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The better choice usually depends on one practical question: are you optimizing for lower unit cost and wider product options, or faster local replenishment with simpler coordination? Most skincare brands end up choosing based on what they need right now.
If you're building a skincare brand in South America, the decision has a few extra wrinkles: long shipping routes, heat and humidity exposure, and the need to keep inventory healthy while cash is tied up in stock. Let's break this down like a buyer, not like a sales pitch.
Before comparing suppliers, decide what you’re scoring. Here are the six criteria that matter most:
1. Total landed cost (not just the factory quote)
2. Speed to launch (development + approvals + production + shipping)
3. Consistency at scale (QC system + documentation)
4. Customization depth (formulas, textures, packaging options)
5. Supply chain strength (components availability, stable sourcing)
6. Operational load (communication effort, time zones, issue handling)
China's biggest advantage is often unit economics at volume, especially when you're moving beyond small test orders and want healthier margins. But the key is this: you have to compare total landed cost, not just ex-factory price.
Total landed cost includes:
Another big China advantage is the ecosystem: formula bases, component suppliers, and decoration options are often easier to access in one place. That shows up as:
If you're still deciding between jars, tubes, pumps, or airless bottles, our packaging options guide breaks down what each format is best for and what to watch out for.
Here's what actually worked for many founders: start with stock packaging for the first launch, prove demand, then upgrade to custom finishes when the reorder cycle is predictable.
People often assume overseas equals slow. In reality, the sampling speed often depends more on your inputs than on the factory's location.
When the brief is specific (texture target, must-have and must-avoid ingredients, packaging type, reference products), Chinese OEM labs can iterate quickly because raw materials and components are usually easier to source in the same network.
We've seen this fail when brands treat sampling like casual chatting: "Make it lighter… now more nourishing… now fragrance-free… now cheaper… now more premium." That's not feedback. That's a moving target. If you want speed, change one or two variables per round and approve fast.
If your plan includes distributor-led growth, you'll care about:
China manufacturers that serve B2B buyers daily are often set up for this kind of scaling, as long as you choose the right factory and request the right evidence.
If you want to sound credible to your audience, don't pretend there are no concerns. Address them clearly, then show how to control them.
Quality isn't a country issue. It's a process and evidence issue.
Before you approve bulk production, request an evidence chain:
For a step-by-step list of QC evidence to request before you approve bulk, read our guide on how brands can validate OEM product quality before production.
This is real. The fix is not wishful thinking. The fix is planning.
First, understand that lead time is not only "factory days." It’s:
Domestic manufacturers often highlight shorter shipping time and simpler logistics, which can help speed delivery. That's a real advantage, especially for frequent small replenishments. But many brands underestimate how much time is lost on slow approvals and unclear briefs.
Time zones don't kill projects. Poor process does.
If you want smooth communication:
In our experience, the brands who win here treat OEM like project management, not like shopping.
Local manufacturing can be a great fit when:
Many suppliers emphasize that proximity can improve communication and reduce transport complexity.
The limits often show up when you try to expand:
This doesn't mean local is "worse." It just means local tends to win on speed and coordination, while China often wins on options and unit economics as you scale.
If you're pre-launch or launching your first SKU:
Pick the option that reduces complexity. Stock packaging, one hero product, clear brief. If China gives you better options at a workable MOQ, it can be a strong choice.
If you're scaling DTC:
You need consistency, repeatable lead times, and healthier margins. China often starts to win here, but only if you lock approvals and request the QC evidence chain.
If you're building through distributors:
Prioritize documentation, QC discipline, stable packaging, and scalable supply. China manufacturing often fits well, because you can expand SKUs and packaging formats faster once the system is working.
If you want the full workflow in one place, our guide on how OEM manufacturing works breaks the process into clear stages.
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