Serum, cream or oil? Pharmacies, perfumeries or online sales? When you want to launch a cosmetics brand in France, it is common to start with the formula. In this episode, we put the three main decisions in the right order: the first product, the sales channel, then the white label manufacturer.
The guiding principle is simple: choose a product for a customer you can already reach through a specific channel. That channel determines the formula, packaging and supporting evidence you need.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to choose your first product from five options (serum, cream, cleanser, body oil, hair care) based on your access to customers
- How to validate demand before production and distinguish interest from a real intention to buy
- The share of each distribution channel in France: selective retail 55 %, pharmacies 24 %, mass retail 13 % (Xerfi, April 2026)
- What each channel requires in terms of formula, packaging and supporting evidence
- Verifiable criteria for choosing a white label manufacturer: ISO 22716, PIF, CPNP notification, R&D
Who is this episode for?
✔ Entrepreneurs looking to start their own cosmetics brand
✔ Estheticians, spas and salons looking to create their own range
✔ Content creators looking to launch a product for their community
✔ Brands deciding between sales channels
Further reading
- Which cosmetic product should you launch first? A selection guide
- Where to sell your cosmetics brand in France: 4 channels compared
- White label cosmetics in France: criteria and investment
- Starting a cosmetics brand: the complete guide
- Cosmetics pricing calculator
Why Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
We are a cosmetics manufacturer in Morocco, based in Agadir, offering white label, private label and contract manufacturing in an ISO 22716 and ISO 9001 certified factory. We have supported over 500 brands in more than 35 countries.
Planning a brand for the French market? Free consultation.
This episode was generated with AI assistance using our articles. It is intended for information only.