Having day cream manufactured: How brands strategically combine texture, daytime protection, and SPF
Having day cream manufactured: How brands strategically combine texture, daytime protection, and SPF
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CEO & Founder at Labtree GmbH
The day cream is the best-selling skincare category and at the same time the most demanding in terms of sensory profile. Texture, daytime protection, and optional SPF integration determine whether a product becomes part of the morning routine or remains unused.
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A light texture and quick absorption are key, as day creams must be fully absorbed before applying makeup.
SPF integration is possible, but extends development by 4 to 8 weeks due to ISO-certified testing.
With formulation basis and early parallel consideration: 2 to 4 months without SPF, 3 to 5 months with SPF until market launch.
The choice of daytime formulation is the first strategic decision. It determines the sensory profile, absorption, and potential marketing claim.
Light O/W emulsion: Standard for day creams, fast absorption, matte or slightly shiny finish. Brand promise: light daily-use care, broad target group.
Gel-cream: hybrid texture, very light, fresh skin feel. Ideal for combination skin and summer. Brand promise: light daytime care, skin-soothing.
Fluid with a high water phase: even lighter than gel-cream, almost watery texture. Brand promise: ultra-light, oily skin.
Tinted day cream (BB or CC cream): care plus light coverage. Brand promise: skin care and makeup in one single step.
Day cream with SPF: combines skin care and UV protection. Brand promise: integrated daily UV protection.
The choice depends heavily on the target group's skin type and the positioning price point. An SPF variant can be useful as a line extension without replacing the basic day cream.
Which daytime formula carries which brand promise
The choice of daytime formulation is the first strategic decision. It determines the sensory profile, absorption, and potential marketing claim.
Light O/W emulsion: Standard for day creams, fast absorption, matte or slightly shiny finish. Brand promise: light daily-use care, broad target group.
Gel-cream: hybrid texture, very light, fresh skin feel. Ideal for combination skin and summer. Brand promise: light daytime care, skin-soothing.
Fluid with a high water phase: even lighter than gel-cream, almost watery texture. Brand promise: ultra-light, oily skin.
Tinted day cream (BB or CC cream): care plus light coverage. Brand promise: skin care and makeup in one single step.
Day cream with SPF: combines skin care and UV protection. Brand promise: integrated daily UV protection.
The choice depends heavily on the target group's skin type and the positioning price point. An SPF variant can be useful as a line extension without replacing the basic day cream.
Daytime Protection: Antioxidants and UV Filters
Daytime skin is exposed to UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. Two protective layers can be integrated into a day cream:
Antioxidants: Vitamin E, Vitamin C derivatives, polyphenols (green tea extract). Protect against free radicals. Typical concentrations: Vitamin E 0.5 to 2 percent, Vitamin C derivatives 1 to 5 percent.
UV filters (optional): chemical filters (e.g., octocrylene, avobenzone) or mineral filters (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide). Typical SPF strengths for day creams: SPF 15 to 30.
SPF integration is demanding from a regulatory standpoint: SPF products are classified as cosmetic sunscreens and require separate SPF testing (ISO 24444 for SPF, ISO 24443 for UVA-PF). This extends the development time by 4 to 8 weeks.
Sensory profile: Matte vs. Glow
The sensory profile of a day cream decides whether it is used daily. Three sensory levers:
Absorption speed: Day creams must be fully absorbed in under 60 seconds so that makeup can be applied without any problems.
Finish: matte for oily skin and makeup wearers, slightly shiny (glow) for dry skin and natural looks.
Skin feel: light, soft, without stickiness. Polyols (glycerin, propylene glycol) and light esters provide the right skin feel.
Sensory profile is iteratively optimized in the sampling phase. It is worth spending time here because it determines repeat purchases.
Packaging and Application Ritual
The packaging of a day cream balances everyday practicality and brand aesthetics:
Tube: hygienic, suitable for everyday use, good active ingredient stability. Medium cost. Standard for mass-market and mid-premium.
Pump dispenser: precise dosing, hygienic, premium appearance. Suitable for light to medium textures.
Glass jar: classic, premium appearance. More air contact during application.
Airless pump: optimal stability for oxidation-sensitive active ingredients (Vitamin C). Premium positioning.
Time and cost variables
White label on pre-qualified formulation-basis: 2 to 3 months, unit costs from approx. 2.50 to 6 EUR (depending on active ingredient system, packaging, batch size)
Day cream with SPF: 3 to 5 months, higher initial costs due to ISO-certified SPF tests
Custom new development: 3 to 6 months, higher initial costs for stability testing, sensory profile iterations and, if applicable, skin compatibility studies
Typical MOQ: 1,000 to 5,000 units with standard packaging, higher with airless pumps
At Labtree, pre-qualified day cream formulations in different textures and with optional SPF integration serve as a starting point. Brands see early on which base fits the planned positioning.
In-depth sources: The legal basis for all cosmetic products distributed in the EU is the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. In Germany, the health assessment of ingredients is the responsibility of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Industry information and market data are published by the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW).
The 5-phase process for a day cream
Conceptualization: Selection of the day formulation, the active ingredient system and the optional SPF integration on the basis of brand promise, target group and price point. Allocation to a suitable formulation base from the Labtree pool.
sampling: Standard samples of pre-qualified formulations are sent from the sample warehouse within 24 hours, free of charge for customers. Initial sensory evaluation on real products, especially under make-up.
Individualization: Targeted adjustment of active ingredient concentration, absorption rate, finish (matte or glow), fragrance. Iterative sample variants until the sensory profile fits.
Prototyping: Test batch in production-like size. In parallel, packaging, design, regulatory requirements (for SPF: additional tests) and production capability are considered early on, instead of being addressed only after final formulation approval.
Production: Scaling to final batch size, transition to routine production. Because production capability was already considered in the prototyping phase, the final step is coordinated.
Related articles: Have face cream produced · Have night cream produced · Have sunscreen with SPF produced
Own day cream formulations in the pool: Do stability-tested bases already exist in various light textures and with or without SPF, or does every development start from scratch?
Own laboratory: Can sensory profile, finish and active ingredient adjustments be made in-house, or do they have to be commissioned externally?
SPF expertise (if relevant): Experience with ISO 24444 / 24443 testing and the regulatory registration of sunscreen cosmetics.
Speed of sampling: Standard samples within 24 hours is a realistic benchmark. Shipping is also free of charge at Labtree.
Early parallel consideration: Packaging selection, stability protocol and regulatory preparation should run parallel to formulation adjustment, instead of only being addressed after final approval.
Scalability: From the test batch to large-scale production without interface disruption.
Having day cream produced is a project that can be planned well if the strategic decisions (texture, daytime protection, optional SPF integration) are made early and are based on a pre-qualified formulation base. Anyone who considers formulation, packaging, and regulatory preparation in parallel can reach market launch in 2 to 4 months. SPF variants require an additional 4 to 8 weeks for certified tests.
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FAQ
Does Labtree have its own laboratory?
Yes. Labtree has its own development expertise, including a laboratory. This means that formulations can not only be selected, but specifically developed, tested, and adjusted. Additionally, smaller test batches can be produced in-house in order to validate products early on in real conditions and safely transfer them to production.
Should a day cream contain SPF?
That depends on the brand positioning. SPF integrates protection into the routine but extends development and increases complexity. Many brands offer two variants: a basic day cream and an SPF variant as a line extension.
Which texture is right for a day cream?
For most skin types, a lightweight O/W emulsion works well. Combination skin and summer conditions benefit from gel-creams or fluids. Very dry skin requires richer bases, but typically as a separate night cream.
How long does it take to develop a day cream?
For White Label based on a pre-qualified formulation without SPF: 2 to 3 months. With SPF: 3 to 5 months. Individual new development: 3 to 6 months. Decisive factors are stability tests, sensory profile iterations, and, if applicable, SPF certification.
What minimum quantity is realistic?
For standard packaging 1,000 to 5,000 pieces per product, with specialized containers such as airless pumps correspondingly higher. Test batches from approx. 1,000 to 2,000 pieces are possible for market validation.
How much does a day cream cost to produce?
Project-dependent. Unit costs for White Label with standard packaging are typically 2.50 to 6 EUR for a medium batch size. SPF variants are approx. 1 to 2 EUR higher per piece due to UV filters and certified tests. Initial costs include stability tests, skin compatibility tests and regulatory documentation.
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