Finding the right lip balm supplier felt like trial and error for my skincare line. Some products melted during shipping. Others arrived with poor packaging or missed deadlines.
Things improved once I focused on UK-based options. They were easier to reach, quicker to deliver, and more open to small batch orders.
This review is built from my hands-on experience working with these companies.
I also looked at how they support growing brands, including pricing, MOQs (minimum order quantities), and turnaround times.
You’ll learn about 7 manufacturers that offer good service and consistent results. This review will help you find one that matches your needs without wasting time or money.
So, let’s get into it!
Quick Comparison Chart
Choosing the right lip balm manufacturer can save you time, money, and stress. To help you compare faster, here’s a side-by-side look at the top 7 UK-based manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Product Variety | Custom Formulations | Certifications | Best For |
| Herrco Cosmetics | Skincare, lip balms, body care | Yes | GMP, ISO | Startups, indie brands |
| Amelia Knight Ltd | Full beauty range | Yes | ISO, cruelty-free | Mass market & luxury brands |
| Star Colour Laboratories | Color cosmetics, skincare | Yes | ISO 9001, GMP | Brands wanting small-batch runs |
| Cosmiko | Lip care, skincare | Yes | ISO 22716, GMP | Organic/natural-focused brands |
| Surefil Beauty Products | Skincare, hair, lip care | Yes | GMP, ISO | Long-term, full-service partners |
| Kasey Beauty | Full makeup range | Yes | ISO 22716, GMP, GLP | Brands wanting full custom builds |
| Honey Balm | Skincare, lip care | Yes | GMP, ethical focus | Sustainability-minded businesses |
This table gives you a snapshot of what each manufacturer brings to the table. Use it to match your business needs with the right partner, whether you’re launching a new line or scaling up.
1. Herrco Cosmetics
When I first looked for a lip balm manufacturer, Herrco was one of the names that kept popping up. I gave them a call and was impressed by how easy they were to talk to. They’re a family-run business that’s been around since 1988.
They work with both big brands and small businesses. That means you don’t have to order huge volumes just to get started. Their team was patient and walked me through everything, from the first formula to final packaging.
Product Range
Herrco makes more than just lip balm. Here’s what they offer:
- Lip balms (including natural and vegan options)
- Skincare like creams and cleansers
- Body care like scrubs and lotions
- Haircare including shampoos and treatments
They’re also open to custom ideas, so if you’ve got a specific vision for your lip balm, they’ll listen.
Research & Development (R&D)
Herrco’s R&D team works in-house. This means they make the formulas themselves instead of outsourcing. That gives you more control over what goes into your product.
They helped me adjust the scent and texture of my balm until it felt right. If you’re unsure where to start, they’ll guide you with samples and options.
They’re also mindful of trends. They can help you add active ingredients like vitamin E or shea butter if you want a more nourishing balm.
Quality Control & Assurance
Herrco has a full quality control process. They test products at different stages to make sure each batch stays consistent.
They also follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This is a set of rules for keeping things clean, safe, and organized during production.
Everything is well documented, and you get peace of mind knowing your product will meet industry standards.
Final Verdict
Herrco is a solid pick for skincare brands that want flexibility, personal support, and smaller order sizes. I liked how they listened to my needs and gave me space to experiment.
The only drawback? Because they’re popular, lead times can be a bit longer. So plan ahead if you’re on a tight schedule.
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.herrco.co.uk
- Headquarters: Suffolk, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0) 1986 874 149
2. Amelia Knight Ltd
Amelia Knight Ltd is a family-run business established in 1998, headquartered in Manchester, UK. They specialize in private label beauty solutions, offering services from concept consultation to delivery across various categories, including cosmetics, skincare, body care, and accessories.
When I first contacted Amelia Knight, I was impressed by their comprehensive approach.
They provided guidance through every step, from initial concept to final product delivery. Their team’s expertise and responsiveness made the process seamless, especially for someone navigating private label manufacturing for the first time.
Product Range
Amelia Knight offers a diverse product portfolio, including:
- Lip balms
- Lipsticks
- Eyeshadows
- Skincare products
- Haircare products
- Body care items
Research & Development (R&D)
Amelia Knight boasts in-house R&D laboratories in the UK and Asia. Their team stays abreast of global beauty trends, ensuring innovative and market-ready formulations. They offer bespoke product development, adapting to client specifications and market demands.
Quality Control & Assurance
The company maintains stringent quality control measures, adhering to global cosmetic regulations, including UK, EU, and USA standards. Their facilities are ISO certified, and they emphasize ethical practices, offering vegan and cruelty-free products.
Final Verdict
Amelia Knight is ideal for brands seeking a comprehensive, end-to-end private label solution. Their extensive experience and global reach make them a reliable partner. However, their broad client base might lead to longer lead times, so planning ahead is advisable.
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.ameliaknight.com
- Headquarters: Unit 3 Cranford Drive, Knutsford WA16 8ZR, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0) 1565 745472
- Email: sales@ameliaknight.com
3. Star Colour Laboratories
Star Colour Laboratories, founded in 2010, is based in Cambridgeshire, UK. They specialize in the development and contract manufacturing of color cosmetics, toiletries, and skincare products. Their services cater to both established brands and startups, offering flexibility in production volumes.
Product Range
- Lip balms
- Lipsticks
- Skincare products
- Personal care items
They accommodate various product types, ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements and safety guidelines.
Research & Development (R&D)
Star Colour Laboratories provides new product development services, focusing on natural, organic, vegan, and Halal standards. They assist clients from concept to finished product, ensuring adherence to cosmetic safety directives.
Quality Control & Assurance
The company is ISO 9001:2008 certified and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They emphasize quality and safety, ensuring products meet industry standards.
Final Verdict
Star Colour Laboratories is a strong choice for brands aiming to develop innovative and compliant cosmetic products. Their flexibility in production volumes and commitment to quality make them suitable for both new and established brands.
However, their specialization in color cosmetics might limit options for brands focusing solely on skincare.
Contact Details
- Website: https://starcolourlaboratories.com
- Headquarters: Unit 10C/10D/10E The Grip Industrial Estate, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4XN, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1223 897997
- Email: sales@starcolourlaboratories.com
4. Cosmiko
Cosmiko, a division of the Stuart Hirst Group established in 1919, operates out of Wetherby, West Yorkshire. They focus on private label skincare and cosmetics, emphasizing natural and premium products. Their services cater to independent retailers and skincare professionals across Europe and internationally.
Product Range
Cosmiko offers a variety of products, including:
- Lip balms
- Lip oils
- Sugar lip scrubs
- Facial oils
- Moisturizers
- Serums
- Body creams
They provide both original formulations and customizable options, accommodating various client needs.
Research & Development (R&D)
Cosmiko develops and tests their products in the UK, ensuring high standards for efficacy and safety. They offer custom formulation services, allowing clients to create products tailored to their brand identity.
Quality Control & Assurance
The company complies with the European Union’s REACH Regulation and other national and international standards. Their products are hypoallergenic and are not tested on animals.
Final Verdict
Cosmiko is ideal for brands seeking natural and customizable skincare products with low minimum order quantities. Their commitment to quality and flexibility makes them a valuable partner for small to medium-sized businesses.
However, their focus on skincare might not suit brands looking for a broader range of cosmetic products.
Contact Details
- Website: https://cosmiko.co.uk
- Headquarters: 715E Thorp Arch Estate, Street 3, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7FY, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1937 844105
- Email: hello@cosmiko.co.uk
5. Surefil Beauty Products Ltd
Surefil Beauty Products Ltd, established in 1980, is located in St. Helens, Merseyside, UK. With over 40 years of experience, they offer comprehensive services from product concept to manufacturing and packaging.
When I first approached Surefil, I was impressed by their willingness to accommodate my small order size. Their team guided me through the entire process, ensuring my product met quality standards.
Product Range
Surefil’s offerings include:
- Lip balms
- Lip glosses
- Skincare products
- Haircare items
- Body care products
- Fragrances
They cater to both large and small brands, providing flexibility in production volumes.
Research & Development (R&D)
Surefil’s R&D team collaborates closely with clients to develop products that align with their brand identity. They offer assistance in formulation, packaging, and compliance with industry regulations.
Quality Control & Assurance
The company adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and maintains ISO certifications, ensuring high-quality production standards. Their quality control measures include rigorous testing at various stages of manufacturing.
Final Verdict
Surefil is an excellent choice for brands seeking a reliable manufacturing partner. Their experience and commitment to quality make them suitable for both startups and established companies.
However, their lead times can be longer due to high demand, so planning ahead is advisable.
Contact Details
- Website: https://surefil.co.uk
- Headquarters: The Bedford Centre, Bedford Street, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA9 1PN, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1744 758820
6. Kasey Beauty
Kasey Beauty, based in the UK, specializes in private label cosmetics manufacturing. With over 10 years of experience, they offer a wide range of customizable products, including lip balms, lipsticks, and other makeup items.
Product Range
Their product offerings include:
- Lip balms
- Lip glosses
- Lipsticks
- Eyeshadows
- Foundations
- Concealers
Kasey Beauty provides customization options for packaging, formulation, and color to meet specific client needs.
Research & Development (R&D)
Their R&D team works closely with clients to develop products that align with market trends and brand identity. They offer assistance in formulation, packaging design, and compliance with industry standards.
Quality Control & Assurance
Kasey Beauty’s manufacturing facility is ISO 22716 certified and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). They ensure product quality through rigorous testing and quality control measures.
Final Verdict
Kasey Beauty is ideal for brands seeking customizable cosmetic products with a focus on quality and compliance. Their extensive experience and certification make them a reliable partner. However, their minimum order quantities may be higher than some startups can accommodate.
Contact Details
- Website: https://kaseybeauty.com
- Headquarters: A4-41 Jin fu yuan, Chouzhou North Rd, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322001, China
- Phone: +86 13282915312
- Email: admin@kaseybeauty.com
7. Honey Balm
Honey Balm is a UK-based manufacturer that specializes in small-batch, private-label cosmetics with a natural and clean formulation ethos. Operating from their facility in West Yorkshire, the brand emphasizes eco-conscious practices, vegan formulations, and cruelty-free production. They cater particularly to boutique beauty startups and wellness-focused brands.
Product Range
Honey Balm’s product offerings include:
- Lip balms
- Body balms
- Solid perfumes
- Hand and foot balms
- Botanical skincare (e.g., facial oils and cleansing balms)
- Custom formulations upon request
Clients can select from a standard line or request fully bespoke products, with options to personalize scent, color, ingredients, and branding.
Research & Development (R&D)
Honey Balm offers collaborative R&D services to help clients design unique products that align with their brand ethos. Their formulation team focuses on clean, natural ingredients and tailors products based on skin type, scent preferences, or desired product claims (e.g., “vegan” or “eco-luxe”). This makes them especially appealing to niche or ethical beauty brands.
Quality Control & Assurance
Honey Balm maintains high quality standards by handcrafting all items in their GMP-compliant facility. They source high-quality, ethically obtained raw materials and ensure that all products are cruelty-free and suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Packaging sustainability is also a priority, with options like recyclable tins and biodegradable labels.
Final Verdict
Honey Balm is ideal for eco-conscious startups and boutique beauty brands looking for artisanal, small-batch production with a clean beauty focus. Their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and customizability makes them a strong partner for brands that prioritize transparency and natural formulations. However, they may not be the best fit for large-scale cosmetic brands needing high-volume output or high-tech formulations.
Contact Details
- Website: https://honeybalm.co.uk/
- Headquarters: Habraken 2601, 5507TR, Veldhoven, Netherlands
- Phone: not publicly listed
Struggling to Find a Lip Balm Manufacturer in the UK?
When I first started searching for a lip balm supplier in the UK, I ran into one issue after another. Some didn’t reply at all. Others had minimum orders I couldn’t meet. A few sent samples that didn’t match what I asked for.
It felt like I was wasting time and losing momentum.
That’s when I started looking beyond the UK. I came across TY Cosmetic, and things started to change. They’re based in China, but the support I received felt closer and more responsive than most local options I’d tried.
Here’s what stood out for me:
- They accepted low MOQs, which helped me test my product idea
- Their team replied fast and clearly explained every step
- I got help from product development to final packaging
- They offer both private label and OEM/ODM services
- The samples I received matched what I’d asked for, on the first try
Working with TY Cosmetic gave me more confidence to move forward. If you’re still looking for the right partner and UK options feel limited, they might be a great fit.
Conclusion
I started with lip balms that leaked, arrived late, or just missed the mark. Now? I’ve found UK suppliers that deliver quality, fast.
You’ve seen 7 solid options. Each one offers something different, whether it’s low MOQs, better support, or faster shipping.
Use this guide to choose the one that fits your brand best.
If you’re starting or scaling a skincare line, TY Cosmetic is a reliable OEM partner for lip balm and more. We make it easy to create products you’ll be proud of.
Contact us today, your better lip balm journey starts now.
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