Who Does Hero Cosmetics Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

Hero Cosmetics uses ShipBob as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.

Introduction to Hero Cosmetics

Founded in 2017 by Ju Rhyu, Hero Cosmetics has revolutionized the acne care industry with their innovative hydrocolloid pimple patches. After discovering these patches while living in Seoul, Rhyu brought the concept to the US market, launching with just a single SKU - the Mighty Patch. This product quickly became an overnight bestseller for major retailers like Target and Ulta Beauty.

Hero Cosmetics positions itself as an empowering brand for those with acne-prone skin, offering "seriously effective solutions with powerfully clean ingredients for all ages & skin types." What began as a single product has expanded into a comprehensive line of ecommerce fulfillment products including various pimple patches, cleansers, toners, post-acne care, and sunscreens.

The company's exponential growth culminated in a $630 million acquisition by Church & Dwight in 2022, highlighting the brand's impressive market position and potential for continued expansion.

Why Hero Cosmetics Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

As Hero Cosmetics rapidly grew from a single SKU to an entire product line, they faced several challenges with their fulfillment operations:

• Scaling challenges: With the Mighty Patch becoming a bestseller that sold a box every three seconds, Hero needed a fulfillment solution that could handle increasing order volumes
• Multi-channel expansion: As they expanded beyond direct-to-consumer into retail partnerships with Target, Ulta Beauty, and other retailers, they needed a partner that could support omnichannel inventory management
• Peak season demands: Hero needed reliable fulfillment during high-volume shopping periods
• Growth trajectory: With plans to rapidly expand their product line, Hero required a partner that could scale alongside their business

These challenges led Hero Cosmetics to search for a fulfillment partner that could not only meet their current needs but also support their ambitious growth plans.

Partnership with ShipBob and Results

Hero Cosmetics onboarded with ShipBob prior to peak season in 2018 and was able to get up and running in less than 3 days. This rapid implementation allowed them to seamlessly handle the increased order volume during their critical holiday sales period.

The partnership has yielded impressive results:

• Scalable growth support: ShipBob has supported Hero's expansion from one SKU to a comprehensive product line
• Omnichannel capabilities: The partnership enabled Hero to secure nearly 30 retail partnerships while maintaining their direct-to-consumer channels
• Technology integration: ShipBob's tech stack helped Hero manage inventory across multiple sales channels
• Acquisition support: ShipBob remained a steadfast partner during Hero's acquisition by Church & Dwight for $630 million

As Dwight Lee, Co-Founder and COO of Hero Cosmetics, stated: "The fact that ShipBob is always scaling and expanding their footprint is very important to me. It's difficult to scale, but ShipBob has figured it out. They've been a great partner in our growth."

The ShipBob Solution

ShipBob implemented several key solutions to address Hero Cosmetics' fulfillment challenges:

1. Distributed fulfillment network: By leveraging ShipBob's nationwide fulfillment centers, Hero could position inventory closer to customers for faster delivery times
2. Best-in-class technology: ShipBob's proprietary software platform provided Hero with visibility into inventory levels, order status, and fulfillment performance
3. Seamless scalability: As Hero added additional SKUs and sales channels, ShipBob easily accommodated their growing needs
4. Rapid implementation: The less-than-3-day onboarding process allowed Hero to quickly transition their fulfillment operations without disruption
5. Ongoing support: ShipBob provided continuous partnership as Hero grew from startup to acquisition

These solutions have enabled Hero to focus on product innovation and marketing while ShipBob handles the complexities of their logistics operations.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The Hero Cosmetics and ShipBob partnership offers several valuable lessons for other eCommerce brands:

1. Start with the right partner: Even with just one SKU, Hero chose a fulfillment partner that could support their long-term growth plans
2. Prioritize scalability: Select a 3PL with the capacity to grow alongside your business and handle increasing order volumes
3. Leverage technology: Integrated fulfillment technology is crucial for managing inventory across multiple sales channels
4. Prepare for omnichannel: As direct-to-consumer brands expand into retail partnerships, their fulfillment needs become more complex and require specialized support

These insights demonstrate how strategic fulfillment partnerships can support exponential business growth.

Is ShipBob Right for Your Business?

When considering whether ShipBob might be the right fulfillment partner for your eCommerce business, consider these factors:

• Growth trajectory: ShipBob is well-suited for brands with ambitious growth plans that need a partner who can scale with them
• Product type: Businesses selling non-perishable products like cosmetics, health products, and consumer goods are good candidates
• Sales channels: If you're selling through multiple channels (DTC website, Amazon, retail partners), ShipBob's omnichannel capabilities are valuable
• Order volume: Growing businesses with increasing order volumes can benefit from ShipBob's distributed fulfillment network
• Technology needs: Brands that want robust inventory management and analytics should consider ShipBob's tech stack

To determine if ShipBob is the right fit for your specific needs, you can use the free 3PL matchmaking service to explore your options.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Hero Cosmetics and ShipBob demonstrates how the right fulfillment partner can support a brand's journey from startup to acquisition. By providing scalable solutions, technology integration, and consistent support, ShipBob has helped Hero Cosmetics focus on what they do best - creating innovative acne care products - while handling the complexities of order fulfillment.

For eCommerce brands looking to achieve similar growth, selecting a 3PL partner that can scale with your business is crucial. Whether you're just starting with one SKU or managing a comprehensive product line, the right fulfillment strategy can be a significant competitive advantage in today's fast-paced eCommerce marketplace.

As Hero Cosmetics continues its journey under new ownership, their partnership with ShipBob serves as a powerful case study in how strategic fulfillment can support exponential business growth and position brands for long-term success.