Why You Need Qualified Experts (Like Pharmacists & Scientists) Behind Your Product
In the age of white-label marketplaces and generic contract manufacturers, it’s easier than ever to put your brand name on
The UK private label industry is booming — from supplements and skincare to health drinks and functional cosmetics. But behind the appeal of white-label products lies a complex regulatory landscape that can easily trip up new brands without the right guidance.
Whether you’re launching a multivitamin, a topical cream, or a nutraceutical blend, understanding your legal responsibilities, compliance obligations, and the evolving framework of UK product regulation is non-negotiable.
In this article, we walk through the core regulatory pillars of UK-based private label manufacturing — and why working with an expert partner like SKD Pharmaceuticals, which integrates pharmacists, scientists, and in-house quality assurance, can safeguard your brand from day one.
Food supplements fall under The Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003, with oversight from the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and Trading Standards. While supplements may seem “non-medicinal”, they still carry significant regulatory requirements:
If you’re importing or manufacturing novel ingredients (like CBD, mushroom extracts, or high-dose botanicals), you may also require novel food approval — a process that can take months or even years.
If your product is classed as a cosmetic (e.g. skincare, lip balm, body oil), you must comply with:
Missing even one of these can result in your product being removed from sale. Fortunately, manufacturers like SKD Pharmaceuticals offer full regulatory support and can compile these documents for you — ensuring peace of mind.
One of the most common mistakes in private label manufacturing is misclassifying a product. A product with active ingredients and therapeutic claims (e.g. “reduces acne within 24 hours”) may cross into medicinal territory, requiring MHRA licensing.
Similarly, borderline products such as cosmeceuticals or topical vitamins may require expert regulatory opinion before going to market.
At SKD, our pharmacists and regulatory consultants assess every formulation during development — ensuring you remain on the correct legal side and avoid unnecessary delays or legal issues.
The most overlooked area of compliance is marketing. Even a seemingly harmless statement like “joint support” can breach rules if it’s not backed by authorised health claims.
Key areas to be cautious about:
SKD Pharmaceuticals works with clients during the label approval stage — not just on ingredients, but also ensuring your claims are accurate, legal, and brand-aligned.
Post-Brexit, brands manufacturing in the UK must also account for:
These factors can heavily impact timelines, especially when scaling into Europe — so it’s important to plan ahead with a regulatory partner who understands both UK and EU frameworks.
Private labelling offers immense opportunity — but it’s not a shortcut around regulation. In fact, regulatory compliance is one of the most important foundations of a trusted, scalable brand.
Partnering with a scientifically-led manufacturer like SKD Pharmaceuticals, who manage formulation, safety assessment, compliance, and technical documentation in-house, helps ensure that your product is not only innovative — but also safe, legal, and futureproof.
Whether you’re launching a supplement, a cosmetic, or a borderline nutraceutical, make sure your regulatory roadmap is as solid as your branding.
In the age of white-label marketplaces and generic contract manufacturers, it’s easier than ever to put your brand name on
You’ve chosen your product, worked with a manufacturer like SKD Pharmaceuticals to bring it to life, and now you’re holding
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