Serums are among the most technically demanding skincare products to formulate and manufacture. They contain high concentrations of active ingredients, require precise pH and viscosity control, and often involve sensitive actives that degrade easily. Choosing the right factory for custom serum production is critical — here's what to look for.
1. GMP Certification and Regulatory Compliance
This is non‑negotiable. A factory producing serums must hold GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification. This ensures clean production environments, proper documentation, and batch‑to‑batch consistency. For export markets, check if they can supply the documentation needed for FDA, EU, or other regulatory submissions.
2. R&D and Formulation Expertise
Serum formulation is not the same as making a cream or toner. It requires expertise in:
Solubilizing active ingredients (water‑soluble vs oil‑soluble)
Stabilizing sensitive actives (vitamin C, retinol, peptides)
Achieving the right texture and viscosity
Preservative systems (or preservative‑free options)
Ask about their R&D team's experience, and whether they can formulate from scratch or only modify existing bases. A good factory offers stability testing, compatibility testing with packaging, and pilot batches before full production.
3. Experience with Serum Formats
Serums come in various forms: liquid vials, softgel capsules, dropper bottles, and ampoules. Each requires different filling and packaging equipment. Choose a factory with proven experience in your chosen format. If you want oil‑based serum capsules, they should specialise in softgel encapsulation. If you want water‑based liquids, they should have sterile filling lines.
4. Customisation Capabilities
Your brand needs to stand out. Does the factory offer:
Custom colour and fragrance?
Capsule shape and colour options (for softgels)?
Bottle and packaging choices (glass, plastic, airless pumps)?
Private labeling and design support?
The more flexible they are, the easier it is to create a product that matches your brand identity.
5. Quality Control and Testing
Serums are high‑value products, and consumers expect visible results. A reliable factory performs:
Raw material inspection
In‑process checks (pH, viscosity, homogeneity)
Finished product testing (microbial, active potency, stability)
Stability studies under accelerated and real‑time conditions
Ask for batch test reports and request to see their QC protocols.
6. Transparent Communication and MOQ
Responsiveness during the enquiry phase is a strong predictor of service quality. If they take days to reply or give vague answers, move on. Also, check MOQ — does it match your budget and launch scale？ Many factories have high minimums, but some offer flexible entry‑level quantities for new brands.
7. Visit the Factory or Request a Virtual Tour
Seeing the facility in person is the best way to assess cleanliness, equipment, and professionalism. If a visit isn't possible, ask for a live video tour. Factories that are transparent about their operations are usually more reliable.
Why We Meet These Criteria
We are a GMP‑certified factory in Guangzhou, specialising in custom serum manufacturing — including liquid serums, softgel capsules, and vials. Our in‑house R&D team formulates water‑based and oil‑based serums with actives like vitamin C, retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. We offer full customisation: packaging, capsule colour, shape, and labelling. MOQ is flexible for new brands. Factory visits are welcome.
Ready to Find Your Serum Partner？
Tell us your serum concept — format, active ingredients, target benefits. We'll provide a custom development plan and quote within 24 hours.
Your brand. Our expertise. Made in Guangzhou.