Logistics for the cosmetics and beauty industry

From perfumes to serums, all cosmetic products are subject to an expiry date that guarantees their full effectiveness and safety.

Logistics plays a particularly significant role in the proper management of it, both for the use of suitable containers, temperature, and for the efficient rotation of stocks. At this point, it helps to effectively manage inventory using the FIFO methodology.

Logistics for the cosmetics and beauty industry cannot ignore the fact that it is working with particularly delicate goods given their active ingredients and packaging materials. In fact, their handling and packaging must prioritize maximum protection throughout the supply chain, but without sacrificing their aesthetic potential.

As with the fashion industry, the cosmetics sector is known for being subject to constant evolution.
Season after season, contemporary trends come in rapid succession in terms of colors, formats and ingredients. These changes must be reflected in logistics systems through the constant introduction of new products, but without forgetting to manage pre-existing stock.

The concern for the safety and quality of cosmetics is solidified in the obligation to comply with an extensive regulatory framework. It is worth remembering that these national and international regulations affect many aspects of logistics (packaging, labeling, transport, etc.).

Did you know that more than 50% of cosmetics sales are made online? This digitalisation adds to the problems of the cosmetics industry several logistical challenges closely linked to e-commerce.

Indeed, those who buy these products online want fast, free, sustainable deliveries and demand to know where their order is at all times.

One can easily deduce that a constantly growing catalog means that the number of references to be managed is constantly growing. Consequently, logistics in the cosmetics sector must have fine-tuned precision in both inventory management and traceability.

In the beauty and cosmetics sector, it is especially important to ensure that the product has not suffered any type of mishap, in order to minimize the number of incidents associated with transport.

In this industry, it is common to have a batch or a personalised box to offer greater value to the cosmetic products shipped with the order. That is why at Logisfashion we are also prepared to supply this type of commercial needs.

The storage of cosmetic products must comply with special measures justified by the characteristics of this type of goods:

• Reinforced protection: light, temperature and humidity can compromise the preservation of cosmetics. For this reason, we must enable systems that guarantee the airtightness of the warehouse: double doors, sealed windows, refrigeration, etc.
• Exhaustive stock control: aims to optimize the management of cosmetic products based on their expiration date. To this end, it is a clever idea to handle separate SKUs.

Order picking is not without complexity in the logistics industry. We must not forget that this activity starts with the fast tracking of goods… and it is typical in this market for there to be multiple versions of the same product.
A powerful and advanced WMS will be our best support in tracking stocks faster and more accurately.

We have already mentioned how demanding the packaging of cosmetic products is. After all, this is an industry that requires:

• Attractive and unique aesthetics that allow you to stand out in an extremely competitive market.
• Maximum protection: secondary and tertiary packaging must compensate for the fragility of primary packaging.
• Labeling that complies with national and international regulations that are as abundant as they are rigorous.
• Environmental sustainability, both in materials and in manufacturing processes.

The precautions that concern logistics in the cosmetics sector must be maintained beyond the storage phase. Transport must therefore ensure optimal storage conditions: refrigeration, express shipping and protection against impacts.

Last-mile distribution also benefits from real-time tracking and an intelligent route design. After all, such measures strengthen the speed and security of the shipment.

There is no doubt that the choice of logistics operator is crucial when it comes to overcoming the challenges posed by the logistics of a sector such as cosmetics.

Through innovation, commitment and experience, at Logisfashion we meet all the necessary requirements to be your best option.

Of course, cosmetic logistics does not always end with the end customer’s receipt of the goods. It is still possible to deal with one more phase: the management of possible returns.

In addition to the necessary speed and simplicity, reverse cosmetic logistics poses a number of unique problems:

• Need to subject returned items to strict quality control: only those that pass will be able to be returned to stock.
• Reinforce the security of returns to avoid loss or theft.
• Pay attention to the reasons behind the return, in order to reduce them in the future.