About
Hi, I’m Perry Romanowski one of the chemists who write for Chemists Corner. This site was created to be a resource for scientists working in (or trying to get in) the cosmetic industry. I have written books, articles, and taught classes on the subject of cosmetic chemistry and working as a cosmetic chemist.
Chemists Corner is a website written for cosmetic chemists by cosmetic chemists. It is meant to be a resource and gathering place for cosmetic chemists to learn tips, swap stories, and find out how to survive and thrive in the cosmetic industry.
Our mission is to help you land a job in the cosmetic industry and become a better scientist once you get there. Here you will find articles and tips in the following categories.
What will you learn?
- Technology: Reviews of available technologies and assessments of how well the ingredients work for your applications. Not the stuff you get from raw material sales and marketing people. Real assessments of what works and whether it’s worth changing your formulas.
- Formulating 101: A review of basic cosmetic chemistry and formulation. Sure, you might be an expert in one particular area, but what do you do when you need to formulate a product that you’ve never done before? Read these articles to quickly get up to speed on the basics of cosmetic formulating.
- Innovation: Tips and tricks on how you can become more innovative. Do you find yourself creating the same formula and merely changing the color and fragrance? You didn’t need a degree in chemistry to do that! Be innovative. Be creative. Make original formulas and make revolutionary ideas.
- Industry Happenings: These are articles about the cosmetic industry and how things that happen might affect you and your job. Learn about the various trade associations and how they can be beneficial to you.
- Resources: Reviews of books, articles and other products that will be helpful to the cosmetic chemist.
- Chemists Lifestyle: Practical advice for time management, setting goals, handling insurance and finances. All the things that you have to know, but were never taught in science classes.
- Career: This section will have articles about getting a job, networking, dealing with headhunters, and using the Internet to stay connected & aware of new opportunities.
- Chemists Corner Forum: (coming soon) This is a place to swap stories, tips, tricks and other advice to help the community of cosmetic chemists thrive. Stay connected with friends & colleagues while getting your questions to cosmetic chemistry challenges answered.
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About the Authors
Perry Romanowski has been formulating cosmetic products and inventing
solutions to solve consumer problems since the early 1990’s. Additionally, he has written and edited numerous articles and books, taught continuing education classes for industry scientists, and developed successful websites. His latest book is Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry 3rd Edition
Connect with Perry on the following social media sites.
Kelly Dobos began her formulations career in the HI&I industry in 2001 and moved into the cosmetics industry a few years later, allowing her to combine 
her love of beauty, fashion and science. She spent time as a formulator for the Bonne Bell Company and GOJO Industries before starting her current role in skin care product development for the Kao Brands Company in Cincinnati, OH. She is also currently attending the University of Cincinnati and is enrolled in the Masters of Pharmaceutical Science program with a concentration in Cosmetic Science.
Connect with Kelly on the following social networking sites.
Contact
If you have a comment or question you can contact us by filling in the comment form below or sending an email to Perry.Romanowski@gmail.com
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Perry,
I am looking to hire a freelance formulator for color cosmetics. I am not sure of the proper protocol to protect myself and my ideas. I am a small business but I think that I should have some sort of confidentiality and non-compete agreements signed by them. Please let me know what else I should include in a contract and what business ethics I should expect from a formulating service. Thank You
Dear Perry,
I am inguiring to find a chemist in the Minneapolis areas so I can find out if my product is good before I go any further. Is there anything I need to do before I meet the chemist, shall I think about getting a patent first? If you have any other ideas, please let me know. Thank you.
Hello Carrie,
I would suggest you contact the Twin Cities SCC to find a chemist up there. Search Google for their website and contact person. I don’t think you need a patent before meeting with the chemist. The chemist is in the business of creating formulas, not in the business of marketing products. But if you want to be safe, you can have them sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). I think you can find standard forms by doing an Internet search.
Dear Perry,
My mother-in-law and I are starting up a small line of cosmetic products. We have a few resources on how to start up a cosmetic business but need more guidance regarding technical aspects, such as licensing, insurance, etc. I have done research online, I have FDA regulation book in regards to cosmetic industry, but there are many nuances in running this business that can only be learned from someone who has been there and done that. What would you advise? Thank you!