Chapter 2: Formula Development

Chapter 2: Formula Development

Into our next chapter — Formula Development.

Now here is where it gets a lot more technical. So, buckle up.

Formula Development Index

Actives Icon

Actives

Active ingredients are ingredients intentionally added to the formulation to address or treat a specific problem by providing a certain set of benefits. Some of the most common actives include Ceramides (hydrating properties) and Niacinamide (brightening properties).

Efficacy Level Icon

Efficacy Level

Actives added at efficacy level are added to a cosmetic product for their proven benefits to the skin. They are added in higher concentrations and are formulated to penetrate the skin and provide specific benefits, such as anti-aging, moisturizing, or acne-fighting properties. They are supported by scientific research and are typically listed as active ingredients on the product label.

Marketing Level Icon

Marketing Level

Actives added at marketing level are typically added to a cosmetic product to enhance its visual and marketing appeal. These actives are added in lower concentrations and are not necessarily intended to provide any significant benefits to the skin. They are added to make the product more attractive to consumers and may be used to differentiate the product from competitors.

Tests & More Tests

All beauty products manufactured are subjected to rigorous testing before, during and after production. We live by our motto of it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. While there are a lot of grey areas in this industry, lab testing is not one of them. Testing is strict in this industry and for all the right reasons, and with this we welcome you to the world of cosmetics testing.

General Tests

Stability Testing Icon

Stability Testing (ST)

ST ensures that products remain safe, effective, and stable throughout their shelf life by exposing them to various environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light). Typically conducted on finished products over 3–6 months to establish expiration dates and storage conditions.

Compatibility Testing Icon

Compatibility Testing (CT)

CT evaluates the interaction between the final formulation and its final packaging. The goal is to ensure they do not react negatively, preventing instability, discoloration, or loss of efficacy. This process generally spans 1-3 months.

Preservation Tests

Cell Counting Icon

Cell Counting

Determines the number of germs present in a sample to assess the health and stability of the formulation. It helps identify if an ingredient is likely to cause irritation or damage to skin cells (cytotoxicity).

Challenge Test

A microbiological test where the product is inoculated with microorganisms to see if the preservative system can prevent contamination over 28 days. This ensures safety throughout use and distribution.

Safety & Efficacy Tests

Clinical Trial Icon

Clinical Trial

Validates claims like "reduces pigmentation by X%" or "24-hour hydration." Clinical trials use human application tests to provide scientific evidence for a product's safety and effectiveness.

In-Vivo Icon

In-Vivo

Latin for 'within the living'. Refers to tests performed on a whole living organism, such as a person or an animal.

Patch Test Icon

Patch Test

A diagnostic in-vivo test used to identify allergic reactions by applying a small amount of substance to the skin (usually the back) and monitoring for redness or swelling.

In-Vitro

Latin for 'in glass'. Describes tests performed outside of a living organism, typically in controlled environments like test tubes or petri dishes.

PROJECT INQUIRY