Creating your custom cosmetic formulas is more than just picking up a bottle of lotion and adding some glycerin. Different steps are involved in creating a custom cosmetic formula before you get it right. Here’s how you can work with a cosmetic formulation chemist to create custom formulas:
Step 1: Defining Your Product
Begin with a conversation. Clearly articulate your vision for the product to the formulation chemist. They then translate that information into a workable formula. You’ll provide detailed answers to questions such as:
- What’s the application for the product?
- Which key ingredients would you like included?
- Is it for hair, skin, or nails?
- Which aesthetic properties are you after?
- What type of finish do you want?
Step 2: Choosing a Base Formula
Most cosmetic formulation experts have years of experience in the field. They have a vast library of old formulas they can use as a possible starting point. This makes choosing a base formula suitable for your product more accessible. The base formula helps develop the starting formula used to manufacture your batch. It is what determines the result of your product.
Step 3: Planning for the Batch
At this point, all the components and base formulas are known. In consultation with the cosmetic chemist, make a list that documents all the ingredients and the percentages you want them to appear in the product. The chemist then calculates the quantities of each component they’ll need to achieve the required volume of product. Once all that is sorted out, it’s time to get to work.
Step 5: Making the Batch
The lab is much like a kitchen. This is where your chemist measures and mixes all ingredients following the recipe until they achieve the desired consistency. The end product is cooled to room temperature, poured into containers, and labeled with your brand name awaiting testing.
During production, the chemist takes note of every step in the process and every lab observation. This information comes in handy if you wish to make specific changes or refinements to the product in the future.
Step 6: Testing
A qualified chemist will help you check the batch for stability, color, odor, viscosity, pH, and other factors. If everything checks out, move to production. If the chemist detects any issues with your batch, they’ll troubleshoot and fix them.
A performance test checks whether your product is ready before selling it to customers. It aims to certify product quality and safety for consumer use. Passing these tests qualifies for the custom formula for commercial production.
Step 7: Production or Revision
If you’re happy with the formula, the cosmetic formulation expert will move on to the next step: production. If you want to make any changes, this is the time to do it. Your chemist will revise the formula and repeat the same process: development, testing, analysis, and revision. This cycle will continue until you’re delighted with the results.
Cost of Creating Custom Formulas With a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist
The chemist will provide an estimate of what their services cost before starting any work. The cost of a custom formula is dependent on a few things:
- How complex the formula needs to be
- The number of ingredients going into the formula
- How long it takes to get the custom formula ready for production
- The amount of work involved
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you begin creating custom formulas with the help of a formulation chemist, you should consider some factors. These include:
- Choosing a cosmetic formulation chemist: Pick one who is credible, knowledgeable, and experienced for the best results. They should also work in a certified lab.
- How much time you have to spare on the project: The formulation chemist should have the ability to meet your deadlines.
- Your budget vs. costs: The formulation chemist’s estimate should be within your budget. Remember to factor in the cost of packaging, marketing, storage, and shipping.
Can I Hire a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist?
The answer is yes! A cosmetic formulation chemist works with you to develop the perfect product to fit your needs. They have the training to guarantee that all ingredients are safe and effective. A qualified cosmetic chemist can also help you tweak existing formulas to create unique products.
