Custom Skincare and Perfume Packaging: Your Ultimate Guide

“Hi, I want to ask about skincare packaging.” “Hi, I want custom perfume bottles.” “Hi, I want custom skincare packaging.”

These questions have become routine at the Lumei hotline. Recently, most of our clients come with two main requests: custom skincare packaging and custom perfume bottles.

In this article, we’ll discuss the industry facts behind this trend, as well as challenges faced by local brands in developing their product packaging.

Beauty Industry Facts in Indonesia: Rapid Growth in Skincare & Perfume

• The Indonesian skincare market reached around USD 2.4 billion in 2023. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of skincare, including among men (Euromonitor International, 2023).

• The local perfume market is also expanding rapidly. It is expected to reach USD 663.5 million by 2027, with a CAGR of 5.7%. This reflects the rising popularity of local perfume brands (ProductNation, 2023).

• Local skincare brands like Somethinc, Avoskin, and Skin Dewi have earned their place due to product innovation and quality (Somethinc Official, Avoskin Official, PopMama, 2024).

• In perfumes, brands such as HMNS, Oullu, and Saff & Co stand out with uniquely Indonesian fragrances (HMNS Official, Oullu Official, ProductNation, 2023).

  
  

Common Challenges Faced by Cosmetic Brands + Tips from Us

Cosmetic Brands Challenges

1. Confused Where to Start (Vision Overload)

Many brands come with very complex ideas. They want A, B, C, and D all at once. We often receive design references created by AI. These designs look attractive and innovative. However, they can become very expensive when custom colors, pumps, or special elements are involved. Moreover, not all AI-generated designs are technically feasible to produce.

AI-generated images are great as initial references. If you want custom packaging, the design usually needs to be adjusted into a technical drawing. This ensures production runs smoothly and efficiently.

Having too many options and a lack of technical understanding can cause brands to get stuck. This halts their production process.

💡 Our tip: Start with a simple packaging solution. Focus on the minimum viable product. This means packaging that is straightforward but can be produced and sold immediately.

2. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Is Too High

For custom packaging, the MOQ is usually around 10,000 pcs. Sometimes, we can assist starting from 5,000 pcs. Why is it that high, even though it’s from the factory?

• Machine and mold setups require high fixed costs, independent of order size.

• Mass production is more efficient in terms of cost, energy, and time.

• Small orders increase the risk of material waste and losses.

• Custom products can’t be resold to others. Small stock risks becoming deadstock and causing losses.

  
  

How to get started then?

We understand it’s a challenge, especially for new brands. The solution is to try using ready stock materials first. At Lumei, we provide ready stock products starting from 1 box. Once you’re ready to print a minimum of 1,000 pcs, we can assist with custom printing (also known as screen printing) and coating.

Good news — soon we will start doing printing (screen printing) in-house at our facility. This means faster, more flexible service and better quality control for your custom packaging.

Browsing catalogs online alone is sometimes not enough to get the full picture. We recommend scheduling a meeting with a Lumei consultant or visiting our office. By chatting directly, your needs become clearer, and we can provide the right solutions.

💡 Cost-saving tip: Not ready for custom printing yet? Start with plain bottles and your own label stickers. You can upgrade gradually as your brand grows.

3. Lack of Technical Knowledge (and Unnoticed Compromises)

Many brands want their perfume packaging to look luxurious. This includes everything from the bottle to the sleek, exclusive magnetic cap. However, the technical aspects are often overlooked.

For example, while a magnetic cap looks premium, it also comes with a significantly higher cost. If the crimping process or sprayer selection isn’t done properly, it can lead to leakage. This naturally disappoints customers.

We see cases like this quite often. Many clients come to Lumei after experiencing technical issues. These issues usually arise due to a lack of education or attention to detail at the start of production.

💡 At Lumei, we believe great packaging isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about functionality, reliability, and real-world performance.

Has Lumei ever received complaints? Of course! We’re not perfect, and we don’t claim to be. With each order ranging from hundreds to thousands of pieces, even with strict quality control, issues can still happen. What sets us apart is our commitment to full responsibility.

Our consulting team is always ready to respond quickly, clearly, and with real solutions. Because we believe trust isn’t built by being perfect — but by how seriously we handle problems when they arise.

4. Unrealistic Deadlines

Many brands want their products “as soon as possible.” However, packaging production isn’t instant. Factories usually have a packed production schedule that must run sequentially. When a new order comes in, we can’t just push aside others currently being made.

Therefore, it’s crucial to plan ahead. For local packaging, production usually takes around 30 days after the purchase order (PO) is issued. For imported products, it can take up to 75 days, especially if you want custom printing, coating, or other special processes. We also need to ensure samples meet your needs and brand identity before mass production begins.

With good planning, you can avoid delays and ensure product quality is maintained.

Want it faster? Choose from our ready-to-ship stock.

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With the growth of local brands in Indonesia, the demand for unique, functional packaging that represents brand identity is increasingly critical. However, starting custom packaging can feel confusing without the right partner.

Lumei is here to help brands from the very beginning. We assist with consultation, design selection, and production. We understand the limitations of new brands and are always ready to find the best solutions with you.

Ready to start custom packaging for skincare or perfume? Contact our team for consultation!