Private Label Lip Products for Retailers: A Guide for Beauty Business Owners

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The beauty sector has seen major shifts in recent years, with private label lip products at the forefront for those aiming to expand retail lines in Canada. If building a strong brand presence and offering shoppers affordable, quality picks are on the agenda, private label lip products could be the perfect option. Early planning, including private label lip product manufacturing, provides retailers with more control, faster market entry, and room for creativity.

What Are Private Label Lip Products?

Private label lip products are created by a third-party manufacturer and sold under another brand’s label. Unlike the traditional model, where retailers stock well-known brands, private label allows businesses to put their unique flair on lipsticks, glosses, balms, and more.

Key Advantages Include:

• Ownership over branding
• Broad selection (matte, cream, liquid, gloss, balm, liner, and more)
• Custom shade and finish options
• Exclusive packaging control

Many Canadian beauty shops now favor private label because it lets them respond quickly to trends without investing in in-house labs or R&D teams.

Why Are Private Label Lip Products Booming in Canada?

Canada’s retail space has embraced private label. The private label cosmetics manufacturing market was valued at $16.5 billion CAD in 2024 and is projected to grow at a rate of 8.2% annually through 2033 — more than doubling in value. Alongside this, over 43% of Canadian shoppers now say they prefer store brands for personal care.

Several forces are driving this trend:

• Increased desire for affordable alternatives to high-priced brands
• Urgent demand for clear, honest ingredient labeling
• Appeal of value and transparency
• A youthful, social-media-savvy customer base

Online shopping is also growing, with forecasts suggesting beauty and personal care sales via ecommerce will top 29% by 2026.

How to Get Started: Launching Your Private Label Lip Line

Setting up a private label lip collection may sound daunting, but it is achievable with organization and the right partners.

Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Research trends: Analyze what’s popular, both in Canada and globally (for example, bold colors, vegan claims, and sustainable packaging).
2. Pick a reliable supplier: Choose a cosmetics manufacturer in Canada to ensure compliance, faster delivery, and easier quality control.
3. Choose products and shades: Start with popular types — think creamy lipsticks, hydrating gloss, and nourishing balm.
4. Customize packaging: This is your signature! Opt for colors, shapes, and branding that stand out on shelves or online stores.
5. Test formulations: Always request samples and patch tests, especially if aiming for vegan, gluten-free, or clean claims.
6. Set Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Start small to test the market, then scale up.
7. Build a pricing strategy: Factor in manufacturing, freight, duties, and marketing before arriving at your final retail price.

What Canadian Shoppers Want from Lip Products in 2025

Customers are increasingly ingredient-conscious and want:

• Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
• Skin-safe, clean labels
• Non-drying, rich pigment alternatives
• Options that suit diverse skin tones
• Multi-use claims (hydrating, plumping, etc.)

Quote from a recent trend report:
“Shoppers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal say they’re drawn to brands showing a commitment to clean beauty and local manufacturing.”

Industry Stats: Why Lip Products Dominate

• The global lip product market reached $2.61 billion USD in 2025 and continues steady growth.
• In Canada, color cosmetics sales grew from $2.7 billion (2022) to an estimated $5.5 billion (2030), with lip products as a highly resistant segment.
• Direct-to-consumer and private-label brands account for almost one-third of new beauty launches in Canada.
• Private label brands are projected to launch a higher volume of vegan, clean-label, and hypoallergenic lipsticks and glosses than ever before.

Choosing the Right Cosmetics Manufacturer in Canada

Selecting a trusted cosmetics manufacturer in Canada brings key benefits:

• Easier regulation compliance
• Localized trend adaptation
• Shorter lead times and lower shipping costs
• Better ingredient sourcing transparency

Checklist when evaluating manufacturers:

• Do they offer vegan, organic, or allergen-free options?
• Can they handle small orders for market testing?
• How flexible are they with packaging design?
• What kind of ingredient traceability and documentation can they provide?

Must-Have Private Label Lip Products for Canadian Retailers

Canadian retailers thrive when they carry a variety of lip options, covering all preferences. Here are common categories:

• Classic Lipstick: Widely popular for color payoff and all-day wear.
• Lip Gloss: Gaining ground with the comeback of radiant, glossy looks.
• Lip Balm: Essential for winter months, especially those enriched with botanicals.
• Liquid Lipstick & Lip Stain: A favorite for precise finishes and long-lasting color.
• Lip Liner: Always in demand for shaping and filling.

Pro tip:
Opt for a blend of bold shades and inclusive nudes. Don’t overlook mini sets and limited editions, as these boost sales and keep shoppers coming back.

Trends Shaping Private Label Lip Products in 2025

Innovation Themes

• Personalization: Customizable shades and packages are on the rise.
• Clean beauty: Non-toxic, paraben-free formulas continue to drive loyalty.
• Eco-friendly packaging: Compostable tubes and refill options are fetching headlines.
• Digital engagement: Brands grow faster by connecting directly with buyers via online tutorials and reviews.

Sustainability Fact:
Almost 60% of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers prefer brands with visible eco-efforts in packaging and production.

Advantages for Canadian Retailers

Retailers who move early on private label lip products benefit from:

• Higher margins (private label products can cost up to 50% less to source than traditional branded lines)
• Direct influence over quality and contents
• Unique branding potential
• Loyal repeat customers seeking consistency

How to Successfully Sell Private Label Lip Products

• Focus on clear, simple packaging and accessible price points.
• Offer in-store testers and samples.
• Invest in short videos and before-after content for digital promotion.
• Highlight “Made in Canada” or “manufactured locally” messaging — it matters to Canadian shoppers!
• Gather customer reviews and testimonials for early launches.
• Adjust product mix seasonally: moisturizers in winter, SPF-infused in summer.

Conclusion

Private label lip products are more than a trend—they’re a chance for Canadian retailers to build identity, earn loyal customers, and scale profitably in a fast-evolving market. With careful planning, the right manufacturing partner, and a commitment to quality, any retailer can stand out on shelves and screens alike.

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