What Is a SKU?

A Quick Guide for First-Time Brands

If you've never worked with a manufacturer before, "SKU" is one of the first terms that will come up, and it affects how your project is structured from the start.

What Is a SKU?

SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit. In simple terms, a SKU is one distinct product variant. Each unique combination of formula, size, scent, or shade counts as a separate SKU.

Example

A vitamin C serum in one size = 1 SKU

The same serum in two sizes (30ml and 50ml) = 2 SKUs

A lip balm in three scents = 3 SKUs

A cleanser and a toner = 2 SKUs

Why does the number of SKUs matter?

Each SKU is treated as a separate product by the manufacturer. That means:

A common mistake for first-time brands is launching too many SKUs at once. Starting with 1 or 2 SKUs gives you more control over quality, timing, and budget, making the first project significantly easier to manage.

When filling in the form:

Enter the number of distinct products you want to develop in this project. If you're not sure yet, enter your best estimate. We'll work through the details together.