Is selling beauty products on Amazon worth it? Beauty and personal care products remain popular regardless of economic conditions or seasonal trends. To prove it, Statista projects that the global Beauty & Personal Care market will reach a revenue of US $646.20 billion by 2024, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.33%. Plus, 71% of beauty shoppers choose Amazon as their leading destination for purchasing beauty items.
So, you can see that selling beauty items on Amazon offers a lucrative opportunity with high consumer demand and product diversity. However, before starting, it’s vital to understand every requirement and how to get started, which this article will answer. This guide will go through every aspect of selling beauty products on Amazon, including:
- Why sell beauty products on Amazon?
- What products are sold as beauty products on Amazon?
- What are Amazon’s requirements for selling beauty products?
- How to get approval to sell beauty products on Amazon?
- How to sell beauty products on Amazon?
- How much is it to sell beauty products on Amazon?
Let’s begin!
Why Sell Beauty Products on Amazon?
The beauty and personal care section on Amazon is highly favored by sellers, with 23% listing products under it. Consumers consistently buy items in this category, from hair care to dental and personal hygiene products. Selling beauty products on Amazon offers various avenues for profit.
Is selling beauty products on Amazon profitable? Based on the Stella Rising Glimmer Report – Searching for Beauty, 71% of beauty shoppers identify Amazon as their primary choice for purchasing beauty items. So, selling beauty products on Amazon allows sellers to come closer to their potential customers.
Besides, according to the Jungle Scout Report, 21% of beauty sellers earn net profit margins ranging from 26% to 50%, while 15% of sellers make profits between 21% and 25%. With consistent demand for beauty products, sellers can anticipate healthy earnings in this category.
The world of beauty is fast-paced, and managing listings across multiple channels can eat into precious time. LitCommerce – a powerful multichannel selling tool can be your companion during your online selling journey. Bulk-list your gorgeous beauty products on Amazon and other marketplaces, manage inventory in real-time, and fulfill orders with ease – all from a single, user-friendly dashboard. Free up your hours for product development, marketing while reducing all the manual work.
What Products are Categorized as Beauty Products on Amazon?
When selling beauty products on Amazon, you should know which products can be sold and which are prohibited. Below are detailed insights that will help you better understand the beauty and healthcare categories on Amazon.
Products to sell on Amazon
Beauty products encompass an array of items. These products fall under Amazon’s Beauty & Personal Care category, which includes more subcategories, namely:
- Makeup
- Skin Care
- Hair Care
- Fragrance
- Foot, Hand & Nail Care
- Tools & Accessories
- Shave & Hair Removal
- Personal Care
- Salon & Spa Equipment
Let’s say a customer clicks on any of these subcategories. They can see smaller categories, like under “hair care,” there are shampoo, conditioner, and hair styling products.
So, you can see that selling beauty products on Amazon offers sellers various chances to start businesses.
When browsing on Amazon, you may come across additional categories such as Premium Beauty, Professional Beauty, and Indie Beauty. These categories are not restricted in terms of the types of products to sell, but rather, they are divided based on the prestige of the brands and the quality of the products. Below are further details.
- Premium Beauty: This category includes luxurious beauty products from high-end brands that typically offer superior quality compared to standard retail stores. Examples of brands in this category include Lancôme, YSL, and Chanel.
- Professional Beauty: Designed for beauty professionals such as hair stylists and makeup artists, these products are of higher quality than typical retail offerings and cater to expert users.
- Indie Beauty: This category features cosmetics, skincare, and other topical products from independently owned brands. Sellers in this category are often emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to establish themselves in the beauty market.
Besides understanding what beauty products to sell on Amazon, devoting more time to competitor analysis is crucial. Check our complete guide at Amazon Competitor Analysis: An In-Depth Guide to Decode Your Rivals
Prohibited beauty products on Amazon
Amazon sellers have access to a compliance checklist detailing prohibited ingredients like mercury in skin care products. The checklist also covers labeling, packaging guidelines, and FDA cosmetics regulations. In the EU market, sellers must adhere to the European Cosmetic Regulation. It requires safety reports and a “responsible person” for each product. Additionally, when selling beauty products on Amazon, product information must be in the language of the country of sale or shipment, potentially requiring translations.
Companies that break these rules, like those that provide untrue or deceptive information about their items, are forbidden from selling beauty goods on Amazon.
Here’s a partial list of beauty items and/or components that are banned on the site:
- Corrective and cosmetic contact lenses
- Latisse
- Obagi Nu-Derm Sunfader
- Obagi Nu-Derm Clear
- Obagi Nu-Derm Blender
- Obagi Elastiderm Decolletage Skin Lightening Complex
- Obagi C-Therapy Night Cream
- Obagi RX System Clarifying Serum
- Products that contain minoxidil over 5%
- Bithionol
- Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution
- Chloroform
- Halogenated salicylanilides
- Methylene chloride
- Vinyl chloride in aerosol products
- Zirconium-containing complexes in aerosol products
- Synthol, Synthrol, or Swethol posing oil
- Trichloroacetic Acid
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What are Amazon’s Requirements to Sell Beauty Products?
To sell beauty products on Amazon, you must meet specific selling guidelines. Some of them include, but are not limited to:
Packing requirements
When selling beauty products on Amazon, you should ensure the packaging must adhere to Amazon’s guidelines. This entails:
- Using a suitable original package
- Being new and unused
- Ensuring the packaging is sturdy enough to safeguard the product during transit.
Furthermore, it is necessary to provide clear identification of all items, including:
- Product name and details (size, quantity, weight, etc.)
- Valid UPC and batch code
- Name and address of the manufacturer
Labeling and product detail page requirements
The labeling and product detail pages requirements when selling beauty products on Amazon are similar to those for other product categories. Here are the key points:
- Labeled in English
- Detailed product description:
- Name of product
- Purpose of use
- Amount of content
- Ingredients
- Origin, manufacturer, and distributor
- Instructions for use
- Warnings
- Any other relevant information
Product and ingredients
If you have the intention of selling makeup on Amazon or selling cosmetics on Amazon, make sure they meet Amazon guidelines for ingredients. Below are the main points you should bear in mind:
- None of the products have any dangerous or harmful ingredients;
- Every single ingredient must be clearly listed on the label;
- Products do not need a medical prescription to use;
- Products cannot contain any ingredients from endangered animals under the Endangered Species Act, Lacey Act, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
How to Get Approval to Sell Beauty Products on Amazon?
New sellers often wonder how to get approved to sell beauty products on Amazon. In the past, this process was more complex, as the beauty category was “gated” and required approval from Amazon. However, nowadays, the beauty and personal care category is open to all new Amazon sellers.
However, Amazon specifies that while selling in a category might not need approval from Amazon, selling certain products within that category could still require approval. These restrictions are often due to the high prevalence of counterfeit products within those categories. Amazon aims to minimize its risk by limiting access to sellers, helping maintain customer trust and authenticity.
Therefore, even if you’re approved to sell in the beauty category, you might still need additional approval to sell specific brands. Then, what can you do?
If you’re reselling through retail arbitrage or wholesale, ensure you have permission to list products or brands before purchasing inventory.
If you find a product you want to sell but are restricted from doing so, follow these steps to get approval to sell it.
- Prepare documentation such as safety assessments, invoices, brand approval, and other required materials.
- Go to Amazon Seller Central
- Click on “Add Products“.
- Find the products you want to sell and Request approval for your product/category.
- Follow the prompts for the approval process.
- Await approval from Amazon, which may vary depending on the product category and documentation provided.
Note: During product research, avoid selling beauty products on Amazon in the “Premium” and “Professional” categories. These categories are reserved for top beauty brands selected by Amazon, and sellers are currently not allowed to apply to list products within them.
How to Sell Beauty Products on Amazon?
If you wonder how to sell cosmetics on Amazon, this part is written for you. To sell beauty products on Amazon, there are 2 main options for you:
- Launch a brand through a private label
- Resell existing brands’ products
Launch a brand through a private label
If you sell beauty products on Amazon under Private Label, you purchase goods from a manufacturer for resale under your own company’s branding. Specifically, you would reach out to a skincare manufacturer, purchase products in large quantities, customize the packaging with your company’s logo, and then distribute them to customers.
Starting a new brand in the beauty products industry can initially be anxiety-inducing, but the outcomes can be rewarding with thorough preparation and research. Here are some tips if you are considering selling beauty products on Amazon via private label:
- Thorough research: Thorough research is essential before launching a new brand selling beauty products. This includes checking keyword demand using tools like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout to ensure there’s a market for your product.
- Quality over everything: Avoid the mistake of sacrificing quality for the sake of getting a product to market quickly. Focus on offering a high-quality product that meets customer expectations, even if it takes longer to develop.
- Avoid emotional attachment: Don’t become emotionally tied to your products. If a product isn’t performing well, be willing to reassess and make necessary changes, even if it means letting go of an idea you were initially passionate about.
- Trademark your brand: Once you’ve found success in a niche, consider trademarking your private label brand with name and logo to protect your brand identity. However, ensure you have established sales before investing in trademarking, as it can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Continuous improvement: Continuously improve your products and offerings based on customer feedback and market trends. Experiment with product variations and utilize both PPC advertising and external marketing strategies to maximize visibility and sales.
If you already own a beauty brand and sell your items on other platforms and marketplaces, you can easily synchronize your products to Amazon using LitCommerce tools. Check our guide on Amazon integration for a more detailed guide.
Resell other brands’ products
If you discover that starting a private label brand is time-consuming and demands significant upfront investment, reselling products from other brands could be a great alternative. It is called Amazon arbitrage. This approach might be the optimal way to enter the beauty category, particularly for less experienced sellers who may find launching a new brand challenging.
Retail arbitrage involves buying a product at a retail store or online shop for a lower price or during a sale and then selling it on Amazon for a profit.
Here are some notes you can join down if you want to sell beauty products on Amazon via arbitrage:
- Choose the right products: You can start with popular beauty categories such as skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and personal care. These categories tend to have high demand and come with various products to choose from. We suggest you choose products with small size and weight to minimize shipping costs. The sales price is better, from $10 to $70, to cover expenses and ensure a high return on investment (ROI).
- Verify product authenticity: Ensure that the beauty products you source are genuine and meet quality standards. Avoid counterfeit or expired products, as they can damage your reputation and result in account suspension.
- Check legal compliance: Verify that the products comply with Amazon’s policies and regulations, including ingredient restrictions and labeling requirements for cosmetics.
- Test products with small orders: You can start by ordering a small quantity of each beauty product to test demand and verify product quality. Then, gradually scale up your inventory based on sales performance and customer feedback.
- Choose between FBA and FBM: Based on your preferences and business needs, determine the most suitable fulfillment method. However, it is suggested that FBA be used to offer a hands-off approach and provide the best customer experience.
How Much Is It to Sell Beauty Products on Amazon?
When listing cosmetics on Amazon, sellers encounter two main charges: referral fees, closing fees, and some additional fees for Amazon services.
- Referral fees: Charged for each item sold, which relies on the product category and selling price. Typically, it ranges from 8% to 45% of the total selling price, with cosmetics usually having a referral fee of 15% – 20%.
- Closing fees: Varies based on the product category and typically range from $0.99 to $3.99 per item. For cosmetics, the closing fee generally is $1.99 per item.
- Variable closing fees: Based on the size and weight of the item. For example, a lip gloss weighing 0.05 ounces might incur a variable closing fee of $0.10.
- Additional fees: Include shipping fees, return fees (if applicable), and advertising costs and fees for other services like FBA and Amazon Prime. Shipping fees vary based on item size, weight, and destination, while returns or exchanges may be free or incur a small fee.
Understanding the platform’s fees is essential for selling beauty products on Amazon. This understanding allows sellers to set suitable prices and account for any extra expenses linked to selling on Amazon.
Best Selling Beauty Products on Amazon
According to a survey, below are the top beauty product categories to sell on Amazon in Q4 of 2023:
- Skincare: 56%
- Tools: 12%
- Hair: 16%
- Makeup: 8%
- Body: 8%
More specifically, the top-selling beauty products on Amazon in March 2024:
- COSRX Snail Mucin Power Repairing Essence
- Mielle Organic Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
- Mighty Patch Original – Pimple Patch
- Clean Skin Club Clean Towels
- SOL DE JANEIRO Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
- Neutrogena Cleansing Makeup Remover Towelettes
- DERMORA Foot Peel Mask
- Amazon Basics Cotton Rounds
- Amazon Basics Cotton Swabs
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Based on this study’s results, you can see that cosmetic and hair products and tools are top choices for Amazon sellers. However, choosing the right products that generate constant profits may take time. Here are some tips for you.
- Test products with small batches or sample orders before scaling up
- Collaborate with reputed brands known for their reliability and customer trust
- Prioritize quality and safety to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize returns.
- Catch on industry trends and consumer preferences to adapt your product selection accordingly.
- Search for products with a healthy profit margin to maximize earnings. If you’re unsure about the profitability of your product selection, here are some free tools that can assist you:
- Amazon FBA revenue calculator: This tool provides an accurate profit calculation that considers factors like the cost of goods and Amazon fees.
- Jungle Scout sales estimator: This free tool estimates average monthly sales for different Amazon categories, helping you gauge potential demand and plan inventory levels.
Selling Beauty Products on Amazon: FAQs
Yes, you can sell professional hair products on Amazon. However, you must comply with Amazon’s guidelines and policies regarding the sale of such products. Sure, you can sell skincare products on Amazon. Skincare is a popular category on the platform. However, ensuring that your skincare products comply with Amazon’s policies and guidelines is crucial, especially regarding product safety and labeling requirements. Additionally, certain skincare ingredients may be regulated or prohibited, so it’s essential to research and adhere to any relevant regulations. Selling beauty items on Amazon can be profitable for entrepreneurs. The Jungle Scout Report indicates that 21% of beauty sellers achieve net profit margins between 26% and 50%, while 15% of sellers see profits ranging from 21% to 25%. The beauty and personal care category is open to all new Amazon sellers. Hence, you don’t need permission to sell beauty or healthcare products on Amazon. However, some restricted products need to be ungated to sell. You need to provide the required documents to get approval for these products.
Ready to Sell Beauty Products on Amazon?
Selling beauty products on Amazon offers excellent opportunities to earn money but requires thorough preparation. Before starting to sell, you should familiarize yourself with Amazon’s regulations and requirements for beauty products. With careful planning, Amazon can be an excellent platform for selling beauty products.
If you have any concerns about selling beauty products on Amazon, contact us at any time. The LitCommerce team is available around the clock to support you. If you need more helpful guides like this, visit our blog now!
