The Ultimate Guide for Shipping Health & Beauty Products

The Ultimate Guide for Shipping Health & Beauty Products

In the eCommerce world, beauty businesses are among the most successful ventures and have experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. The beauty industry is no longer merely a market for lipsticks and lotions; it has evolved into a broad realm that encompasses everything from skincare to supplements, makeup to perfume. Beauty isn’t only about appearance; it encompasses health and wellness, too. That means there are endless opportunities to join the industry as an entrepreneur. 

As far as the success of the beauty industry goes, the numbers really speak for themselves. The global beauty and personal care industry is projected to generate a revenue of nearly $900 billion worldwide in 2023, and it’s expected to accelerate even more in years to come. The beauty industry is undeniably flourishing – and eCommerce has played a big role in its success. Between 2015 and 2022, for instance, eCommerce in beauty nearly quadrupled, and its share in the market now exceeds 20 percent.

If you’re considering starting a beauty eCommerce business, shipping logistics is a big factor to consider. As experts in shipping and fulfillment, Stalco has partnered with countless beauty companies over the years – in fact, it’s a space we have long specialized in. We’re excited to share the ultimate guide for shipping health and beauty products.

The Scope of the Health and Beauty Industry 

As mentioned above, the health and beauty industry is growing at a rapid pace – and, according to projections from experts, this is only the beginning. In 2020, a year fraught with unprecedented challenges around the world, the global beauty and personal care industry maintained its integrity, and was valued at roughly US $532 billion. This figure highlights the beauty market’s resilience, and the unwavering demand for products that cater to wellbeing and aesthetic enhancement. 

In a post-pandemic world, the beauty industry has continued to thrive, with no signs of slowing down. According to market predictions, experts forecast a compound annual growth rate of 4.75% from 2021 to 2028. Not only is the industry expected to maintain its current momentum, but experts expect it will propel itself to new heights of success in the future. At this point, the health and beauty sector has proven it is not simply a fleeting trend; it’s a powerhouse industry that is poised to shape the future of global eCommerce.

While beauty and health is a big deal around the world, leading markets currently include North America and the Asia-Pacific. North America, for its part, is a pioneer in beauty and wellness trends, and continues to dominate the global market with a significant share. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is also a force in the industry that should not be overlooked. Asian beauty rituals have become deeply ingrained in the lifestyles of consumers across Asia and beyond, creating a competitive and dynamic beauty industry.

Understanding the Regulations and Restrictions 

In the health and beauty sector, consumer safety is paramount. That’s why it’s critical to adhere to regulatory standards. For companies operating in this space, particularly in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets the benchmark for compliance. There are a number of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients to watch out for, including Bithionol, Chloroform, Methylene Chloride, among others. It’s important to educate yourself on restrictions, and also consider specific packaging requirements for air transportation. 

Labeling Guidelines 

The FDA has several labeling requirements for health and beauty products that cosmetic companies must heed. One of the cornerstones of compliance is properly labeling products, and meticulous attention to detail is critical. The FDA’s labeling requirements include that the company name and place of business be displayed, as well as the product identity and contents. The label must also specify the net quantity of the product, in addition to any precautionary statements and clear directions for use. When shipping products across borders, it’s especially essential to consider customs requirements and adhere to labeling guidelines specific to the destination country. 

Packaging Considerations

Shipping health and beauty products involves more than merely dispatching parcels. Businesses are also responsible for ensuring product efficacy and complying with regulations. You should be purposeful about your packaging selection, and choose materials that mitigate against external factors such as moisture, light and physical impact. For fragile or liquid products, opt for leak-proof containers and cushioning materials to prevent breakage. 

It’s also important to think about temperature control. Health and beauty products with specific temperature requirements may need to be shipped using insulated packaging or temperature-controlled containers for items sensitive to heat and or cold. 

Ensure packages are securely sealed to prevent any tampering. Also, embrace sustainable packaging practices by choosing eco-friendly materials – which consumers increasingly care about. Not only does this align with environmental responsibility, but it also resonates deeply with environmentally conscious consumers, of which there are countless.

Detailed Documentation

Avoid any potential hiccups in the shipping process by having accurate and detailed shipping documentation. Include all necessary permits, certificates and safety data sheets required for the transportation of health and beauty products. 

In addition, we recommend using real-time tracking systems that offer visibility into the shipping process. This will enhance customer satisfaction by providing accurate delivery estimates, while also allowing for prompt intervention in case of delays or other issues. 

Warehouse Selection

When it comes to shipping health and beauty products, it’s best to partner with a reliable freight service or third-logistics company, such as Stalco. Industry experience is highly useful, and professionals familiar with the unique requirements of health and beauty items can be instrumental in navigating challenges along the way.

The Role of a Reliable Carrier 

Choosing a reliable carrier – or third-party logistics company – can make all the difference when shipping health and beauty products. Given that these products have certain requirements and regulations, experienced carriers truly understand the specific handling requirements.

In that vein, since health and beauty products are often subject to various regulations and restrictions, experienced carriers or fulfillment companies are likely to be aware of said regulations, which will prevent any issues related to customs clearance or transportation restrictions. Navigating the regulations can be quite complicated, and it’s very useful to partner with people who understand how to go about shipping certain goods.

On the whole, using a reliable carrier will help ensure a timely delivery – which, as we know, is crucial for customer satisfaction. Similarly, offering real-time tracking information also attracts consumers, as it enhances their trust. Providing tracking information offers transparency to consumers, which builds trust and reassures consumers that their orders are being actively taken care of. Likewise, tracking information sets realistic expectations for delivery times. Customers can mentally prepare for the delivery of their orders, which reduces frustration associated with uncertainty.

On the whole, choosing a shipping carrier with expertise in the health and beauty field ensures the safe and reliable delivery of sensitive items. Concurrently, it mitigates potential delays and roadblocks along the way, leading to improved customer trust and satisfaction. 

How Stalco Can Help 

As experts in the health and beauty shipping space since 1994, Stalco is well-equipped to manage all of your logistics needs for your cosmetics brand. Stalco has a Health Canada site license, meaning we can provide regulatory guidance for nutraceuticals and beauty products. 

For more than a decade, Health Canada has been strictly enforcing complex regulations governing the manufacturing, importation, sales and distribution of natural health products. As a result, the regulatory landscape is extremely complicated and can often present major hurdles for companies who don’t know how to handle it. 

Stalco has helped countless clients over the years fast-track their business in Canada by having our in-house regulatory team tackle the process. Health and beauty is one of our foremost shipping specialties, and we urge you to visit our website or give us a call today to find out more about how we can help your business flourish. 

Conclusion 

There are boundless opportunities out there for prospective health and beauty entrepreneurs. The cosmetics industry is growing by the day, and the market is always hungry for new and exciting eCommerce ventures. Shipping is perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome as a beauty business owner, and we hope our guide for shipping health and beauty products was helpful and insightful. At the end of the day, in our professional experience, partnering with a third-party logistics company or using a highly reliable carrier is your best bet for having the most shipping success.