For global retailers, e-commerce sellers, and beauty brands, sourcing cosmetics can be a complex global hunt. But there is one place that consolidates this entire ecosystem under a single roof: the Yiwu Cosmetics Wholesale Market. Recognized as China’s largest distribution hub for beauty products, it is a one-stop destination for everything from budget-friendly stock items to high-end private label manufacturing.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to navigate this beauty sourcing powerhouse.
Location & Operations
The heart of the cosmetics trade in Yiwu is concentrated on the 3rd Floor of District 3 within the massive Futian market complex. The market operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closes only for approximately 15 days during the Chinese Spring Festival. For buyers seeking larger manufacturers and OEM specialists, the market naturally spills over into part of the 4th Floor, which hosts expansive showroom-warehouses.
Unrivaled Scale and Supply
With an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 booths, the scale of the Yiwu market is staggering. It serves as the primary wholesale channel for around 300 factories based primarily in Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, representing over 500 domestic and export brands. This density allows buyers to compare countless suppliers and products efficiently, all within a single, air-conditioned complex.
Comprehensive Product Mix
Whatever your niche in the beauty industry, you will find a supplier here. The product breakdown is strategically diverse:
- 60% Perfumes & Colour Cosmetics: This is the market’s strength, featuring lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, nail polish, mascara, and eyeliner. You can find everything from trendy, affordable colours to “Paris-grade” perfumes that rival high-street fragrances.
- 20% Skin & Hair Care: A solid segment offering a range of creams, lotions, serums, and shampoos.
- 20% Accessories & Packaging: Essential accompaniments like makeup brushes, powder puffs, false eyelashes, mirrors, and compact containers are abundantly available.
Sourcing for Every Business Model
MOQ Flexibility: Contrary to common assumptions about Chinese manufacturing, the Yiwu market is accessible for businesses of all sizes. While a typical opening order might be 100-300 pieces per SKU, many sellers are willing to accept mixed-colour cartons or even 50-piece “trial” lots, especially for pre-existing stock designs.
Competitive Pricing: The market caters to all price points. Budget lines range from US $0.30 to $4.00 per item, with mid-range products sitting between $4 and $12. For brands looking to build their own identity, numerous suppliers offer OEM/ODM services, capable of replicating famous-brand quality at a fraction of the retail cost.
Value-Added Services: Beyond just products, the market provides integrated solutions. Many booths and nearby agent offices offer on-the-spot logo printing, custom formulation, packaging design, and even Amazon FBA prep services, making it a true turnkey solution for online sellers.
A Hub for Global Export
This market is built for international trade. An impressive 70-80% of stalls are equipped with basic trade English, accept payments in US Dollars or via secure RMB escrow, and are experienced with export terms like EXW, FOB Ningbo/Shanghai. They can easily arrange for consolidated LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, typically ready within 7-10 days.
Supporting the Global Seller
Understanding the needs of international buyers, the market features a dedicated cluster of sourcing agencies on the same floor. Companies like Dolphinyw, Skylark, and Goodcan maintain desks there, offering invaluable services such as product inspection, export documentation, and drop-shipping solutions for small e-commerce sellers.
Pro-Tips for a Successful Sourcing Trip
- Look for Seasonal Stock: For live-streamers or clearance buyers, the market is a goldmine for over-runs of hot seasonal items (like Christmas palettes or Valentine’s perfume sets), sold as ready stock with no MOQ.
- Verify Quality: Always prioritize suppliers who can provide necessary documentation. Check for MSDS, ingredient lists, and export licenses. Higher-end booths will proudly display GMPC/ISO 22716 certificates and can provide third-party test reports upon request.
Nearest Airport: YIWU/HANGZHOU/SHANGHAI
Railway Station: YIWU/JINHUA
Inter City Bus Stop: Yiwu
Hotel: Manya/Macaland/Byland Hotel
Restaurants: Vatan/Little India/Pandit Ji
Indian street in Yiwu: Jin Mao Da Sha at Cheng Bei Lu, Yiwu
In Summary
Whether you need cheap off-the-shelf cosmetics, white-label liquids, or fully custom beauty sets, the Yiwu Cosmetics Wholesale Market is your definitive sourcing destination. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to compare hundreds of vetted suppliers in one afternoon, and walk away not just with samples and quotes, but with a loaded export carton ready to sail to your customers.
For a comprehensive guide, I have documented every aspect of this process in my e-book, “The Business Guide to Yiwu.” It includes detailed maps of the districts. Download your copy today from my website and unlock the full secrets to profitable sourcing in Yiwu!
