Private Label vs White Label vs OEM vs ODM: What Is the Difference?
Private label, white label, OEM and ODM all describe how a brand gets products made by someone else. The difference is who owns the formula and how much is customised for you.
The short version
- White label: a ready product in stock packaging. You add your logo. Least customisation, fastest launch.
- Private label: a ready formula from the manufacturer, with your choice of packaging, fragrance and design, sold only under your brand.
- ODM (original design manufacturing): the manufacturer designs and develops the product for you. Private label is a form of ODM.
- OEM (original equipment manufacturing) or contract manufacturing: you supply the formula or specification and the manufacturer produces it to your instructions.
- Third-party manufacturing: the common Indian term for any of the above, where another licensed company makes your products.
Side-by-side
| Model | Who owns the formula | Customisation | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White label | Manufacturer | Logo only | Fastest | Testing an idea, salons, influencers |
| Private label | Manufacturer | Pack, fragrance, colour, design | Fast | New D2C brands |
| ODM / custom | Agreed in your contract | New formula for you | Slower | Brands with a unique product idea |
| OEM / contract | You | Made to your formula | Depends on your spec | Established brands with their own R&D |
How to choose
If you are testing a market, start with white label or private label. If your idea needs an ingredient combination nobody offers, choose custom formulation. If you already own a formula, look for contract manufacturing.
Harrods Health offers all of these, so a brand can start with ready formulas and move to custom development without changing manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Is private label the same as white label?
Not quite. White label usually means a ready product with only your logo added. Private label gives you more control over packaging, fragrance and design around a ready formula.
Who owns a custom formula?
It depends on your agreement with the manufacturer. Agree ownership in writing before development starts.
What is the MOQ for private label cosmetics?
At Harrods Health, ready formulas start from 500 units per product. See MOQ & pricing.
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