With new ingredients or suppliers, what keeps formulators up at night?

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With new ingredients or suppliers, what keeps formulators up at night?

Posted by GennLau on January 8, 2018 at 10:56 pm

Hi Guys.

I’m new to B2B copywriting in the cosmetic formualtion industry, and as such, I’d like to know more about what keeps you guys, and other cosmetic formulation managers, up at night.

While I’m not new to the skin care industry, I am new to understanding the bigger picture environment when you are selecting a new ingredient or deciding to work with a new supplier.

Do you mind filling me in?

Please, be honest; brutally honest if this gets your point across more clearly.

I wish to know how to address your real world challenges and concerns while introducing new products, providing solutions, or introducing new brands.

Thanks in advance.

Genna

GennLau replied 6 years, 10 months ago 6 Members · 16 Replies
16 Replies

OldPerry

Member
January 8, 2018 at 11:01 pm

I’m not exactly sure what the question means, but I’ll take a swing at an answer.

1. Unreliable supply. If the supplier can’t meet order timing and specification, that’s a problem.

2. Single source. Related to the first. If I’m buying a custom blend and for some reason the supplier can’t deliver my entire product can be delayed or I can’t produce it. This is why I prefer never to be single sourced.

Those are the main ones off the top of my head.
belassi

Member
January 8, 2018 at 11:19 pm

concerning distributors and factors:
1. A reasonable MOQ.
2. A fair price.
3. Clear information.
GennLau

Member
January 8, 2018 at 11:48 pm

Thanks Perry and Belassi!

This is exactly what I’m looking for.
GennLau

Member
January 8, 2018 at 11:49 pm

Anyone else? I’m all ears.
DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ

Member
January 9, 2018 at 12:01 am

Ideally you need a knowledge of the supplier side of the industry.Having worked on both sides of the industry provides an advantage for the formulator.There are hidden variables on the supplier side and asking a myriad of questions will get you where you need to go,however you need to ask the right questions which comes from experience as you will not find these instincts in a textbook.
DAS

Member
January 9, 2018 at 12:49 pm

Something important I always keep in mind is that companies want to sell, so never work just with the information a salesman provides. Even if you know and trust the supplier, double check with the manufacturer if possible.
GennLau

Member
January 9, 2018 at 4:30 pm

Hey Das, thanks.

Great idea. Being new and wishing to be “white Hat”, since I know what it is like to be given insufficient or misleading info, I greatly appreciate this suggestion.

~Genna
Microformulation

Member
January 9, 2018 at 6:50 pm

One issue I struggle with from suppliers is when my clients read the claims and look at the “studies” which the suppliers provide, touting physiological benefits that go above and beyond what you can claim for a Cosmetic. Some newer clients who are less versed in the limitations of Cosmetic Claims will interpret this as permission to cross this line in their marketing. I have to point out to them that a raw material and a finished Cosmetic good have different standards.
GennLau

Member
January 9, 2018 at 10:10 pm

Hmmm…this is entirely true. I spent years walking this line.

So, are you suggesting a list of marketing tag lines that their marketing department can use to make claims based on the studies available?

OR do you mean an explanation or disclaimer that these studied physiological benefits, while true, can’t all be utilized for marketing purposes based on existing FDA Cosmetic Claims laws?
GennLau

Member
January 9, 2018 at 10:14 pm

Hey…to all of you generous and kind people on this forum:

Thanks so much!

I’m getting such good insight from you all. I’m a little embarrassed, but very grateful.
GennLau

Member
January 9, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Hey Dr. Bob:

You offered an excellent contribution to this thread. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you another question related to your reply.

What hidden variables came to mind as you wrote this?

What questions have you learned to ask?

~Genna
Microformulation

Member
January 9, 2018 at 11:21 pm

I would simply say that you need to let the Marketers know that if the supplier says it, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can.
GennLau

Member
January 9, 2018 at 11:28 pm

This is succinct and clear. Hey…thanks a lot!
DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ

Member
January 10, 2018 at 4:38 am

See my e mail to you regarding safety claims process controls and raw material variations which if left to chance can effect final product.
GennLau

Member
January 10, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. Bob!
GennLau

Member
January 17, 2018 at 2:36 am

Hey everyone on this forum who answered my questions…here’s a thank you gift.

Hope you like. I have a bioscience background and I love science jokes. In this case, cartoons. Here are two of my favorites.

Again, thank you.

~Genna
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