Development of your own range of cosmetic and beauty products 

When we start the development process for a new product, we begin with what benefits we wish for it to achieve and work from there. For example, if you want to make a body butter that moisturises the skin while smelling amazing, you have to look at the ingredients and how they will work together when combined. You will also need to look at the skin type the product will work for, this will dictate what ingredients you use. You also need to be aware of certain ingredients you use, some have contraindications and some are photosensitive. You really need to do your homework on each ingredient you use. The ingredients are key to your formula, but just because you’ve picked the perfect ones it doesn’t mean they’ll work together. 

Amazing Ingredients are Key. 

We’ll take it from this point that you are working in a clean and safe environment – our blog here discusses this – and that you have read up on EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (which the UK abides by) and the Good manufacture Practice which ensures compliance and high standards.

Starting your formulation.

From our experience we know that you want to just wade in and start creating your products, however, I would suggest doing your research thoroughly first. You may want to undertake a cosmetics formulation course or buy some books to help with your research. You also need to look at your target market, what age are they, skin type, issues to resolve. Pick 2 or 3 core products, to begin with, write out all the ingredients you’ll need to purchase and cost them up. Some ingredient prices may shock you, and you may have to look up alternatives depending on your budget and product pricing. 

If you want your products to be organic or cruelty free you will also have to research your suppliers, for each ingredient you will need a data sheet to record and track its contraindications, uses, benefits, provenance, and any notes you need on how it works with other ingredients. 

Next, you need a chart to record each formulation as you make it, measurements, process order, and mixing instructions. Consistency is key to getting the perfect product each time, if you miss a step or don’t record the process you may never recreate the formulation. Keeping accurate records is an essential part of creating your products, tracking how well they work, and ensuring your clients’ health and safety. 

It can take many attempts and process changes to get the correct texture, scent, and colour. This will take time and resources, and you will end up with waste products. For health and safety reasons these should be safely disposed of. You will need to keep a record of product wastage to write it off as lost stock. 

You will also need to record your time spent conducting research and development, you could be eligible to claim tax relief on this process. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-research-and-development-rd-relief

It will be very rare if you were to create the perfect formula on the first try, often you will get the colour and scent correct only to find the mixture splits, or that the texture is incorrect. Practice really does make perfect! 

SUCCESS, YOU’VE MADE YOUR FIRST FORMULATION

It’s a great feeling when your formulation works and it seems the perfect product to you. The next stage we’ll explore is testing the formulation and making sure it does what you need it to. 

After several years of formulation creation, we totally understand why this process may be daunting or just not the part of owning a cosmetics business that you’re interested in. You can instead consult with us on becoming your product manufacture, using our years of experience we can create unique formulations. We also have a catalog of popular products that can be customised to your needs.  

For more information go to our white label and wholesale page or email us at sales@essench.co.uk