I’ve always believed that the smartest people in the cosmetic industry are the scientists who make and test the products. Which has always made me wonder why more of them haven’t gone out to start their own companies. It’s easier to do now than ever before, only a small investment is required and it can be done in your spare time.
This story about a YouTube user who got so popular that she was able to start her own cosmetics company might be just the inspiration you need.
Of course, this is not to suggest you must go out and start your own company to be a successful cosmetic scientist. But if you’ve ever thought about it, why aren’t you doing anything about it now?
What do you think is holding you back?
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I know what is holding me back. I don’t know where tio beginn. I have 2 degrees in chemistry, but I dont where I should start. I don’t know about formulations, where do I manufacturer. How do I market my product. Do I need a loan or can I get a grant…
Started my dream in September. I have always worked for startup companies. It is my time. Yes the startup can be relative inexpensive… but that changes quickly. I guess the trick is to keep sales ahead of costs. Dah. The other trick is to think at least 3 to 6 months ahead. A partner who’s strengths match your weakness helps.
I always wanted to start my own hair care product. Since being a young girl I used to collect herbs and make my own potions, tonics and masks for hair and face. I have very nice long hair and often people stop me on the street asking what products am I using. I am determined to finally do something with this dream of mine to start my own line.. but I have no knowledge of formulations, I am not a chemist..and don’t even know any. I have just came across this website and hope I will find some answeres here, thanks
I am trying to get started to have my line of cosmetics but i did not find it easey at all. Having no previous experiance or any contact in trade is hard enough but hve a will power to do it. I appreciate any help from anybody for practical advise.
Thanks
Mike and Renata
There are several aspects to starting a cosmetic line. FDA regulations, you must know them so that you stay in compliance. Some of the crafter soap making websites can help you with some of the basic rules. My advice is to read the FDA regulations directly. Formulas can be as easy as purchasing bases from crafters websites or if you are capable and you can make your own product. In the case of manufacturing your own products, Happi magazine usually publishes starting formulas. Chemical companies also publish starting formulas. Don’t get over your head. If you don’t have the knowledge find it yourself or someone to help you. These are products that will be applied to others, there is a responsibility of the manufacturer to produce safe products. Then you also have to market and manage your business. Good luck
Doug – thanks for the info!
Hi
I am in the process of starting a skin care line.
Several contract manufacturers offer a route to
formula ownership after a set number of years and sales.
However it is very expensive. What are peoples thoughts on
formula ownership? At first thought, I wanted to own my formulas. But I now I am not so sure, considering I will have a contract with the manufacture giving me exclusive rights to the formula. I also have no real desire to manufacture the products myself. My only concern is if I am unhappy with the services of the manufacturer and I want to sever the relationship, they own the formula. Any thoughts, advice??
Pros –
Have ownership
Can change manufactures
Can manufacture the products myself.
Cons – Very expensive!! to purchase formulas
Sara
1. You have no desire to manufacture.
2. You seem happy with the products.
3. You are unhappy with the price.
4. You can always seek prices form other manufacturers and use then as a bargaining chip. You can do this at any time as long as your contract with your current mfg doesn’t restrict you. As your sales increase your clout will also.
As for not having the formula you do… the ingredient list includes every thing in the formula by law. some things in that list are at set percentages so part of the formula is easy to pick apart. The rest can be roughly figured out by a chemist. There are companies that will for a price do this for you. Other contract packagers employ these type of people and use them to get new business. They will do this for free for your business. If you current supplier falls flat on his face with service, all is not lost. Be smart in your contract with your current supplier make sure a lawyer looks it over. Then you are free to do your job. sell sell. good luck.
“My only concern is if I am unhappy with the services of the manufacturer and I want to sever the relationship, they own the formula. Any thoughts, advice??”
Hi, Sara – I can share some experience on this topic. I work for a company that is currently trapped in a situation with the one product that has been manufactured out of house – our lotion. We want to go in-house with our production, but apparently a couple of years ago we asked our manufacturer to make a minor modification, and now they claim our modified formula as their own proprietary information (I was not employed there then and am hearing this second-hand). At any rate, we are stuck, and have to start from scratch or buy it off them for a 5 figure sum. We are a small-ish natural/organic line that sells in most Whole Foods, etc., and feel very vulnerable in this situation for an interruption of stock or a major difference in the product. If you foresee marketing your products to large companies, my strategy would be to develop my own formulations, consult with a lab and your raw ingredient suppliers to hone the formula’s stability, etc. and maintain ownership of a quality formula you feel good about. Especially now that there are huge changes looming in the bodycare industry with the FDA and labeling, certification of organics, etc. which would allow you the flexibility to change up an ingredient or two if you needed to. I hope this helps, but obviously my perspective is coming from the natural/organic sector.
These are great comments. I am a physician and have NO business experience. I have found great difficulty in finding a laboratory to manufacture my wrinkle reversing product. I have emailed hundreds of companies and laboratories and have made hundreds of phone calls. I need help in developing the final formula of my product. I have used my formulation on my own skin, my friends’ skin and my siblings’ skin. The effect is remarkable, so much so that I think millions of women would want this product. I then need to find someone who is experienced in this industry and partner with them so that my product can be marketed effectively. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
I am in the process of starting my skin care products to sell online. Can you tell me if I am better off starting off with a manufacturers stock formula with private label, custom formulating with a manufacturer, or owning my own IP to the formula. I have been trying to locate an independent chemist to formulate a skin product prototype and give me the right to the formula to then take to contract, however; it has been almost impossible to do. Most do not seem to want to give you all rights. Now I am thinking I should consider changing to another course as I am reading here to manufacturer with a good exculsive formula w/ a manufacturer and grow from there. I like what I read here in this forum that mentions “once your sales increase I will have more control.” If I opt for this, what is the “most” important element to be sure I establish going signing on with a manufacturer? Thank you and Best of Luck to All:)Cam
Dr. D – I forwarded your request to one of the consultants I know in the industry. Hopefully he can help you.
Great question Cam. When people are first starting out, I believe using a stock formula from a private label is the best option. This will let you know if your brand is appealing. However, starting with a custom formula is also a good idea because it might help your brand stand out. I don’t see any advantage to owning your own IP formula.
In general, marketing sells products initially. Product performance gets people to buy it again.
Dear Perry,
Thank you!!! I look forward to hearing from the consultant.
Dr. D
As a owner of a cosmetic company that either makes its own products or has them made, you should be actively involved in the quality. When you first set up an agreement with a contract packager. Insist that you get copies of all signed blend sheets to insure that all ingredients are added in the correct quantities and in the right order. Understand the QA parameters. Make them explain any that you don’t understand. Take notes. Audit the blend sheets routinely. This insures quality and insures that you have the current formula. Any company that wants to sell you product but refuses to allow you to insure that you get what you paid for should be taken off your list of potential manufactures. Before any formula changes take place insist that you approve samples and understand the reason for and the exact formula change. They are selling you a service… negotiate before you buy.
Sign secrecy agreements after your lawyer has reviewed them. Be ware some of the companies believe that your formula can be altered by the smallest amount and sold to others as a new formula. Check this with them before you buy.
I do agree with Perry when starting out there is not much advantage in owning your own formula. Keep your eyes open and good luck.