Private label formulas for oily-looking skin

Developing a product for oily-looking skin

Customers with oily-looking skin are usually texture-sensitive. They reject anything heavy, sticky or greasy, so a light, quick-absorbing feel is the first requirement. The second is a finish that stays matte or natural through the day.

Formats that suit it

• Gel and foam cleansers that leave skin feeling clean but not tight. See private label cleansers.
• Gel creams and light lotions, because oily-looking skin still benefits from moisture. Browse moisturisers.
• Serums with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, or salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid.
• Clay masks for a weekly step; clays absorb surface oil.
• Powders and primers that give an instant matte finish.

Texture and pairing choices

Pair a gentle daily cleanser with a light moisturiser, then add one active serum and a weekly mask. Avoid stacking several exfoliating products in one routine; customers tend to overuse them. If acids are included, the label normally advises daily sunscreen.

Packaging

Gel cleansers suit tubes and pumps. Powders need compacts with a good seal and a sifter or puff. Gel creams work well in airless pumps, which keep fingers out of the product.

Claims that need evidence

"Mattifying" and "shine-control" claims about a finish need simple use testing. Timed claims such as shine control for a set number of hours need instrumental or consumer testing before use. Some markets limit how much salicylic acid can be used in cosmetics, so confirm local rules. Read how product development works or ask about custom formulation.