Ultimate Guide to Launching Lip Crayons Like a Pro

Why Lip Crayons Are Your 2025 Brand Launchpad (+Trend Data)

If you're a beauty entrepreneur aiming to break into the lip product market, launching a private label lip crayon is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025. Lip crayons combine the ease of lipsticks with the precision of liners, offering consumers a versatile, multi-use product that’s perfect for today’s on-the-go lifestyle. Their popularity has skyrocketed due to their creamy texture, ease of use, and dual-purpose functionality.

Here are some compelling market insights you need to know:

• 32% growth in glossy and satin-finish lip crayons in Q4 2024 shows consumers gravitating toward products that balance hydration and color payoff (Source: NPD Group).
• 29% surge in demand for multi-use lip and cheek products in early 2025, highlighting consumer preference for streamlined beauty routines (Source: Mintel).
• 45% increase in vegan and cruelty-free lip product launches globally in 2024, reflecting a strong ethical shift in the market (Source: Euromonitor).

Regarding color trends, the top two shades for lip crayons in 2025 are:

• Warm Terracotta (#D26A6A): A rich, earthy tone that works beautifully for fall and winter collections.
• Soft Mauve (#C487B8): A delicate muted purple-pink that offers subtle sophistication and seasonal versatility.

These trends underline why lip crayons are an excellent entry point for startups looking to build a strong, future-proof brand.

Step 1: Formula Foundations - What Beginners MUST Know

Formulating a lip crayon, especially a vegan one, requires balancing aesthetics, performance, and ethics. As a beginner, here’s what you need to know before diving into formulation:

Choose a Creamy but Non-Sticky Base

Lip crayons should glide on effortlessly without feeling greasy or sticky. Start with plant-based oils and butters such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. These ingredients provide hydration and a smooth texture that melts into the lips and cheeks. Avoid heavy waxes that can dry out or cause drag.

Vegan, Cruelty-Free Pigments Are a Must

For a vegan lip product, choose synthetic iron oxides, organic mica powders, and natural colorants like beetroot powder. These pigments offer vibrant color and safe wear without animal-derived components. Always verify pigment sources and certifications.

Multi-Use Versatility Adds Consumer Value

In 2025, consumers are drawn to products that simplify their routines. Formulate your lip crayon so it can double as a cream blush. This means selecting emollients that blend well on both lips and skin without irritation.

Never Skip Stability and Safety Testing

Stability testing ensures your lip crayon maintains color integrity, texture, and safety over time. It’s a non-negotiable step to guarantee consumer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

Cost-Saving Formulation Tips

• Simplify your formula by limiting the number of specialty ingredients.
• Work with your manufacturer to source high-impact but affordable raw materials.
• Consider using natural preservatives that don’t require complex handling.

Beginner’s checklist for formulation:

1. Verify vegan and cruelty-free status of all ingredients.
2. Test pigment concentration for optimal payoff without overuse.
3. Confirm formula blends well for multi-use application.
4. Schedule stability and safety tests early in the development process.
5. Communicate clearly with your manufacturer about cost targets.

Step 2: Packaging That Sells - Budget to Luxury Options

Packaging is more than just a container; it’s part of your brand story and the first physical touchpoint for customers. Let’s explore your options within varying budgets and sustainability goals.

Affordable Packaging Options (Under $0.80/unit)

For startups with tight budgets, plastic twist-up tubes remain the most cost-effective. These typically come with MOQs around 500-1000 units. They offer decent durability and ease of use but can feel generic if not customized.

Premium Packaging Upgrades

If your brand aims for a luxe feel, consider metalized tubes, bamboo-look casings, or dual-ended crayons with caps. These can increase costs to $1.20 or more per unit and sometimes require higher MOQs. However, premium packaging can justify higher retail prices and attract a discerning clientele.

Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

Eco-conscious consumers are driving demand for sustainable packaging. Sugarcane-based biodegradable tubes, recycled plastic, or glass components add environmental value. These options often require negotiations with suppliers to lower MOQs, and lead times may be longer.

Packaging Mechanism Choices

• Traditional Wooden Pencils: Classic and artisanal but require sharpening, which some consumers find inconvenient.
• Retractable Twist-Up Tubes: User-friendly and hygienic, ideal for multi-use products, but costlier to produce.
• Dual-Ended Designs: Combine lip crayon and sharpener or lip crayon and lip balm in one, appealing to multitaskers.

Packaging selection checklist:

1. Define your brand positioning and target price point.
2. Request detailed MOQ and price breakdowns from multiple suppliers.
3. Order packaging samples to assess quality and consumer appeal.
4. Assess sustainability claims and certifications.
5. Factor in labeling and printing costs for final packaging.

Step 3: Color Selection Science - From Pantone to Profit

Choosing your initial color palette is a strategic decision that can make or break your launch. Think of it as building a capsule wardrobe — versatile, timeless, and seasonally adaptable.

Five Starter Shades for Maximum Market Appeal

• Warm Terracotta (#D26A6A): A deep, earthy tone perfect for autumn and winter collections, flattering on warm and neutral skin tones.
• Soft Mauve (#C487B8): This muted purple-pink is sophisticated and works well in spring and fall.
• Classic Nude (#F2D1B3): A universally flattering peachy beige that suits all seasons and skin tones.
• Bright Coral (#FF6F61): A vibrant, playful hue that energizes summer and spring lines.
• Deep Berry (#7B365D): A rich shade that adds depth and drama, ideal for evening wear and winter.

Using Pantone color guides when communicating these shades to your manufacturer is essential for color accuracy and consistency across batches.

Testing Shades Across Skin Tones

Before finalizing your palette, test your lip crayons on diverse skin tones to ensure broad appeal. This boosts your product’s inclusivity and marketability.

Multi-Use Color Considerations

Since lip crayons often double as blush, pick shades that translate well on both lips and cheeks. Avoid overly bright or neon colors that may look unnatural as a cheek tint.

Step 4: Cost Control Tactics - Manufacturing Insider Tips

Budget control is critical for startups. Here’s an insider look at typical costs and how to manage them effectively:

Realistic Cost Breakdown

• Formula production: $1.50-$3.00 per unit at MOQ 500, influenced by ingredient choice and complexity.
• Packaging: From $0.60 for basic tubes to $1.20+ for premium or sustainable options.
• Artwork and Labeling: Setup fees can range from $200-$800 depending on complexity.
• Shipping and Import Fees: Often overlooked, these can add 10-15% to total costs.
• Certifications: Vegan and cruelty-free certifications can add several hundred dollars but boost credibility.

Hidden Cost Alerts

Be wary of these common cost traps:

• Unexpected MOQ increases for custom colors or packaging materials.
• Delays that lead to rush shipping fees.
• Additional testing fees for regulatory compliance.
• Reformulation costs if initial formulas fail stability tests.

Budget Control Checklist

1. Request detailed, all-in quotes before signing any agreements.
2. Plan for contingencies with a 10-20% cost buffer.
3. Negotiate MOQs and payment terms to ease cash flow.
4. Use sample batches to confirm costs and quality.
5. Keep open communication with your manufacturer to anticipate cost changes.

Manufacturer's Corner: How We Make Lip Crayon Development Painless

Partnering with a knowledgeable manufacturer is your secret weapon. Here’s how we ensure smooth development for your lip crayon line:

Five Critical Questions to Ask Suppliers

• MOQ specifics: What is the minimum order for formulas and packaging, and can it be adjusted?
• Certifications: Can you provide vegan, cruelty-free, and other relevant product certifications?
• Lead times: What are typical production timelines from sample approval to delivery?
• Design support: Do you assist with color matching, artwork, and packaging design?
• Quality assurance: What testing and quality control protocols are in place?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Vague or evasive answers about MOQ or pricing.
• Lack of transparency on ingredient sourcing.
• Inability to provide certifications or documentation.
• Poor responsiveness or communication gaps.
• Unwillingness to provide samples or references.

Remember: Your manufacturer should be a partner invested in your success, not just a vendor.

Final Thoughts: Launching a multi-use, vegan lip crayon with low MOQ and impactful packaging is entirely achievable with the right strategy. By focusing on market trends, thoughtful formulation, smart packaging choices, savvy color selection, and rigorous cost control, you can carve out a distinctive niche in the booming lip product market.

Ready to formulate? Request our Lip Crayon Starter Kit and kickstart your private label journey today! Visit our CONTACT PAGE to get started.