
Navigating the Complexities of Cosmetic Development
Complex Development Processes
Navigating the intricate development processes of new cosmetic products can be challenging. SDK tailors its approach to meet your unique project requirements, offering full turnkey cosmetic and beauty solutions. Our dedicated team works closely with you every step of the way, ensuring transparency and efficiency from concept to production.
Lack of Differentiation
In a crowded market, differentiation is key. SDK sets itself apart by leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and an in-house R&D lab for white label products. Our bespoke, award-winning formulations and cutting-edge solutions ensure your brand stands out.
Geographic Limitations
SDK offers tailored solutions for the African market and beyond. Whether you're expanding locally or internationally, our expertise and infrastructure support your growth ambitions.
High MOQs
SDK specializes in contract packing, enabling small businesses to meet high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) without compromising on quality or efficiency.
How We Bring Your Vision to Life
Step 1
Initial
Consultation
Reach out to SDK Laboratories to discuss your vision and goals. We'll collaborate to define your product needs and establish a clear project scope.
Step 2
Tailored
Sampling
Our in-house R&D lab will craft sample formulations based on your specifications. You'll review and provide feedback to ensure we align with your expectations.
Step 3
Finalization
& Manufacturing
Once the samples are approved, we finalize the project cost and proceed with manufacturing. Our state-of-the-art facility ensures your products are produced to the highest quality standards.
Step 4
Delivery
& Launch
After production, SDK handles packaging and delivery, ensuring your products are market-ready and delivered on time.
Why SDK Laboratories?
SDK Laboratories offers comprehensive and customizable solutions for every step of the cosmetic manufacturing process. With our advanced R&D lab, cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, and deep market expertise, we ensure your products meet and exceed market expectations. Whether you’re navigating high MOQs, geographic limitations, or simply need to stand out, SDK is your trusted partner in turning your cosmetic vision into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions
What type of products does your company manufacture?
- Skin Care: Face lotions, serums, scrubs, washes, clays, mists, etc.
- Colour Cosmetics: Liquid foundations, stick foundations, concealers, blushes, lipsticks, tinted moisturisers, nail polishes, cosmetics pencils, tinted serums, foundation powders, etc.
- Sun Care: Sun sticks, natural SPF, chemical sunscreens, tinted sunscreens, etc.
- Haircare: Conditioners, moisturisers, shampoos, scalp tonics, hair mists, hair food, hair mousse, hair growth serums, etc.
- Body Care: Body butters, body scrubs, body lotions, foam baths, tissue oils, etc.
- Intimate Care Products: Lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, vaginal serums, intimate washes, etc.
- Fragrances: Body mists, unique perfumes, inspired by perfumes. We also supply raw fragrance oils.
- Kids’ Products: Bubble baths, mists, shower gels, lip balms, etc.
- Dermo-cosmetics: Barrier repair creams, eczema balms, cetomacrogol creams and balms, topical sebum-controllers, etc.
- Special Treatment Products: Face acid peels- glycolic peel, salicylic acid peel, tranexamic acid peel.
- Therapeutic Products: Pain relief balms, pain gels, massage oils, massage creams, OTC bases – Used by compounding pharmacists and dermatologists. We offer bare bases for mixing cortisol and other actives. Creams, lotions and salve. such as creams, lotions and salve.
What is the Minimum order quantity (MOQ) per product?
We manufacture per order; and provide development services per order, to our clients specification and target prices. If the client requires a product that has a unique ingredient/ raw material that is not standard to SDK, the MOQ will be based on usage of this unique ingredient.
Our general MOQ depending on the fill size of a product is 1000 units per SKU. However, if the fill size is very low (e.g.: lipsticks, the MOQ may increase to 1500/2000 units per shade/SKU)
Customers wishing to buy bulks manufactured for filling at a different location:
- MOQ on manufactured body care bulks – EG body washes, body lotions, body butters: MOQ is 150kg per bulk manufactured
- MOQ on manufactured skincare / face care bulks – EG serums, face creams, face gels, face mists, etc.: 55kg
- MOQ on face peels and OTC bases – this is handled on a case by case basis.
I want to buy your standard formulations; do I still have an MOQ?
Yes, there’s an MOQ based on orders, even on our standard formulations, some apply to MOQ per product.
I want to start a colour cosmetic brand, how can I go about this?
We can provide formulating and product development services for all categories of products that we manufacture, including colour cosmetics. This would be done through our inhouse development lab. Each product base that is developed (e.g. Concealers) is charged for. Clients can purchase samples from us, or visit our factory store to purchase factory overruns that match their development ambitions. Eg: if you are looking for foundations, you can purchase a foundation from our factory store to assess it.
We charge a sampling fee. This fee covers the cost of preparing a sample to match your brief and send the sample to you to assess.
If we develop a bespoke product for you based on your brief, we charge a project fee that will be costed based on project complexity.
For clients who want to match a specific shade, we charge a colour matching fee per shade matched. The colour matching fee is R1250 per shade.
What products can I find in your factory shop?
The store has factory overruns. The products that are in the store depends on overruns available to retail through the store. Please call +27 11 314 0020 to check what we have in the store.
What type of testing’s does SDK Laboratories offer?
At SDK Laboratories we have a in house lab which does stability and compatibility testing.
Additionally we do the following testing’s at an external Lab which consists of the SPF, Preservative, Hydration, toxicology and Dermatologist approved testing’s.
If you require any other testing related requirements please give us a call.
What are your fees for testing?
SDK provides its testing services at a fee. A fee is payable based on project.
What are Hard Claims? (For e.g., if you wish to add “SPF 30”.)
On your labelling the “SPF 30” would be regarded as a hard claim and would require further testing and evaluation. This would increase the cost for you as the client.
What does SDK Laboratories require to manufacture according to the desired benchmark?
If possible, we require actual benchmark samples to be submitted with a completed SDK Laboratories brief. This will allow SDK Laboratories to manufacture as close as possible to your desired benchmark.
Can I supply my own raw materials & Packaging?
Yes, clients can source their own raw materials and/or packaging, however they will need to meet our QC standards.
What are the transportation options for receiving the finished goods from SDK Laboratories?
SDK Laboratories can arrange courier services at an additional cost or the client can make their own transportation arrangements.
Can we bring you a formulation that you manufacture for us?
Yes we can work with a client supplied formulating, however this must have method of manufacture. A sample will be made up according to your full formulation and manufacturing instructions and parameters compared to your sample. stability and compatibility testing would still have to be conducted.
An ingredient list does not constitute a formulation, and if a client only has ingredients, this will still have to go through a Research and Development procedure to test that the formula works; and the product would still need to be put through stability and compatibility testing.
Can you supply me with packaging?
We carry some stock items of some packaging. If you require specific packaging, we can import anything you may need as we offer international sourcing services, but MOQ’s from overseas are not below 10 000 units. However there is more variety and unique packaging available overseas. If you are interested in packaging please let us know your requirements and quantities and we will see how we can assist.
Can you supply me with Fragrance oils?
Yes, please request a list of what we have available.
What are your lead times?
Development / NPD lead time is 4 to 6 weeks; if we have all the raw materials. This time may extend if we have to source specific raw materials. The timeline will be finalised on a case by case basis. This includes samples preparation
Production lead time is 5 to 8 weeks depending on the availability of raw materials and packaging.
Stability testing lead time is 13 to 14 weeks
Lead time on products that require international packaging and international raw materials is 18 to 22 weeks.
Do you do contract packing?
Yes, we can pack client produced bulk into their own packaging or packaging that we source and supply.
What packaging do you pack into?
We manufacture and produce emulsions, hot melts, liquids, gels, powders and oils.
We pack into sachets, tubes, jars, bottles, godets.
Do you provide white label formulations?
Yes, we do provide white label formulations. If you would like to see our range please give us a call.
Would you work with existing beauty brands/ cosmetic brands with existing products?
Yes, we work with both new and established beauty and cosmetic brands. Whether you’re a startup looking to create your first product or an existing brand aiming to refine or expand your product line, our team is here to support you.