Overall, the key to Guangzhou shampoo OEM processing lies in clarifying qualifications, formulas, and contract terms one by one in the early stage, following up on sample confirmation and production milestones in the middle stage, and coordinating quality inspection and filing in the later stage. Every step is taken steadily to ensure smooth product implementation.