iTiT Cosmetics: 15 years already and a new factory!
iTiT Cosmetics has made impressive progress over the past fifteen years. This Italian company, based in Cantù just a few kilometers from Lake Como, specializes in manufacturing cosmetic formulas for the face, eyes, and lips.Founded in 2011 by Mirko Panìco and his wife Raquel Melgarejo Antequera, iTiT Cosmetics now employs around fifty people, and its revenue has grown significantly over the past six years, rising from over 2.2 million euros in 2018 to over 7.2 million euros in 2024. Exports represent a key component of its business. Last year, international sales accounted for nearly 70% of total revenue.
“Our core business lies in hybrid formulations that combine makeup and skincare,” explains Mirko Panico, “thanks to a high concentration of active ingredients and truly ‘transformative’ textures. In addition, we offer a highly customizable range in terms of color, finish, fragrance, and ingredients.”
The company currently operates a single production site, which is undergoing expansion with the goal of becoming not only a larger facility but also a more sustainable one. It is certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22716:2007 (GMP), and it also holds Ecocert COSMOS NATURAL and ORGANIC certifications for certain products, as well as an EcoVadis rating.
Hybrid Formulation and Clean Beauty!
“Over the past two years,” emphasizes Mirko Panico, “we have seen significant developments not only in terms of investment but also in terms of positioning. In particular, we have strengthened our expertise in hybrid formulations and ‘clean beauty,’ in line with a market increasingly focused on sustainability and ingredient quality. We have also invested in strengthening our Research and Development department—the heart of our business—and in improving our supply chain, with better control over raw materials and increased attention to the certification of our suppliers.”
It should be noted that iTiT Cosmetics’ revenue has grown from over 2.2 million euros in 2018 to over 7.2 million euros in 2024. Exports represent a key component of its business. Last year, international sales accounted for nearly 70% of total revenue.
“Obviously,” explains Mirko Panico, “tariff and geopolitical tensions have had an impact on the U.S. market for us, leading to a slowdown. “But we chose to respond proactively by defining a new strategy focused on geographic diversification and the development of new markets, in order to reduce our dependence on certain regions and seize new growth opportunities.”
At the same time, the Italian firm continues to adopt a flexible approach that allows it to adapt quickly to changes in the global market, while closely monitoring potential impacts on the supply chain, as well as raw material and transportation costs.
“As for the energy crisis,” explains Mirko Panico, “it represents a concrete challenge for the entire manufacturing sector. We are addressing this by improving the efficiency of our processes and, above all, through the development of our new plant, designed to reduce energy consumption and enhance the overall sustainability of our production activities.”
Indeed, by 2026, one of the main objectives remains the move to this new site, designed according to industrial sustainability and environmental criteria, as well as those related to workplace well-being. The Italian firm also aims to obtain ISO 14001 certification and the EcoVadis “Gold” label, while continuing to invest in facial products, liquid textures, and new solutions for the hybrid and “clean” segments.
Sustainability: A Cornerstone
“Sustainability is a central pillar of our strategy,” emphasizes Mirko Panico. “We firmly believe in the concept of ‘sustainable beauty,’which combines quality, innovation, and ethics. Our strengths lie in our adherence to internationally recognized standards, such as Ecocert and COSMOS certifications, the EcoVadis assessment, and full compliance with good manufacturing practices. We have established strict criteria for selecting raw materials, prioritizing ingredients of natural origin and controlled supply chains. We have adopted the “clean beauty” philosophy, developing formulations that comply with the most widely recognized “clean lists” and meet the expectations of increasingly conscious consumers. Looking ahead, we are working to implement an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system and prepare an internal sustainability report.”
Currently, the Italian firm is focusing on developing new offerings in the hybrid beauty and clean beauty segments, characterized by innovative textures and high performance.
At the same time, they are developing bespoke projects in collaboration with their clients, offering a fully customized approach that allows them to transform every idea into a unique and distinctive product.
Packaging: A Pragmatic Approach
“When it comes to packaging,” explains Mirko Panico, “we believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that we must instead adopt a pragmatic, innovation-driven approach. Through our packaging division, we help our clients choose the most suitable solutions, evaluate more sustainable alternatives, optimize materials, and reduce waste. The goal is to strike the right balance between functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact. At the same time, we work closely with our suppliers to select components that are increasingly high-performing and sustainable, while maintaining high quality standards.”
