How much does it cost to hire a cosmetic contract manufacturer for a small run?

For a small batch run of 250–500 units, expect to pay $2–$12 per unit in cost of goods, plus a one-time formula development fee of $500–$3,000 and stability testing fees of $300–$1,500 per SKU. Turnkey services — where the manufacturer handles packaging sourcing — typically add 15–25% to the unit cost but simplify the process considerably for first-time founders.