Qosmedix is a family-owned company founded by Stuart Herskovitz in 1987, and located in Ronkonkoma, NY. His daughter, Sari Sternshein, serves as President. The company prides itself on always being on the forefront of the latest available cosmetic tools and applicators—and provides a consultative approach with their customers in order to design a program that fits their needs. Here, Beauty Packaging speaks to Sari Sternshein to learn more about how they’ve broadened their services and offerings, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability.
 
Jamie Matusow: Please provide a brief history of your company.
Sari Sternschein: Qosmedix is a leading supplier of high-quality merchandise for the cosmetic, spa and salon industries. Founded in 1987, Qosmedix was established when Stuart Herskovitz, our founder—who is also my father—noticed a need for hygienic disposables in the beauty industry. Over the years, we have expanded our product offerings in cosmetic packaging, hair salon supplies, professional makeup artist tools, spa supplies and so much more. We now serve a global customer base, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in our growing product line.
 
JM: What is your company’s specialty?
SS: Qosmedix is most well-known for providing hygienic tools and supplies for in-store product testing and sampling. We have a deep understanding of the needs of retailers and brands that want to demonstrate their products in the safest possible way. We have a consultative approach with our customers so that we can design a program that fits their needs. With a strong focus on quality and sustainability, we offer a wide range of applicators in a variety of materials.
 
JM: How has your company evolved over the past few years regarding your services/offerings?
SS: Over the past few years, Qosmedix has undergone a notable transformation, broadening our services and offerings. One significant aspect of this evolution is our steadfast commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Qosmedix has proactively sought and achieved certifications, including a prestigious silver medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Furthermore, the introduction of our Qosmedix Cares initiative stands as a testament to this forward-thinking approach. This effort is our commitment to help protect our planet, our people, and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. In addition to expanding our EQO-Friendly product line, we donate a portion of the proceeds to The Nature Conservancy’s “Plant a Billion Trees” program, which helps restore forests around the globe.
 
JM: What sustainable packaging options does Qosmedix offer for beauty and cosmetic products?
SS: Qosmedix has numerous capabilities when it comes to sustainability, and it’s an area we are constantly researching. Our EQO-Friendly collection encompasses a range of eco-friendly product options and sustainable packaging solutions, reflecting a conscious effort to minimize our environmental footprint. We are continually adding new products to the line featuring materials such as bamboo, FSC Certified paper, PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic), sugarcane and more. Our team works diligently to source new materials, audit our vendors, manage the supply chain, and educate ourselves and our customers all at the same time.
 
JM: How does Qosmedix handle the challenges related to packaging logistics, including shipping and storage, to ensure clients receive their products in optimal condition?
SS: Qosmedix maintains its own 95,000-sq. ft, air-conditioned warehouse in Ronkonkoma, New York. We offer blanket ordering for our customers that want to enjoy the savings of purchasing in bulk but may not be able to store the entire shipment in their own facility. We release shipments as needed at no extra charge. Furthermore, Qosmedix also provides a convenient drop ship program, allowing customers to streamline their supply chain by having products shipped directly to their desired locations, reducing inventory handling and transit times. These customer-centric approaches highlight our dedication to delivering holistic solutions while reducing logistical complexities.
 
JM: What’s next for your company?
SS: In 2024, Qosmedix has exciting plans to expand our hair salon supplies category, furthering our commitment to diversifying our product offerings. We plan to leverage our extensive sourcing experience to offer a comprehensive range of products tailored to the needs of salon owners. By expanding into this sector, we aim to build upon our reputation for excellence, customer trust, and industry expertise, establishing ourselves as a go-to supplier in this space.