Skincare OEM / ODMYour Global Manufacturing Partner

Since 1956, we have been delivering world-class skincare OEM/ODM total solutions, backed by 70 years of expertise and innovation.

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OEM vs. ODM: What's the Difference?

Understanding the two core models of contract skincare manufacturing is the first step toward building a successful brand.

If you are a brand looking to enter the skincare market, there are two essential concepts you need to understand: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer). Both models involve outsourcing production to a specialized manufacturer, but they differ fundamentally in who leads the product development process.

With the global rise of K-Beauty, the skincare OEM/ODM market has been growing rapidly. Brands of all sizes, from startups to major corporations, leverage OEM/ODM services to bring high-quality skincare products to market without the need for in-house production facilities. Korean skincare OEM/ODM companies, in particular, are recognized worldwide for their cutting-edge formulation technology and rigorous quality management systems, making them highly sought-after manufacturing partners for global brands.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

The client (brand) provides their own formulation, design, and specifications for skincare products such as serums, creams, toners, and lotions, and the manufacturer produces the product accordingly. The greatest advantage is that the brand retains full control over product quality and characteristics.

  • Brand provides the skincare formulation and specifications
  • Manufacturer provides production facilities and expertise
  • Quality standards are set by the brand
  • Ideal for brands with in-house R&D capabilities
  • Full intellectual property rights retained by the brand

ODM

Original Design Manufacturer

The manufacturer leads the entire process, from skincare formulation development and design to packaging planning for products like essences, ampoules, sunscreens, and cleansers, while the brand applies its own branding for market distribution. This is the optimal model for brands without an in-house R&D lab or new market entrants.

  • Leverage the manufacturer's proven skincare formulation expertise
  • End-to-end support from R&D to packaging design
  • Enables rapid market entry for new skincare brands
  • Trend-driven skincare product proposals available
  • Significant R&D cost savings

The OEM model is often chosen by brands that already have strong R&D capabilities and seek to maximize production efficiency. When a brand delivers its proprietary skincare formulation to the manufacturer, the manufacturer provides the production facilities and quality management systems needed for mass production. In this case, intellectual property rights for the formulation belong entirely to the brand.

The ODM model, on the other hand, fully leverages the manufacturer's technical expertise and market experience. When a brand presents its desired skincare product concept and target market, the manufacturer's research lab develops the optimal formulation and provides a total solution encompassing packaging design and production. For brands without in-house R&D or those entering the skincare market for the first time, ODM is a highly effective strategy that saves both time and cost.

In practice, many successful brands use a combination of OEM and ODM. A common strategy is to maintain proprietary formulations for core skincare products through OEM, while quickly launching new product lines and trend-driven items through ODM. Saehan Cosmetics has the capabilities to flexibly respond to these diverse needs.

Saehan OEM Service Process

We transform your skincare formulation into a flawless finished product.

01Formula
Review
02Prototype
Production
03Quality
Approval
04Raw Material
Procurement
05Mass Production
& Shipment

Saehan Cosmetics' OEM service begins with configuring the optimal production environment based on the skincare formulation and specifications provided by the client. Drawing on 70 years of accumulated manufacturing expertise, we minimize physical property changes that can occur during the scale-up process (transitioning from lab scale to production scale), while applying a rigorous quality management system based on ISO 22716.

During the prototype production phase, we work closely with clients to fine-tune texture, viscosity, fragrance, absorption, and skin feel. Once the prototype is approved, we standardize the production process to ensure consistent quality during mass production, with batch-by-batch quality inspections guaranteeing uniformity across every serum, cream, toner, and lotion we produce.

Saehan ODM Service Process

Just share your concept. We'll take care of the rest.

01Concept
Planning
02Formulation
Development
03Package
Design
04Prototype
& Stability Test
05Production
& Logistics

Saehan Cosmetics' ODM service is a comprehensive solution that turns your skincare brand vision into reality. We conduct thorough analysis of your target market, consumer demographics, price range, and positioning to develop the optimal product concept. Our in-house research team develops skincare formulations that incorporate the latest active ingredients and technologies, with full support for everything from packaging design to label specifications.

For export products in particular, we review the cosmetics regulatory requirements of the destination country (CFDA, FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, etc.) during the formulation design phase, enabling a streamlined approval process downstream. Products undergo stability testing and human application testing (patch tests) to verify safety before entering mass production.

Why Choose Saehan Cosmetics

Your Trusted OEM/ODM Partner for Skincare Manufacturing

🏭

70 Years of Manufacturing Heritage

Since our founding in 1956, we have built an unrivaled legacy in cosmetics manufacturing with an extensive formulation database.

🔍

ISO-Certified Quality Systems

Holding both ISO 22716 (Cosmetics GMP) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) certifications, we ensure systematic quality control across every stage.

🤖

Smart Factory

Our smart factory is equipped with state-of-the-art automated systems and real-time process monitoring, maximizing both production efficiency and quality consistency.

🔬

In-House R&D Lab

Our expert researchers develop innovative skincare formulations that reflect the latest active ingredient technologies and market trends.

🌏

Global Export Experience

With extensive export experience across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, we offer tailored export services built on deep expertise in each country's cosmetics regulations.

🤝

One-Stop Service

From formulation development, raw material sourcing, and production to quality testing, packaging design, and logistics, one trusted partner handles every step.

Production Capacity

Saehan Cosmetics operates a large-scale production facility located in the Namdong Industrial Complex in Incheon, South Korea. Our multi-line system enables simultaneous production across diverse skincare categories including serum, essence, toner, cream, lotion, cleanser, sunscreen, and ampoule. Production lines can be flexibly adjusted according to order volume.

Serum / Essence

High-concentration active ingredient formulations with precision filling

Toner / Skin

Water-based and exfoliating toner production lines

Cream / Lotion

Emulsion-based moisturizer production with automated homogenization

Cleanser

Foam, gel, oil, and milk-type cleanser manufacturing

Sunscreen / UV Protection

Chemical and physical UV filter formulation expertise

24/7 Monitoring

Real-time quality monitoring system in operation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between skincare OEM and ODM?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means the client provides the skincare formulation and specifications, and the manufacturer produces the product accordingly. ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) means the manufacturer handles the entire process from formulation development and design to production. OEM is ideal for brands with in-house R&D capabilities, while ODM is best suited for brands seeking rapid market entry.
How long does it take from development to mass production?
For OEM, approximately 4 to 8 weeks from formulation finalization. For ODM, including formulation development, approximately 8 to 16 weeks. Timelines may vary depending on project complexity, raw material availability, and packaging design decisions. If you require expedited production, we can discuss options to shorten the schedule.
What skincare product categories can you manufacture?
We manufacture a full range of basic skincare products including serums, essences, toners, creams, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, ampoules, and more. Our R&D team can also develop specialized formulations for anti-aging, brightening, hydrating, and sensitive skin care lines.
Can you manufacture products for international export?
Absolutely. Saehan Cosmetics holds ISO 22716 (Cosmetics GMP) and ISO 9001 certifications, enabling worldwide export. We provide comprehensive support including formulation adjustments, ingredient list preparation, and labeling guidance tailored to the regulatory requirements of your target market (EU, US FDA, China CFDA, Southeast Asia, and more). We have an extensive track record of international exports.

Looking for a Partner to Grow With?

Saehan Cosmetics is ready to be your ideal skincare OEM/ODM partner for brand success. Get in touch with us today to start the conversation.

Contact Us at info@sae-han.com
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