Beauty Startup Basics: 3 Terms You Must Know

BEAUTY GLOSSARY

Beauty Startup Basics: 3 Terms You Must Know

Build your brand the smart way.

Thinking about launching your own beauty brand?

You’re not alone!

But as soon as you dive into the world of cosmetics manufacturing, you’ll hear new words that can leave you feeling lost.

The truth? Understanding a few key terms can save you from expensive mistakes—and help you build a brand you’re proud of.

Let’s break down the three most important terms you need to know before your very first order:

1. COA (Certificate of Analysis)

“How do I know my product is safe?”

Imagine this: You’ve found a manufacturer and are about to start production.

But how do you know your serum or cream is actually safe, and meets all the requirements of the cosmetic regulations?

Solution: Ask for the COA!

A Certificate of Analysis is the official test report from the factory, showing your batch passed safety checks for things like bacteria and heavy metals.

This document can only be shared after production has begun.

Why it matters: No COA = risk of recalls or being stopped at customs.

✅ What to do: Always ask for the COA before approving production or shipping.

[ With CTKCLIP ]

We check every COA for you, so you can launch without any problem.

COA document with lab test results and cosmetic container, showing Certificate of Analysis in a lab setting

2. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

“Why can’t I order just 100 bottles?”

Many who are new to the industry are surprised to learn that most factories have a minimum order size—often 1,000 units or more.

✅ Why it matters: If you don’t plan for the MOQ, you might run out of budget, or be stuck with too much stock.

➡️ Proven situation: A founder orders 500 units, but the factory won’t accept the order. This causes the production and launch plans to be delayed.

✅ What to do: Always check the MOQ before you start, and be realistic about what you can sell.

[ With CTKCLIP ]

We offer solutions for both small and large orders—no surprises.

3. PPS & PSS (Pre-Production Sample & Pre-Shipment Sample)

“Will the final product look like my sample?”

You approved a sample, but what about the rest of the batch?

- PPS: The samples made before full production begins, which acts as the benchmark for production.

- PSS: A sample pulled from the finished batch, just before shipping to ensure that the finished goods align with the PPS.

✅ Why it matters: Skipping these steps means your final products might not match your expectations (think: wrong color, poor packaging, or missing features).

➡️ Proven situation: A brand skipped the PSS—and discovered 5,000 jars had misprinted labels only after delivery.

✅ What to do: Always check and approve the PPS and PSS.

[ With CTKCLIP ]

We manage sampling and approvals for you, including strict quality assurance protocols before shipment, to ensure what you see is what you get.

Side-by-side comparison of PPS and PSS cosmetic product samples with labels and color differences