What to Expect When You Hire a Skincare Lab: A Step-by-Step Founder’s Guide
If you’re building a skincare brand and thinking about working with a lab for the first time - this post is for you
You might be wondering:
What actually happens after I submit an inquiry?
How involved will I be in the process?
Will the lab just “take over” my idea?
It’s totally normal to feel unsure.
But here’s the good news: a good lab doesn’t take over - they partner with you to bring your product to life.
This is your behind-the-scenes guide to what really happens when you start working with a skincare lab like Vaulabs.
Step 1: Discovery + Quote
It starts with your idea. You don’t need a full formula - just a clear sense of what you want to create.
We’ll ask questions like:
What kind of product are you developing? (Serum, cream, toner, etc.)
What’s your target customer or skin concern?
Any must-have or must-avoid ingredients?
Do you have packaging in mind?
What’s your estimated order size (MOQ)?
Once we have this info, we’ll send a custom quote outlining R&D cost, timeline, and production options.
You are not locked in at this stage - it’s just the first conversation.
Step 2: R&D Begins
Once you approve the quote and submit your R&D fee, we begin formulation.
At Vaulabs, this includes
A custom formula built from scratch by our chemists
Ingredient strategy (for texture, efficacy, and compliance)
Two rounds of revisions
Sample shipping within the U.S.
We don’t use pre-made bases. Everything is formulated for your brand, your customer, and your performance goals.
You’ll receive the first round of lab samples in about 3-4 weeks.
Step 3: Review + Feedback
Once your samples arrive, we’ll ask for detailed feedback:
How does it feel on your skin?
Does it match your vision for texture and scent?
Are you happy with how it applies or absorbs?
Any performance changes you’d like to see?
Based on your notes, we’ll make adjustments, then send your second (and final) round of samples.
This is also the stage where we’ll recommend final packaging specs and ensure compatibility.
Step 4: Production Planning
After you approve the final formula, we begin planning your first production run.
This includes:
Finalizing your packaging specs
Ordering and receiving components
Scheduling your batch in our manufacturing queue
Confirming compliance (INCI, label claims, shelf life)
Typical lead time for first-time production: 10–12 weeks
Reorders: 6–8 weeks, depending on inventory
We also provide COAs and QA/QC reports.
Step 5: Your Product Is Ready
Once production is complete, your product is:
Filled
Labeled
Packaged
Sealed
And ready to ship
We offer shipping coordination and will work with your fulfillment center or 3PL if needed.
What Founders Love About Working With Us
At Vaulabs, we work with beauty founders who are building brands, not just making products.
Our clients appreciate that we:
Break things down simply (no chemistry degree required)
Support them through every decision
Deliver products that perform, not just look good
Offer full transparency on what’s in the formula (and why)
Stay on the project until it’s ready for shelf, site, or Sephora
Final Thoughts
Hiring a skincare lab isn’t scary - it’s smart.
It means you’re taking your idea seriously.
It means you’re ready to create a product that customers come back for.
It means you’re ready to stop guessing and start scaling.
Want to see if your product is a fit for lab development?
We’d be happy to talk through the process and timeline.
Contact us at info@vaulabs.com or send us a message.
Let’s build something that works and lasts.