Starting a cosmetics brand feels exciting—until you have to find a lip gloss manufacturer.
That part? It threw me off.
When I first stepped into this space, I didn’t know what to look for.
Was I supposed to go by price? By location? By how nice their website looked?
All I knew was I wanted something simple, clean, and based in the UK.
But finding the right one? Took time. A lot of it.
After working with different brands and testing different manufacturers, I finally built a list I could trust.
And now, I’m sharing that list with you.
In this article, you’ll find 7 of the best lip gloss manufacturers in the UK.
I’ll tell you what they offer, who they’re great for, and what makes them stand out.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear idea of who to contact—and who to skip.
Let’s get started!
Comparison Chart
Before you scroll through the full reviews, here’s a bite-sized overview. This table shows the basics—what they offer, where they shine, and who they’re best for.
| Manufacturer | Location | Year Founded | Specialty | MOQ (Approx.) | Ideal For |
| Cosmolab | Billingham, UK | N/A | Lip + Tooth Gloss | 10,000 | Brands wanting niche dual-use gloss |
| Herrco Cosmetics | Suffolk, UK | 1988 | Clean Beauty & Sustainable Formulas | Low MOQs | Startups & eco-conscious brands |
| Star Colour Laboratories | UK | N/A | Compliance-Driven Colour Cosmetics | Not Specified | Brands needing steady, compliant manufacturing |
| Amelia Knight Ltd | Cheshire, UK | 1998 | Retail-Ready Kits & Speed to Market | Mid to Large Volumes | Fast-launch products and retail kits |
| Surefil Beauty | UK | 1980 | Flexible Packaging and Practical Beauty | Flexible | Brands needing simple, stable products |
| Cosmiko | Wetherby, UK | N/A | Natural & Vegan Lip Care | Low Minimum Orders | Small brands seeking natural lip care |
| Creative Cosmetics | Ipswich, UK | N/A | Color Cosmetics & Retail Kits | Not Specified | Retailers needing display-ready kits |
Now that you’ve got the overview, let’s dive into the full breakdown of each manufacturer next.
1. Cosmolab
Website: https://www.cosmolab.co.uk/
Year Founded: N/A
Location: Billingham, United Kingdom
When I first came across CosmoLab, I remember thinking—wait, lip gloss and tooth gloss in one? That caught my attention.
CosmoLab is based right here in the UK and does something I haven’t seen many others do. They make a dual-use product that works for both lips and teeth. It’s not just about the shine—it’s about creating a full smile moment.
If you’re a brand looking for something that feels different, this might be the direction to explore. What I really like is how they mix fun and function. You get lip shine, flavor options, and even a pearly glow for your teeth—all in one swipe for your offerings.
Product Lineup
CosmoLab’s product offerings include:
- Lip Gloss: Smooth, shiny formulas made for everyday use. Available in a few colors and finishes. Some include extras like jojoba oil or vitamin E to help with hydration.
- Tooth Gloss: This is a gloss you apply to your teeth to add a bright, reflective sheen. It’s safe to use and gives your smile a little extra glow—perfect for photo shoots or events.
- 2-in-1 Lip + Tooth Gloss: Their signature product. It comes in shades like gold and silver and flavors like mint and strawberry. It’s subtle but fun—something your customers will remember.
Manufacturing Strength
CosmoLab provides comprehensive private label services, including:
- Custom Formulation: Creating unique products tailored to brand specifications.
- Packaging Options: A range of packaging choices to suit different branding needs.
- Flexible Sizing: Manufacturing products in various sizes as per business requirements.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Set at 10,000 pieces for their lip and tooth gloss products.
Final Thoughts
CosmoLab is perfect for businesses looking for a niche product that stands out—something playful, fresh, and different from standard lip gloss lines. However, the high minimum order quantity might not suit newer or smaller brands just testing the market.
2. Herrco Cosmetics
Website: https://www.herrco.co.uk/
Year Founded: 1988
Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
I had a conversation with a founder who launched her first lip product with Herrco. She told me their team didn’t just send samples—they walked her through ingredient choices, helped tweak the formula, and even suggested packaging that better matched her target market.
That kind of hands-on help? It’s rare.
Herrco Cosmetics is a family-run business that has been formulating and manufacturing beauty products for over three decades. They have built a reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Their team is known for being proactive and collaborative, often working closely with brands to develop products that align with current market trends. They cater to a diverse clientele, from luxury and spa brands to startups and indie labels
Product Lineup
Herrco offers a broad range of cosmetic products, including:
- Lip Gloss: Various formulations with different finishes and textures.
- Skincare Products: Creams, lotions, and serums tailored to different skin types.
- Haircare Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.
- Body Care Products: Body washes, scrubs, and moisturizers.
Their emphasis on innovation means they are continually developing new formulations to meet the evolving needs of the beauty industry.
Manufacturing Strength
Herrco’s manufacturing capabilities are robust, with facilities designed to scale production as demand grows. They offer:
- No Development Fees: They waive initial development costs, reducing barriers for new brands.
- Award-Winning Formulations: Their products have received industry recognition for quality and innovation.
- Sustainability Focus: Commitment to eco-friendly practices and ingredients.
Their proactive approach ensures that brands are kept at the forefront of market trends, with access to the latest ingredients and product ideas.
Final Thoughts
Herrco Cosmetics is ideal for businesses seeking a collaborative partner with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Their low MOQs and no development fees make them particularly appealing to startups and indie brands.
However, their focus on bespoke formulations and quality may result in longer lead times, which could be a consideration for brands needing rapid product launches.
3. Star Colour Laboratories
Website: https://starcolourlaboratories.com
Year Founded: N/A
Location: United Kingdom
Star Colour isn’t loud or flashy. But when I got on a call with a brand owner who worked with them, she told me they were reliable in a quiet, no-fuss way. They paid attention. They followed up. And they got the job done with care.
This UK-based manufacturer makes colour cosmetics, skincare, and toiletries. But it’s not just about the product—they help brands shape their formulas around what their customers actually want. They’re also serious about product safety and follow all the guidelines you’d expect from a compliant UK lab.
If you’re looking for a team that’s flexible, experienced, and grounded in real manufacturing knowledge, Star Colour is worth a closer look.
Product Lineup
Star Colour Laboratories offers a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, including:
- Lip Balms: Simple, clean, and hydrating.
- Concealers: Creamy textures for easy application.
- Custom Colour Cosmetics: Eye, cheek, and face products tailored to your specs.
They’re open to exploring new ideas and can help develop products around your brand’s direction.
Manufacturing Strength
Star Colour focuses on safety, quality, and ethical manufacturing. Their strengths include:
- UK-Based Production: Keeps things local, easier for communication and compliance
- Experienced Team: Many staff members have 10+ years in the cosmetics field
- Safety Compliance: Meets ISO 9001:2000 and UN22716 GMP standards
- Ethical Standards: They’re Sedex members, which shows commitment to responsible sourcing and labor practices
They operate in a clean, well-organized facility and offer a professional yet approachable working style.
Final Thoughts
Star Colour Laboratories is perfect for businesses that value consistency and hands-on support without all the hype. However, they may not be the best match if you’re looking for highly experimental or trendy gloss innovations.
4. Amelia Knight Ltd
Website: https://www.ameliaknight.com/
Year Founded: 1998
Location: Cheshire, United Kingdom
Amelia Knight Ltd have grown to become a significant player in the beauty industry, supplying a wide range of cosmetic products to various retailers and brands. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted partner for many businesses looking to develop and expand their cosmetic lines.
Product Lineup
Amelia Knight offers an extensive range of cosmetic products, including:
- Lip Glosses: Various formulations and finishes to cater to different market preferences.
- Lipsticks: A wide array of shades and textures.
- Eyeshadows: Single shades and palettes in multiple finishes.
- Foundations and Concealers: Products suitable for various skin tones and types.
- Nail Polishes: A diverse selection of colors and finishes.
Their product offerings are designed to meet the needs of a broad customer base, allowing brands to tailor their selections to specific market demands.
Manufacturing Strength
Amelia Knight’s manufacturing capabilities are robust, with facilities equipped to handle large-scale production. They offer:
- Speed To Market Focus: Their systems are built for quick turnarounds, helping you hit shelf dates without the scramble.
- Retail-Ready Presentation: Every product is prepped to meet retailer requirements, from packaging specs to barcoding.
- Global Compliance Support: They’re used to navigating international cosmetic regulations and can help with export steps.
- Trend Integration: They track consumer shifts and help brands launch shades and textures that match upcoming demand.
Their experience and infrastructure make them a reliable partner for brands looking to scale their product offerings.
Final Thoughts
Amelia Knight Ltd is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a seasoned UK-based cosmetics manufacturer with a broad product range and strong production capabilities. Their experience in the industry and commitment to quality make them a dependable partner for brands aiming to expand their cosmetic lines.
However, their focus on large-scale production may not be ideal for smaller startups or brands with limited initial order volumes.
5. Surefil Beauty Products Ltd
Website: https://surefil.co.uk/
Year Founded: 1980
Location: United Kingdom
Surefil has been around since 1980, and what stands out about them is their practical, no-fuss approach. They’re not chasing beauty trends every second—but they are very good at helping brands build reliable products that deliver.
When I spoke with a consultant who worked with them on a body care line, she mentioned how consistent and clear their communication was. No jargon, no delays—just honest back and forth that made the whole process smoother.
They’ve supported private label launches across skincare, haircare, and lip care—and they know how to move ideas from test batch to full production without getting stuck in endless revisions.
Product Lineup
Surefil’s focus leans more toward everyday beauty and personal care products that require stability and shelf-life. That includes:
- Squeezy Tube Lip Glosses: Non-sticky, everyday formulas ideal for pharmacy or grocery shelves.
- Dual-Purpose Lip & Cheek Tints: Creamy products packaged for quick-use beauty lines.
- Natural Lip Conditioning Gels: Simple, ingredient-conscious glosses for brands pushing clean claims.
Manufacturing Strength
Here’s what they’re known for:
- In-House Filling Flexibility: They handle everything from squeezable tubes to airless pump systems.
- Bespoke Packaging Sourcing: If you want something different, they help you find it—even if it means sourcing overseas.
- Modular Production Capability: Their setup works for both mid-range and higher volume production.
- Regulatory Knowledge: They’ve been around long enough to know UK and EU cosmetic compliance inside out.
One thing I liked is that they don’t pressure you to scale fast. They let you grow into your line, which helps when budgets are tight.
Final Thoughts
Surefil is perfect for businesses that want flexibility in how their lip gloss is packaged—and who plan to eventually expand into other personal care items without switching manufacturers. They’re especially helpful if your brand values consistency, stability, and long-term growth.
However, they might not be ideal if you’re focused on ultra-trendy, high-shine lip glosses or influencer-style packaging. Their strength is practical beauty, not flash.
6. Cosmiko
Website: https://cosmiko.co.uk/
Year Founded: N/A
Location: Wetherby, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Some manufacturers make you feel like a small order is a problem. Cosmiko isn’t like that.
They’re a UK-based manufacturer that specializes in natural, vegan-friendly lip care products. What makes them different is how welcoming they are to small businesses. You don’t need to hit massive volumes or jump through hoops to get started. They’ve made the process simple—clean formulations, transparent ingredient sourcing, and low minimum order quantities.
Product Lineup
Cosmiko offers a range of lip care products, including:
- Beeswax Lip Balm: Contains shea, cocoa, and mango butters, blended with hydrating natural oils to keep lips soft.
- Sugar Lip Scrub: Exfoliates and removes dead skin cells while delivering hydration through natural oils.
- Vegan Lip Balm: Made with soya wax, mango butter, and natural oils, providing moisturizing qualities without animal-derived ingredients.
These products are available in a variety of flavors and packaging options, allowing brands to customize according to their preferences.
Manufacturing Strength
Cosmiko’s manufacturing capabilities include:
- Original Formulations: They develop unique products tailored to brand specifications.
- Low Minimum Orders: Flexible order quantities suitable for startups and small businesses.
- Bulk Options: Ability to scale production as the business grows.
- Customer Support: Comprehensive assistance throughout the product development process.
Their focus on natural ingredients and flexibility in order quantities make them an ideal partner for brands emphasizing clean beauty and ethical sourcing.
Final Thoughts
Cosmiko is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a UK-based manufacturer specializing in natural and vegan lip care products at competitive prices. However, their product range is more focused on lip care rather than a wide array of cosmetic products, which might be a limitation for brands looking to expand into other makeup categories.
7. Creative Cosmetics Ltd
Website: https://creativecosmetics.com
Year Founded: N/A
Location: Ipswich, United Kingdom
Creative Cosmetics has built a name as one of the UK’s go-to contract manufacturers for private label color cosmetics. What I find interesting about them is how they blend flexibility with experience. They work with everyone—from global retailers to small online startups—and they’re set up to manage both custom formulas and ready-to-go options.
If you’re in the middle of figuring out how to scale a product line, they offer choices: start simple with stock formulas or go custom with their lab team. It’s that in-between space that works for brands testing ideas but wanting room to grow.
Product Lineup
Creative Cosmetics offers a wide but very specific mix of cosmetic goods focused on color and presentation:
- Sponge Tip Lip Gloss Pens: Often used in high street retail packs—great for gifting or kits.
- Plumping Glosses: Stock formulas that deliver tingling, fuller-lip effects.
- Custom-Color Lip Glosses: Their team blends shades in-house, allowing you to tweak pigments for something signature.
Manufacturing Strength
Creative Cosmetics isn’t trying to be a skincare lab or a natural-only supplier. Their edge is in:
- Turnkey Kit Production: They can design and pack full lip kits, palettes, or combo sets for retail sale
- Stock Formula Bank: Quick-start glosses, shadows, and pencils that are ready to label and go
- In-House Mixing Lab: Their small color lab allows fast tweaks without long delays
- Filling and Assembly Lines: Ideal for brands that need their products boxed, barcoded, and display-ready on delivery
I once saw a brand use them to launch a holiday lip kit in under six weeks. Their speed with kitting was the difference between missing and hitting retail season deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Creative Cosmetics is a great pick for brands looking to build retail-friendly, private-label cosmetic kits or gloss collections without starting from scratch. They’re flexible, experienced, and built for fast-moving product lines that need shelf appeal.
That said, they’re less suited for ingredient-heavy clean beauty lines or brands that need full transparency on sourcing or sustainability.
Looking For A Manufacturer Outside UK?
Let’s be honest—sometimes local just doesn’t work.
Maybe the formulas felt flat.
Maybe the service was slow.
Or maybe you just want more choices.
That’s when some brands look abroad.
TY Cosmetic is based in China. We work with startups and growing businesses looking for lip gloss manufacturing with:
- Custom scents
- Soft, hydrating finishes
- Lower minimums
- Faster lead times
- More color and texture options
If you didn’t quite find the right fit in the UK, don’t worry.
We’re just a click away. Contact us today and let’s explore what we could create together.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the top lip gloss manufacturers in the UK.
Some are big. Some are small. Some might fit you—some won’t.
I’ve been there too—scrolling late at night, hoping the next link would be the one. Eventually, I found my path. So will you.
If the UK doesn’t give you what you need, TY Cosmetic is ready to help. We’ve helped brands start from scratch—and grow beyond it.
Contact us today. Let’s make it happen together!
