Do you have a million dollar idea for a supplement? Do you dream about working for yourself, creating and marketing your own line of supplements? In this blog post, we will explain the first steps you need to take before and as you begin your line of private label supplements.
My team will often receive inquiries about making custom formulas. Our Clients want something that will change the way people look at supplements forever. We admire that type of ambition, but we have to approach each project from a very scientific and objective point of view. When the process is done right, it can be a game changer for your brand. Here are some things to consider when creating a custom formula.
There might be a reason for that formula not being on the market.
Pat has a great idea for a home cleaning product. His product will combine two substances known for their powerful cleaning abilities. It’s honestly puzzling why this idea has never been done: ammonia and bleach are each such great cleaners, you’d think someone would have combined them before. Thankfully someone explained that combining those two substances would have disastrous effects (specifically, creating mustard gas). Don’t be like Pat: research, research, research. Do your due diligence. Does Ingredient X counteract Ingredient Z? Does Ingredient V neutralize Ingredient P? Does Ingredient Y explode when exposed to Ingredient Q? These questions need to be answered before you finalize your formula. As you might imagine, this applies in a very serious way to supplements.
Don’t hesitate to call in the experts, especially if you’re not an expert yourself.
DIY is great for crafts, but generally a terrible approach to chemistry. You’re going to need some help. Chemists and/or chemical engineers with experience in the healthcare industry, nutraceutical industry, and/or the pharmaceutical industry will be invaluable to you. Not only can they help you compose a formula that will affect the body in the way you planned, they can help you decide what delivery method you should use. A pill is so passé, but would it be the best format for your supplement? Is a capsule the way to go? If so, should it be time-released? Or would a powder be best? Unflavored or flavored? What flavors should you offer–and will their ingredients interfere with your supplement’s formula? All of these questions can be answered by a qualified expert.
Manufacturing your supplements
You need to choose a manufacturer that meets or exceeds the requirements of the certified Good Manufacturing Process (GMP or cGMP). You can’t do this on your own: GMP manufacturers meet strict guidelines to ensure the quality of supplements. The company must establish and follow written procedures for quality control. Here are the key aspects of GMP: identity (has the identity of the raw materials been verified?); purity (are the raw materials altered, contaminated, et al in any way?); strength (is the ingredient present in the appropriate strength?); and composition (does the final product contain all the ingredients it is supposed to contain?). Testing is done throughout the process, not only on the final product.
What labels can–and can’t–do for you
Labels exist for your Consumer’s benefit, not your marketing department’s. Labels list the contents and ingredients; they do not act as mini-billboards. Therefore do not clutter your labels with extreme claims about your product. Labels and all marketing materials are still subject to certain FDA guidelines, by the way. Optimism and positivity are wonderful traits, but basing your claims solely on the best possible scenario might get you in trouble.
As you can see from the above points, entering the supplement business can be tricky without help. We would love to guide you through every step of the creation of your private label supplement, from formula conception to contract manufacturing to product design. We are experts in this field who strive to help our Clients succeed.
Are you ready to begin your line or improve a pre-existing brand? We’re here to help. Contact our Sales Managers at 855-209-0225 (US Press 2 for Sales) to find out more information on pricing. While you’re on the line, ask our representative how you can save $7-$10K in the process.
All my best,
Stefani Thionnet
Stay focused and never give up!
