A cosmetic formulation chemist is a skilled professional with a degree in microbiology, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic sciences or chemistry. You can work with a cosmetic chemist to develop, test, or improve a cosmetic product. The chemists work in fully-serviced labs and create custom cosmetic products, including skincare, haircare, baby care, pet care, and sun care formulas. Here are five questions to ask your cosmetic formulation chemist:
1) What Cosmetic Products Can They Develop?
Many people work with cosmetic formulation chemists to develop new products. A chemist can help you convert an idea about any cosmetic product into a functional formula. Leading chemists formulate cosmetic products for men, women, babies, pets, and specific demographics. Chemists have limitations and specializations, so not all provide similar services.
You can ask the chemist whether they can develop skincare products like serums, tonics, moisturizers, masks, exfoliants, and cleansers. Chemists formulate haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, gels, and hairsprays. Other popular products include lip balms, glosses, eye shadows, makeup, foundations, powders, beard care, pet shampoos, and sunscreens. Chemists may develop perfumes, fragrances, and essential oils.
2) How Long Have You Been in Business?
Cosmetic formulation chemists are trained professionals with degrees in specific fields. They are skilled experts and know the different ingredients and formulation procedures required to develop new products. You should stick to experienced chemists when looking to create a cosmetic product.
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Long-serving chemists have knowledge of different products and requests. You should review each chemist independently and look up references to gauge success and reliability. Experienced and reputable chemists will have a former product to show you. Experienced chemists can help you develop premium quality formulas and brands.
3) How Much Does It Cost to Develop a New Formula?
Cost is one of the factors to consider when creating a new cosmetic product, whether for personal use or commercial sale. If you plan to sell the products, you’ll need to manufacture them in bulk, break even, and make a profit. A cosmetic formulation chemist can help you determine the cost of developing a new product from scratch.
Experienced chemists know how much research, testing, samples, and production cost. They’re experienced in developing cosmetic products from ideas to approved products. Leading laboratories handle cost analysis, branding, and mass production. You should ask the chemist how much their services will cost and what you are paying for. Determining the budget can help you streamline the product launch, marketing, and branding.
4) What Types of Lab Testing Do You Offer?
Cosmetic formulation chemists work in fully-serviced laboratories where they can create, test, develop, and improve cosmetic products. You should ask the chemist if they offer specific lab testing or cover the full range of product testing services. Some chemists focus on CTFA challenge testing. Others offer stability testing and market tests as part of the research.
You can ask the chemist if they provide specific tests or need the product to pass a specific lab test. Chemists can recommend specific tests to make sure the formula is safe and meets all legal standards. Chemical formulation chemists perform different tests based on your needs. Whether you’re developing a cosmetic product from scratch or need to test improvements, experienced chemists can make sure the product is safe.
5) How Do You Source Your Raw Ingredients?
Developing a new cosmetic product starts with an idea but involves much more. You’ll need research, quality ingredients, testing, and improvements. You must determine how much the formula will cost to develop. Leading chemists use premium quality ingredients to create formulas according to your vision. You can develop all-natural or over-the-counter cosmetics.
Customers will be looking for companies with high-quality ingredients. You should work with chemists who get ingredients from reputable sources. If you’re creating all-natural and organic formulas, stick to top-rated chemists with the right ingredients. Leading chemists have a list of popular compounds for different cosmetic products.
Working With a Reputable Cosmetic Chemist
Asking questions is part of developing a successful cosmetic product. When working with licensed chemists, you should ask as many questions as possible before you create the products with them. Stick to a cosmetic chemist specializing in beauty products with serviced development laboratories. Choose long-serving chemists with decades of experience.
