The Best LA Beauty Lab For Your Brand [Ranked]
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding an LA beauty lab.
Los Angeles is a hub of innovation - but it’s also one of the most expensive places to manufacture cosmetics.
To make the investment worth it, you need to pick the absolute best lab for your brand.
That’s why we’re breaking down the top 5 beauty labs in LA below, including the pros and cons of each, so you can find the best pick for your brand’s specific needs.
1. Malibu Labs [Best For Turnkey Solutions]
With two locations in LA, Malibu Labs is a turnkey manufacturing and branding house with over 20 years of experience. Their client list is impressive, including names like Eve Lom, Aesop, Aveda, Elemis, and Malin + Goetz.
With a strong focus on ethical values, Malibu is an expert at formulating natural, organic, and eco-friendly makeup, skincare, body care, and hair care.
Pros
A turnkey system, but with a twist. Under traditional private label, multiple brands may use the same formulas. When a client selects a formula from Malibu’s catalog of over 1,500, they commit to never reusing that same formula with another client.
This means you get the uniqueness of a custom formulated product, without the time and cost commitment of full custom formulation.
The entire process, from formulation to filling, is conducted in-house. They also provide branding and website design support, along with omnichannel marketing to promote your brand once launched.
Plus, they can connect you to distribution opportunities through their flagship retail partners.
Cons
Although the website highlights their ethical values and impressive past client portfolio, there’s not much information about their products, and there’s no clear sample ordering system on their website.
Is it for me?
If you are looking for turnkey manufacturing and marketing solutions, with a preformulated product that no other brand can sell, Malibu is a fantastic option in the LA area.
2. RAYA [Best For Professionals]
RAYA was founded by esthetician Raya Taver and her husband Norman, a NASA engineer and scientist.
Originally established in Europe, the company later moved its headquarters to Los Angeles, where all of their US products are now manufactured.
With over 40 years in the industry, RAYA specializes in private label formulas for the face, body, and hair categories.
Pros
Unlike most manufacturers, Raya also manages an on-site salon and spa business, where they use their own formulas on clients. This allows them to get direct feedback and refine their products based on real customer experiences.
Their private label/bulk range is extensive - with over 100 products to choose from, plus a custom blending line developed specifically for professionals.
Additionally, Raya makes sampling easy. Not only do they offer free trial sizes, but they also offer sampling bundle packs, so you can test out a bunch of formulas at once.
Cons
Raya only offers private label or bulk formulas, with some limited custom blend options. They do not offer full custom formulating from scratch, nor do they offer a full custom product creation service.
Is it for me?
This beauty lab is a great choice if you are looking for bulk or private label beauty products for professional use. However, if you are a small brand aiming to launch customized DTC products, Raya is not the right fit for you.
3. Nuno Cosmetics Lab [Best For Smaller Brands]
Nuno Cosmetics is a minority-owned, family-run cosmetics manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California.
They provide full custom formulation services, from R&D to manufacturing, filling, and assembly across a wide range of beauty and personal care categories.
Pros
Customer testimonials consistently highlight Nuno’s human-centered approach.
Multiple reviews mention how caring and helpful the entire team is - even with smaller brands that often get overlooked by bigger labs.
They also offer custom formulation across a wide range of beauty categories, including bath and body care, grooming and shaving, fragrance, hair care, hand, nail and foot care, lash and brow care, lip care, pet care, skincare, household fragrances, tattoo care, and wellness products.
Cons
Nuno’s website lacks detail. There’s not much beyond a brief overview of their general services and some client testimonials. There’s no information about the ingredients they use or how their full process works from start to finish.
Is it for me?
Nuno is an ideal partner for small brands looking for a hands-on, supportive manufacturer to guide them through the entire custom formulating process.
4. CTK OTC Laboratories [Best for OTC Formulations]
Founded in 2001, CTK is a global network with operations in Korea, Canada, and the USA. In 2025, they expanded into Southern LA with a new manufacturing site dedicated to US-based production.
Their manufacturing capabilities include OTC products, suncare, makeup, skincare, and personal care.
Pros
What LA-based brand is complete without sun care? CTK stands out for its custom sunscreen and after sun care manufacturing. In the United States, sun care products are regulated as OTC formulas, requiring stricter testing and review before approval.
Its capabilities in this area include sunscreen in most forms (lotions, creams, sprays, sticks), as well as after sun recovery (balms, mists, cooling gels, creams, and tanning lotions).
This manufacturer uses sustainably harvested ingredients, which can be important if ethical manufacturing is at the heart of your brand.
CTK is part of a broader CTK Cosmetics network, providing more than just manufacturing - their services include branding, fulfillment, and cross border commerce.
They are a one-stop solution from concept to shelf and beyond, which can be a good fit if you are looking for support in every aspect of your business.
Cons
CTK does not (currently) offer any pre-formulated options. If you are on a tight budget and need to launch quickly, this lab may not be the best fit.
Is it for me?
If you’re looking to custom formulate OTC products like sunscreen, acne treatments, antifungal products, or healing creams, CTK is one of the most promising options in the LA area.
5. GAR Laboratories [Most Environmentally Friendly]
Gar is an LA-based manufacturer specializing in hair and skin care products. A strong option for smaller, environmentally-conscious brands, this lab provides great customer service and goes out of its way to reduce its environmental impact.
Pros
Gar is a certified California Green Business and has invested heavily in becoming more sustainable. Their facility is powered by over 2000 solar panels, supplying 80-100% of their energy each week.
They’ve also installed an electrical load shifting system to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning, a four-stage water demineralization system, and car charging stations for those who drive electric. They’re a great option for brands looking for a partner with a very low carbon footprint.
Customer testimonials highlight that Gar offers a truly personalized service.
Plus, they clearly outline the entire manufacturing process timeline from start to finish on their website, including a list of potential packaging manufacturers.
Unlike much larger manufacturers, Gar takes steps to show they genuinely care about their clients' success.
Cons
Their product manufacturing capabilities are limited to hair care, skin care, deodorant, and pomade. For makeup brands, this is not a good fit.
Is it for me?
If you are a small brand that specializes in hair or skin products, and sustainability is your priority, Gar is a great option for you.
Open to suppliers all across the United States?
At Innacos, we're experts at manufacturing clean, sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare and color cosmetics.
Based in Indiana, we prioritize flexibility for our clients, offering bulk, private label, custom product creation, custom formulating, and contract manufacturing services. Plus, we can formulate to virtually any certification standards.
Learn more about manufacturing at Innacos on our website here. Give us a call at +18123291105 or email us: customerservice@innacos.com for more information.
