When major brands move away from sampling
Faced with growing cost pressures, increasing CSR commitments and the accelerating pace of digitalisation, many skincare brands are rethinking their sampling strategies. Traditional sample distribution is being scaled back or even discontinued in favour of innovative digital solutions such as online skin diagnostics, personalised product analysis or AI-driven recommendations.
This shift creates a real gap in the customer journey. In skincare, samples are essential for discovering a texture, experiencing a fragrance or assessing the skin’s tolerance to a formula. Without this initial sensory contact, purchase decisions become more hesitant, particularly when it comes to new launches or premium products. This can significantly reduce conversion rates, both in-store and online.
A unique opportunity for agile brands
This shift by major players creates space for brands that stay close to their consumers, and who focus on agility, trust and direct product experience.
Offering a sample is not a step backwards. It is a strategic choice that lets the product speak for itself. It gives consumers the freedom to test without pressure or commitment.
A well-designed sample remains a powerful tool in skincare. It provides a first sensory impression, reduces hesitation during online purchases, showcases texture and formula efficacy, and creates an emotional bond with the brand. In a category where comfort, absorption and sensorial quality are key, trial is the most effective form of proof. Some studies show that a targeted sample can triple e-commerce conversion rates.
When digital enhances the sensory experience
Social media has transformed the purchasing journey. Tools such as TikTok Shopping, Instagram Checkout or product-linked content now allow a purchase to happen in a single click. Digital has become a strategic channel to extend trial experiences, combining discovery, recommendation and immediate conversion.
Yet even the most effective digital activations cannot replace the impact of a physical experience. Including a sample in a parcel or following a live shopping session, especially on platforms like TikTok, strengthens the brand-consumer connection. This unexpected sensory contact creates emotional value, drives post-purchase engagement and encourages word-of-mouth both offline and online.
Free samples: a powerful driver of purchase, loyalty and brand value
In today’s visual and social commerce environment, a carefully designed mini bottle or ampoule can have as much impact as a full advertising campaign. The packaging of a sample becomes a desirable object: photographed, shared, talked about. It extends brand perception well beyond product testing.
At Laboratoire Orescience, we strongly believe in the value of a try & buy approach. Offering a product to test before purchase builds lasting trust while demonstrating the real performance of a formula, without filters or inflated claims.
Our support goes far beyond formulation. We offer full-service expertise in the custom development and manufacturing of finished products in cosmetics, dermocosmetics and fine fragrance, with complete control of the entire production process from design to market release.
We also manage the development and filling of cosmetic samples ranging from 1 to 10 ml, suitable for all types of textures including creams, serums, gels, lotions and oils. These miniature formats integrate seamlessly into today’s distribution channels including retail, e-commerce, beauty boxes, CRM programmes and live shopping campaigns.
Unidose sachets, thermoformed monodoses for fluid textures, mini bottles, plastic or glass ampoules, single-use capsules, all our sampling formats are available in standard or bespoke versions. We also offer customisation options such as screen printing, hot stamping and full labelling to reflect your brand image with a premium finish.
Responsible manufacturing focused on the future
With a clear understanding of today’s environmental challenges, we incorporate sustainable solutions at every stage of product development. Our approach is designed to combine product performance, sensory appeal and environmental responsibility, without compromise on quality or visual identity.
Investing in sampling means activating product performance
A sample is not a secondary support tool. It is a strategic asset that drives acquisition, conversion and loyalty. In a market saturated with messages, only the real experience of the product creates a durable bond of trust with the consumer.
At Laboratoire Orescience, we support you at every stage of your sampling strategy: formulation, packaging, design, production and logistics. Our integrated approach enables you to offer formats adapted to each distribution channel, fully aligned with your brand positioning and values.
Ready to make sampling a growth driver for your brand?
Let’s build a strategy that performs, stands out and stays true to your identity.
