Ghana’s beauty industry is flourishing, Ghanaian consumers, particularly women and young people, are spending more on reasonably priced, locally produced cosmetics, including organic soaps, lip gloss, and fragrances, as well as natural skincare products.
Why?
Because:
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Many prefer natural, chemical-free products
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Social media makes it easy to sell and market beauty products
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The cosmetics industry has low startup costs
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High demand from students, professionals, and traders
Whether you’re in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, or a small town, starting a cosmetics business in 2025 is a smart, profitable move — and this guide shows you how to do it step-by-step.
1: Decide What Type of Cosmetic Products to Sell
There are many types of cosmetics — focus on a niche that suits your budget and skills.
Popular Product Ideas:
| Product Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Skincare | Shea butter, black soap, face creams, oils |
| Makeup | Lip gloss, powder, foundation |
| Haircare | Natural oils, shampoos, hair butter |
| Fragrances | Body sprays, perfumes, scented oils |
2: Learn or Source the Products
You have two options:
a) Make the Products Yourself
You can learn how to make:
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Shea butter body cream
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Herbal soap
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Organic facial scrub
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Lip gloss
Where to Learn:
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YouTube tutorials
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Local training workshops
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Online courses (Udemy, Skillshare)
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From local producers or beauty schools
b) Buy Wholesale and Resell
If you can’t produce yourself, buy ready-made items from:
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Cosmetic producers in Ghana
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Wholesale markets (Kantamanto, Makola, Kejetia)
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Online B2B platforms
Tip: Start small and test different products to see what sells fast.
3: Choose a Business Name and Brand
Your business name should be:
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Easy to pronounce
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Short and memorable
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Related to beauty (e.g., GlowBox GH, Naturals by Ama, Zuri Skincare)
Also choose brand colors, logo, and packaging style.
Great branding makes your business stand out.
4: Get Packaging and Labels
Good packaging helps your products look professional and trustworthy.
For Handmade Products:
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Use containers (plastic jars, bottles, lip gloss tubes) from shops in Accra or Kumasi
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Design simple but neat labels (include ingredients, usage, contact)
You can design labels using free tools like Canva or hire a local graphic designer.
Tip: Include your phone number and social media handle on every label.
5: Register Your Business (Optional but Recommended)
In Ghana, you can start selling without registration — but for serious growth, register your business.
Basic Registration Steps:
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Visit Registrar General’s Department or use their online portal
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Choose Sole Proprietor for a simple, low-cost option
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Cost: Around ₵60–₵100
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Processing time: 7–14 days
Bonus: Registration makes it easier to get funding, mobile money merchant accounts, and wholesale deals.
6: Market Your Cosmetics on Social Media and WhatsApp
Marketing is key in cosmetics. People buy with their eyes — make them see your product.
Where to Promote:
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WhatsApp status (update every day)
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Instagram (post clean photos, reels, before/after results)
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TikTok (show how products are made, customer reactions)
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Facebook Marketplace
What to Post:
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Clear product photos
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Prices and delivery info
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Customer reviews and testimonials
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Promo deals (e.g., “Buy 2 Get 1 Free”)
Use good lighting, clean backgrounds, and real people using your products.
7: Offer Easy Payment and Delivery Options
Ghanaians love convenience — make buying easy.
Accept Payments via:
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MTN MoMo
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Vodafone Cash
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Bank transfers
Use Delivery Services:
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Local courier riders (Swift, Glovo, Gokada)
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Taxi services in your area
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Ghana Post EMS for rural areas
Always confirm orders with receipts and tracking when possible.
8: Scale Up with Consistency
Once you’ve tested your first batch and know what sells, here’s how to grow:
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Collect and post customer reviews
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Introduce new product lines
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Offer referral discounts
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Partner with beauty influencers or hair salons
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Invest in better packaging or branding
Try packaging small bundles (e.g., Face Wash + Moisturizer) for better value.
Real-Life Example: Abena’s Glow Brand
Abena, a final-year student at UCC, started with ₵200 making lip gloss at home.
She sold it through WhatsApp, TikTok, and to her classmates. After 3 months, she saved enough to register her business and buy branded stickers.
Now she sells online and supplies 3 local beauty shops in Cape Coast — all while still in school.
Lesson: Start small, stay consistent, and market smart.
Summary: Quick Roadmap to Start Your Cosmetics Brand
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your product type (skincare, makeup, etc.) |
| 2 | Learn how to make it or find a supplier |
| 3 | Pick a business name and create a brand |
| 4 | Package and label your products professionally |
| 5 | Register your business (optional but helpful) |
| 6 | Promote on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok |
| 7 | Accept MoMo & offer delivery |
| 8 | Collect feedback and grow with time |
Start Where You Are
You don’t need ₵10,000 to start a cosmetics business in Ghana.
You just need:
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A small idea
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Passion for beauty
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Basic tools
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Social media and MoMo
Your small beauty brand can become a well-known name in Ghana’s cosmetics industry and beyond if you remain committed, persistent, and never stop learning.
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