You ever feel like you’re chasing shadows?
That’s how it felt the first time I tried to source a Japanese makeup manufacturer. I emailed, followed up, waited. Nothing. The language gap didn’t help, neither did the time zone. I started to wonder if finding a reliable partner overseas was even possible.
But eventually, I found one. Then two. And then I realized that the problem wasn’t Japan. It was knowing where to look.
If you’re building a brand, expanding your line, or starting fresh, and you’ve got your eye on Japan, this article is for you. You’ll find 7 Japanese makeup manufacturers with a track record in private label, OEM, or ODM. By the end, you’ll know which ones are worth contacting and which ones might fit your needs.
Let’s start!
Quick Comparison
You’ve got options. But which one fits your brand best?
This table breaks down the key details to help you spot the right match without the guesswork.
| Manufacturer | Year Founded | Known For | Product Focus | Ideal For | R&D/Innovation Strength |
| Shiseido | 1872 | Global luxury brands, high volume | Full-range makeup + skincare | Large/global brands | Extensive (20K+ patents) |
| Kosé | 1946 | Herbal blends, clean beauty trends | Skincare-infused makeup | Mid-large clean beauty brands | Strong, skincare focus |
| Toyo Beauty | 1949 | OEM/ODM with clear technical support | Full color cosmetics | Mid-large brands, hybrids | Lab-driven, emulsion focus |
| OEM Co., Ltd. | 2007 | Start-up friendly, export-ready | Vegan, halal, Western textures | Start-ups and SMEs | Trend-driven, sample-first |
| Cosmetec Japan | 2003 | Natural/organic, minimalist formulas | Clean beauty, eco-packaging | Indie and natural brands | Ingredient-focused, small-batch |
| Facelabo | 2001 | Tech-driven formulas, Asian markets | Foundation, BB/CC, lip + eye | Brands needing shade testing | Microsphere dispersion tech |
| Nizona Corporation | 2004 | OEM broker with export support | Full makeup lines + bundles | First-time exporters | Wide via partner network |
Got a favorite already? Great.
Let’s walk through the full profiles and see which partner truly fits your brand.
1. Shiseido Company, Limited
Shiseido isn’t just a big name in Japan. It’s one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world. Founded in 1872, this Tokyo-based company started as a Western-style pharmacy. Now, they operate in over 120 countries and own brands like NARS, Clé de Peau Beauté, and IPSA.
They have more than 30,000 employees worldwide. Their leadership team blends Japanese precision with global marketing know-how. For large brands and high-volume orders, Shiseido has the size and experience to deliver.
Product Portfolio
Shiseido offers a full range of makeup products. You’ll find:
- Foundation
- Lipsticks and lip gloss
- Eyeshadow
- Mascaras
- BB and CC creams
They also work on hybrid products items that combine skincare with makeup, like tinted moisturizers or anti-aging primers.
Product Innovation
They invest heavily in R&D (Research and Development). Shiseido has global innovation centers in Japan, the U.S., China, and Europe.
They hold over 20,000 patents [source: Shiseido Corporate Factbook]. That tells you how serious they are about developing formulas that perform well and meet safety standards.
Compliance
Shiseido meets strict international standards like:
- ISO 22716 (cosmetic GMP)
- EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009
- U.S. FDA guidelines
They also focus on traceability. That means you can track where each ingredient comes from and how it’s processed.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
If you’re looking for full-service support, Shiseido offers custom packaging and labeling. They also help with design, color selection, and formulation matching.
Communication
Their OEM/OEM division supports English-speaking clients. You’ll usually be assigned a project lead. They’re responsive by email, but calls help speed things up.
Final Verdict
Shiseido is a strong option for established brands with larger order volumes. If you need high-quality production and global logistics, they’re a smart partner to consider.
2. Kosé Corporation
Kosé is a name you may have heard before, especially if you’ve researched Japanese makeup manufacturers. They’ve been around since 1946, starting in Tokyo after World War II. Since then, they’ve grown into a global brand that’s present in more than 20 countries.
They’re not the biggest player in Japan, but they’re well-known for quality products and for being very research-driven. What stood out to me personally was how much they focus on combining skincare with makeup something I see more buyers asking for.
Product Portfolio
Kosé works on both color cosmetics and skincare hybrids. Their product lineup includes:
- Foundations and finishing powders
- Lipsticks and lip care products
- Blush, eye shadows, and mascaras
- Cushion compacts and BB creams
They’re known for using botanical ingredients and creating formulas that feel light but last long. If you’re building a clean or natural line, that’s something to pay attention to.
Product Innovation
They have multiple research centers, including ones focused on skin and environment interaction. They’ve developed long-wear makeup that adjusts to humidity, which can be useful if your customers live in warmer regions. I also learned that they’ve worked on water-based foundations, which give a more breathable finish.
ComplianceKosé follows global manufacturing and safety rules, such as:
- ISO 9001 quality systems
- EU product safety regulations
- Japan’s PMDA guidelines
They’re transparent about ingredient sourcing and offer documentation on request, which makes things easier during registration.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
Kosé can help with in-house packaging, custom colors, and finishes. I’ve seen them offer eco-friendly materials as well, like refillable compacts or recyclable tubes. Their design style leans minimal but premium.
Communication
They’re professional and responsive, though sometimes a bit formal. I found it helpful to schedule a call early on. That cleared up questions about MOQs and gave me a sense of how they handle international clients.
Final Verdict
Kosé is a solid option for brands that want something clean, polished, and reliable. Their scale supports larger orders, but their communication style and flexibility also work well for start-ups that are ready to grow.
3. Toyo Beauty Co., Ltd.
Toyo Beauty isn’t a brand you’ll see on store shelves but that’s the point. They’re one of Japan’s more established OEM and ODM companies, founded in 1949. When I first contacted them, I was surprised at how transparent they were. You don’t get vague replies.
You get details about capabilities, lead times, and ingredients. Their long history working with both Japanese and global brands makes them a dependable option, especially if you’re starting from scratch and need someone to walk you through the process.
Product Portfolio:
They offer a wide selection of color cosmetics:
- Lipsticks and lip balms
- Eyeshadow singles and palettes
- Mascaras and eyeliners
- Cream foundations and primers
They also produce makeup with added skincare benefits, which helps position your product in both categories.
Product Innovation
One of Toyo’s strengths is their scientific focus. They run specialized labs—like one for emulsion research. Emulsions help water and oil-based ingredients blend well, which is critical for things like creams and liquid foundations. Their innovation efforts aim to solve real problems, like product separation or poor absorption.
Compliance
They follow ISO 22716 for good manufacturing practices. Every product batch goes through microbial testing, and they can offer documentation for ingredient safety and product stability.
That gave me peace of mind during early product development.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
Toyo offers in-house packaging services. They can help with container sourcing, label printing, and even unique mold designs. If you already have packaging, they’re flexible with that too.
Communication
They’re easy to reach. I got replies within a day and always felt like I was talking to someone who knew the project well. One quick Zoom call helped speed up a shade approval process for me.
Final Verdict
Toyo Beauty is ideal if you want a long-term production partner. They handle both technical quality and client service well, which makes your job easier as you grow.
4. OEM Co., Ltd.
OEM Co., Ltd. is one of those manufacturers that focuses almost entirely on working with private-label brands. Based in Osaka and founded in 2007, they’ve positioned themselves as a one-stop solution for foreign brands. I found them when I was looking for vegan cosmetic options and I was glad I did.
They were open, efficient, and understood the export process inside and out.
Product Portfolio
They specialize in makeup products that can be sold under your own brand, including:
- Foundations and BB creams
- Lip gloss, lip tints, and crayons
- Eyebrow gels and eyeliners
- Compact powders and palettes
They also offer some niche options like halal-certified or vegan-certified formulas.
Product Innovation
OEM Co. keeps up with both Asian and Western beauty trends. They test global textures, colors, and finishes so if you’re launching in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, they know what consumers expect.
One thing I liked is their small-batch sampling option. It let me test multiple shades and tweak a formula before committing to full production.
Compliance
They manufacture under GMP conditions and can provide key safety documents like MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and COAs (Certificates of Analysis). They’re also familiar with label requirements for the EU and U.S. markets.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
OEM Co. lets you use your own packaging or they’ll help source it. I’ve seen them work with both stock components and custom designs. If you’re just starting out, their templates can help move things faster.
Communication
They’re very responsive. Emails are answered quickly, and they’ll follow up with updates even if you don’t ask. I appreciated that kind of attention to detail it saved me time chasing things down.
Final Verdict
OEM Co. is a smart choice if you want a team that speaks your language, both literally and professionally. Great for start-ups and small-to-medium brands looking to scale with less friction.
5. Cosmetec Japan Ltd.
Cosmetec Japan is one of those niche manufacturers that really focus on clean beauty and natural cosmetics. They’re based in Tokyo and were founded in 2003.
I came across them while looking for options that support minimal formulas products with fewer ingredients, but higher transparency. They’re smaller than others on this list, but that gives them a hands-on feel.
Product Portfolio
Their offerings include:
- Natural foundations and powders
- Cream highlighters
- Lip oils and balms
- Mineral-based eyeshadow and mascara
These products are often plant-based and fragrance-free, appealing to the wellness and eco-conscious market.
Product Innovation
They work closely with ingredient suppliers and avoid synthetic chemicals where possible. Their R&D process focuses on simplicity and safety nothing extra, just what works. For brands with a “green” focus, this can help you stand out.
Compliance
Cosmetec supports:
- Ecocert and COSMOS-certified production
- Ingredient documentation and allergen reports
- Japan and EU clean beauty regulations
If your brand sells in the EU or UK, their documentation is already aligned.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
They prefer using recyclable, refillable materials and minimalist designs. Their approach feels more premium-natural than flashy. I’ve seen clients use frosted glass, compostable paper boxes, and refill pods sourced through them.
Communication
Because they’re a smaller team, communication feels more direct. I always spoke with the same person throughout the project, which built trust and helped keep things moving.
Final Verdict
If your brand leans into clean beauty, Cosmetec Japan is worth a serious look. They’re not ideal for mass production, but perfect for thoughtful, natural-focused lines.
6. Facelabo Co., Ltd.
Facelabo is based in Aichi Prefecture and started operations in 2001. I met them at a trade show, and what stood out wasn’t their booth it was their team. They gave straightforward answers, which made me feel like I wasn’t being “sold” to.
They specialize in OEM and ODM cosmetics and often work with beauty start-ups across Asia.
Product Portfolio
They develop a wide mix of products, including:
- Cream-based foundations and sticks
- BB and CC creams
- Lipsticks, balms, and glosses
- Eyeshadow sticks and blushes
They also support custom shade development, which helps if your brand serves diverse skin tones.
Product Innovation
They use a technology called microsphere dispersion. It’s a way to keep pigments suspended evenly in creams so the color doesn’t shift or separate. Their team also tests formulas for both comfort and performance, which helped me when I was trying to avoid greasy finishes.
Compliance
Facelabo handles:
- GMP manufacturing
- Stability testing over time
- Japan’s MHLW regulations
- Batch-level quality tracking
If you’re exporting, they can support labeling and ingredient documentation.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
They’re flexible but expect you to have a clear idea. They’ll source compacts, tubes, and jars, but you’ll need to guide the creative direction. If you’re working with a designer, that speeds things up.
Communication
Email is their preferred channel, and while responses may take a day or two, they’re thorough. When I needed ingredient specs for my EU compliance file, they sent everything in one go.
Final Verdict
Facelabo is a great choice if you want technical support and value transparency. They’re not pushy and seem genuinely focused on getting your product right.
7. Nizona Corporation
Nizona is a bit different from the others here. They’re not just a manufacturer—they act as a sourcing and export partner. Based in Osaka and active since 2004, they work with a network of Japanese factories to develop private label products for foreign clients. I liked working with them because they helped bridge the gap handling communication with multiple parties and taking care of export paperwork.
Product Portfolio
They can offer:
- BB creams and tinted moisturizers
- Lipsticks and glosses
- Mineral foundations
- Eye makeup basics (liners, brow pencils, mascara)
- Vegan and halal-certified items
They also offer full skincare and makeup bundles if you’re launching multiple categories at once.
Product Innovation
Because they partner with various factories, you get access to a broader range of R&D. I was able to test three different lipstick formulas from different labs before choosing one. That saved time and gave me more control.
Compliance
All factories Nizona works with meet:
- ISO 22716 and 9001 certifications
- Japan export and labeling requirements
- Global ingredient and packaging documentation
They help you meet destination-specific rules, including for the EU and Middle East.
Packaging, Design & Branding Support
They can source standard packaging or help with custom options. They also provide translation support so your packaging meets both Japanese and overseas rules.
Communication
This is where Nizona really shines. You get English-speaking support and regular updates. I felt like someone had my back at every stage especially helpful during product registration.
Final Verdict
If you’re entering Japanese manufacturing for the first time, Nizona is a great place to start. They’ll guide you through the process and connect you with trusted suppliers without the guesswork.
Didn’t Find the Right Fit in Japan?
So… what if none of these Japanese manufacturers felt quite right? That happens.
Maybe the MOQ is too high.
Or the communication feels slow. Or the style just doesn’t fit your brand.
If you’re open to looking outside Japan, you might want to explore manufacturers in China too.
At TY Cosmetic, we help private-label brands build high-quality products with the same level of trust and clarity you’re looking for in Japan.
We’re based in China, but we work with clients worldwide.
You get:
- Clear communication
- Low-to-mid MOQs
- Full OEM/ODM services
- Support that doesn’t leave you guessing
Reach out. Let’s see if we’re a better match for what you need.
Contact us today and tell us what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Finding the right makeup manufacturer in Japan doesn’t have to feel impossible.
Now you’ve got a clear path.
We’ve covered what each supplier offers, how they work, and what makes them stand out. More importantly, you’ve seen who communicates well and who supports small brands.
This is where it gets exciting.
Because now, it’s your move.
Need help choosing where to begin?
Contact us today and let’s build something together.
