“What’s your minimum order? How much does it cost? Can I get samples?” These are the three questions almost every brand founder asks us first, so here are the honest answers, and a clear picture of how a project actually works at Laboratori Italiani, from first idea to products in your warehouse.
The one principle behind everything
Everything we do is fully custom made, built around your vision. There is no standard proposal: we listen to what you want to create, and we propose the route that fits it. That is also why the honest answer to most pricing questions is “it depends on your project”, and below we explain exactly what it depends on.
Minimum order quantities
Units and minimums always depend on the project. As orientation:
- White label (ready formulas): our white label catalogue of finished, market-tested formulas, from 500 pieces per reference, in the packaging and format you choose.
- Private label (custom development): indicatively from around 500 to 1,000 units per SKU, depending on formula and packaging.
- Custom packaging moulds: proprietary shapes typically become viable from around 10,000 units.
Tell us your target volumes and we will propose the right configuration. Everything is possible, and the proposal is built around you, not the other way round.
How costs work
A custom project has two cost components:
- R&D development: the laboratory work to create your formula and samples. Scoped per project based on complexity (from €600 to €5,000), and, importantly, fully deducted from your first production order. If you produce with us, development effectively costs you nothing extra.
- Production: your unit cost, driven by formula (actives, texture complexity), packaging (component choice, decoration, custom moulds) and volume. Unit costs fall significantly as volumes grow.
For white label formulas there is no R&D phase at all: you choose the formula, we quote production in your packaging.
The timeline, step by step
| Phase | What happens | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brief | You complete the Product/Formula Brief; we discuss your vision and volumes | — |
| 2. R&D offer | You receive a tailored development proposal | ~1–2 weeks |
| 3. Development & samples | The lab creates your formula; you approve samples (typically 2–3 rounds) | 2–4 months |
| 4. Compliance | CPSR, PIF and CPNP handled in house, in parallel | parallel |
| 5. Production | Manufacturing, filling and packing in our Lombardy facility | 60–90 days from formula & artwork approval |
A typical first custom product launches within 5 to 7 months of the initial brief. White label formulas can be on the market in a few weeks.
Samples
For custom development, sampling is part of the R&D phase: you approve your own formula in your hands before production begins. For white label formulas, samples are available on request as part of your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t you publish a fixed price list for custom products?
Because no two custom products cost the same. A basic moisturiser and a peptide serum with a custom airless bottle have completely different cost structures. What we promise instead: a transparent, itemised offer for your specific project, quickly.
Is the R&D fee really deducted from production?
Yes, fully. It aligns our incentives with yours: we succeed when your product goes into production, not by selling development work.
Can I start small and scale?
Yes, that is the classic path. Many brands start with white label references at low volumes, validate their market, then reinvest into custom development for their hero products. One partner, both paths.
What do you need from me to give a quote?
Your product idea (category, texture references, actives or claims you care about), your packaging direction, and your target volumes. The Product/Formula Brief captures all of it in a few minutes.
Next step
Let’s build your brand
Complete the Product / Formula Brief and our team will send you a tailored R&D development offer: the first step from idea to finished, market-ready product.
R&D from €600 to €5,000 · fully deducted from production · MOQ 500 to 1,000 units · 60 to 90 day timeline