If you're just starting out on your skincare brand journey, you might be wondering:
"Why do I have to pay for samples?"
Shouldn’t sampling be free — especially if I plan to place a production order later?

It’s a fair question — and one we hear often.

But at MAYK, we believe in building honest, sustainable partnerships from day one. And that means being transparent about why sampling comes with a cost — and how that cost actually works for you.

Sampling is product development — not just a freebie

When you request for a custom formulated sample from MAYK, you’re not getting a generic handout.

Here's what you're actually paying for:

• A carefully developed, tested formulation based on your goals or ingredient requests

• Lab time to blend, test, and stabilize your unique product

• One round of formula revision (included!)

• International shipping from Korea

• The opportunity to experience the true sense of the product's texture, performance and finish

Whether you choose a ready-made formula (ODM) or go the custom route (OEM), sampling is part of the product development process — not just a promotional giveaway. Custom formulated samples especially, are not generic samples — it's your product in the making.

Why does MAYK charge for samples?

Here’s what your sampling fee covers:

✔️ Ingredient and production costs

Even a single sample requires high-quality raw materials, packaging components, and time in a professional lab setting.

✔️ Lab time and handling

Custom formulation samples involve R&D, lab technician hours, testing, and quality control — all of which are done to ensure the product is safe, stable, and aligned with your vision.

✔️ Small-batch complexity

Producing just a few units for sampling is actually more complex and costly (per unit) than large-scale production. You're getting a lab-level preview of what full-scale manufacturing will look like.

✔️ Shipping and fulfillment

Samples are sent from Korea with secure packaging and tracking — and we absorb part of the cost on our end to keep it reasonable for you.

The best part? It’s deductible!

At MAYK, we believe sampling should be an investment, not an expense.
That’s why the cost of your samples is fully deductible from your future production order with us.

• ODM samples are just $20 each

• Starter Package: 5 samples of your choice for $69 (valued at $100)

• OEM (custom) sampling begins at $199, which includes one formula + one revision

• Upgrade to the Brand Package ($249) for two formulas — also deductible

So when you move forward with production, your sampling fee is credited back. Think of it as a head start, not a sunk cost.

We take your product seriously, and we know you do too.

Free samples often signal that a product is generic, mass-produced, or promotional. At MAYK, we don’t work that way. We serve founders who are serious about launching thoughtful, high-quality skincare — and that starts with treating product development as a real process, not a guessing game.

Sampling isn’t about freebies — it’s about making informed, confident decisions that set your brand up for success.

Ready to start sampling?

Explore our ODM Catalog to browse ready-made formulas, or start your custom formulation today.

We’re excited to help you build a skincare line you’ll be proud of — and it all starts with a great sample.