What you mix ends up on skin.
Product liability, product recall, property and spoilage, pollution, and workers' comp for cosmetics and skincare brands, contract fillers, ink makers and small chemical producers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Formulas, labels and recalls
Cosmetics claims come from rashes, burns, eye injuries, hair loss and contamination. Retailers usually require product liability and a certificate naming them before they stock you. Brands that use a contract lab still carry the claim, so I ask who formulates, who fills and who owns the label.
The federal Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act added facility registration, product listing and adverse event reporting, and California runs its own Safe Cosmetics Program. Ink and chemical makers add flammable storage and pollution risk. Many of these risks go to surplus lines insurers.
- Product liabilityReactions, injuries and contamination.
- Product recallPulling and replacing bad batches.
- PropertyRaw materials, mixers and filling lines.
- PollutionSpills and chemical releases.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Products: list, key ingredients and any SDS sheets.
- Making: in-house, contract lab, or both.
- Sales: retailers, distributors, online and countries shipped to.
- Testing: stability, safety and batch records.
- Facility: address, storage of flammables, sprinklers.
- History: revenue, current policies and any complaints or recalls.
Cosmetics manufacturer insurance, answered
My lab makes everything. Do I still need product liability?
Yes. Your name is on the product, so you'll be named in claims. Ask for the lab's certificate too.
Does product liability pay for a recall?
Usually not. Recall costs are a separate coverage. Product liability answers for injury and damage claims, subject to its terms.
Will retailers ask for specific coverage?
Most large retailers set minimum limits and want to be named on your policy. Send me their vendor terms and I'll match them.
Why surplus lines for cosmetics?
Products used on skin and hair carry injury and class-action risk, and many standard insurers limit it. Surplus lines insurers often write it.
Do you offer cosmetics manufacturer insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Cover the formula and the label
Send me your product list, revenue and who makes it. I'll take it to insurers that write cosmetics and chemical products.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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