White Label Products in the Philippines
White label products are manufactured goods produced by one company and sold by another company under their own brand name. The manufacturer creates the product, and you apply your brand, logo, and packaging.
White labeling offers a fast path to market for businesses that want to sell products without investing in manufacturing facilities or extensive product development. You focus on branding and sales while the manufacturer handles production.
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What Are White Label Products
White label products are pre-made goods that a manufacturer produces under generic specifications, which multiple brands can then purchase and rebrand as their own. The product itself is identical across different brands, but each brand applies unique packaging, labeling, and marketing.
The manufacturer owns the formulation and product specifications. You purchase finished or semi-finished goods and add your brand identity. The manufacturer may sell the same base product to multiple clients who each brand it differently.
White label differs from custom manufacturing where you commission a unique product made exclusively for your brand. White label products are not exclusive. Multiple brands may sell the same formulation under different names.
Common white label products in the Philippines include cosmetics, skincare, personal care items, household cleaning products, and health supplements. The manufacturer maintains a catalog of proven formulations ready for rebranding.
White Label vs Private Label vs OEM
These terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in manufacturing.
White label refers to generic products manufactured without specific branding, which you then brand and sell. The product is already developed. You add your label and sell it. Multiple brands may sell identical formulations.
Private label refers to products manufactured exclusively for one retailer or brand. The retailer commissions production under their specifications. The product may use existing formulations or custom recipes, but production is dedicated to one brand. See our guide on private label manufacturing in the Philippines.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to a company that manufactures products designed by another company. You provide detailed specifications or formulations, and the manufacturer produces according to your requirements. Learn more about OEM cosmetics in the Philippines.
In practice, Philippine manufacturers often blur these definitions. What one facility calls white label, another calls private label. The key questions are: who owns the formulation, is production exclusive, and can the manufacturer sell to other brands?
White Label Products Available in the Philippines
Philippine manufacturers offer white label options across multiple product categories.
Cosmetics and skincare include moisturizers, cleansers, toners, serums, sunscreen, whitening creams, anti-acne treatments, and facial masks. Manufacturers maintain formulations ready for branding.
Personal care products include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, lotion, and hair treatments. These are high-volume categories with proven formulations available from most manufacturers.
Household cleaning products include dishwashing liquid, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, fabric conditioner, and floor cleaners. Manufacturers offer basic formulations that meet FDA household product requirements.
The availability of white label products depends on the manufacturer's catalog. Some facilities maintain extensive product libraries. Others focus on custom formulation and offer limited white label options.
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How White Labeling Works With a Manufacturer
The white label process starts by reviewing the manufacturer's product catalog. Request samples of available formulations in your target category. Test the products for quality, performance, and compatibility with your target market.
Select the formulations you want to offer under your brand. The manufacturer provides specifications including ingredient lists, packaging options, and pricing per unit.
Customize packaging and labeling. You design labels that include your brand name, logo, and required regulatory information. The manufacturer sources packaging or you supply your own containers and labels.
Place orders based on minimum order quantities. Most Philippine manufacturers require 250kg per SKU minimum. This translates to different unit counts depending on product format and bottle size.
The manufacturer produces your order, fills your branded packaging, and prepares finished goods for delivery or pickup. Lead time is typically 30 to 45 working days from order confirmation.
You market and sell the products under your brand. Customers see your brand identity, not the manufacturer's. You handle marketing, distribution, and customer service.
FDA Requirements for White Label Products
White label products must comply with FDA regulations for their product category. Cosmetics require FDA notification. Household products require FDA registration.
The manufacturer must hold a valid FDA License to Operate for the product category. Cosmetics require an FDA Cosmetics LTO. Household cleaning products require an FDA HUHS license. Verify the manufacturer's licenses before ordering.
You are responsible for product notification or registration under your brand name. The manufacturer provides supporting documentation including Certificates of Analysis, ingredient lists, and manufacturing details, but you submit the FDA paperwork under your business name.
Labels must display all required information including product name, net content, ingredient list, manufacturer name and address, warnings, and directions for use. The manufacturer can review label artwork for compliance but final responsibility rests with you.
Products manufactured at unlicensed facilities cannot legally be sold. Using an unlicensed manufacturer puts your brand at legal risk and jeopardizes product safety. Always verify FDA licensing before ordering white label products.
For more details on FDA compliance, see contract manufacturing FDA requirements in the Philippines.
MOQ and Costs
Minimum order quantities for white label products in the Philippines typically start at 250kg per SKU. This is the standard MOQ across most FDA-licensed manufacturers.
The 250kg MOQ translates to different unit counts depending on product format. For 100ml bottles, 250kg yields approximately 2,500 units. For 30ml bottles, you get roughly 8,300 units. For 500ml bottles, expect around 500 units.
Costs per unit vary based on formulation complexity, packaging type, and order volume. White label products typically cost less than custom formulations because the manufacturer has already developed and tested the formula. You pay for raw materials, packaging, production labor, and filling.
Budget PHP 15 to PHP 80 per unit for cosmetics and personal care products depending on bottle size and formulation. Household cleaning products typically range from PHP 10 to PHP 50 per unit.
Packaging costs are additional. Stock packaging (generic bottles and pumps) costs less than custom packaging. Factor in label printing costs if you supply printed labels rather than having the manufacturer handle printing.
Payment terms typically require 50% downpayment on order confirmation and 50% balance before shipment. Some manufacturers offer different terms for repeat customers or larger orders.
How to Get Started
Starting with white label products requires finding a manufacturer with products in your target category, verifying their licensing, and testing their formulations.
Research manufacturers in your product category. Look for facilities with FDA licensing, GMP certification, and experience in your specific product type. Cavite has several FDA-licensed manufacturers including Orsolab in Tanza.
Request the manufacturer's product catalog. Review available formulations, specifications, and pricing. Order samples of products that match your brand positioning.
Test samples thoroughly. Evaluate product performance, scent, texture, stability, and packaging quality. Consider how the product fits your target market's expectations and price point.
Verify FDA licensing. Request the manufacturer's FDA LTO number and verify it on the FDA online portal. Confirm the license is current and covers your product category.
Discuss packaging options, minimum orders, pricing, and lead times. Clarify what the manufacturer provides versus what you need to supply. Confirm FDA documentation support for your product notification.
Design labels that comply with FDA requirements. The manufacturer can review for basic compliance but consider consulting a regulatory expert for complex products.
Submit your order with downpayment. Production begins after payment confirmation and packaging material receipt if you supply packaging.
Orsolab is an FDA-licensed, GMP-certified manufacturer in Tanza, Cavite, approximately 45 minutes from Metro Manila via CAVITEX. We offer white label options for cosmetics, personal care, and household products. MOQ is 250kg per SKU. FDA LTO No. LTO-3000006301418.
For guidance on custom formulations as an alternative to white label, see our private label cosmetics guide and contract manufacturing overview.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between white label and private label?
White label products are generic formulations that the manufacturer sells to multiple brands who each rebrand them. Private label products are manufactured specifically for one brand and may involve exclusive formulations or dedicated production. In white label, multiple brands sell identical products under different names. In private label, the product is exclusive to one brand.
Read Branded vs Private Label Philippines
Can I modify a white label product formula?
Most manufacturers do not allow formula modifications to white label products because the formulation is standardized and sold to multiple clients. If you need formula customization, you typically need contract manufacturing services where the manufacturer develops or modifies formulations according to your specifications. Some manufacturers offer minor adjustments like scent or color changes within white label programs, but significant formula changes require custom formulation.
How much does it cost to start selling white label products in the Philippines?
Initial investment for white label products in the Philippines typically ranges from PHP 50,000 to PHP 200,000 depending on product category, packaging complexity, and order volume. This covers the first production run at 250kg MOQ, packaging materials, label design and printing, and FDA product notification fees. Cosmetics and personal care products typically require lower initial investment than household cleaning products which may need more extensive safety testing and documentation.