Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Cosmetic Industry Selling Formulations

  • Selling Formulations

    Posted by mikethair on February 24, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    I have recently had a few requests from our Private Label customers to buy some of my formulations.

    In what format are formulations usually sold?

    We have our Batch Manufacturing Records for each product, is there another format more suitable for the sale of formulations?

    Any other advice from forum members on the of formulations?

    mikethair replied 1 year, 9 months ago 4 Members · 12 Replies
  • 12 Replies
  • Abdullah

    Member
    February 24, 2023 at 7:58 pm

    Maybe in an excel sheet

    • mikethair

      Member
      February 24, 2023 at 11:31 pm

      OK, and what would you suggest on the Excel??

    • mikethair

      Member
      February 24, 2023 at 11:32 pm

      And usual format of info?

  • Abdullah

    Member
    February 25, 2023 at 7:15 pm

    Just write your formula in percentage and the production method

    • mikethair

      Member
      February 25, 2023 at 8:38 pm

      Hi Abdullah, How many formulations have you sold using this approach?

      • Abdullah

        Member
        February 26, 2023 at 7:22 pm

        I have sold two formulas and that format had extra many extra features + one of them with one year after sale support and one of them life time support.

        Writing INCI name+ manufacturing method is the minimum necessary

        • mikethair

          Member
          February 26, 2023 at 7:24 pm

          Thanks Abdullah.

  • KMRCSMiami

    Member
    February 26, 2023 at 8:33 pm

    Hi, as a formulator I develop products for others and therefore sell my formulas regularly. My excel sheets have the following:

    -formula %

    -ingredients with links to the exact product used from supplier. **this is super important. Stating “dimethicone” isn’t enough. Link the exact dimethicone used.

    -manufacturing SOP, with RPM speeds, mixing times, heat temperatures, cool down times, In process QC checks, etc. Be super precise as you want the excel sheet to be all the information they’ll ever need.

    - final product parameters with viscosity (make/model of meter), final pH, fragrance, appearance, etc.

    If with all this information they still have issues duplicating the formula- I provide them with hourly consultations to assist them. In my experience, my excel sheet is super detailed and is essentially fool-proof. If they can’t duplicate what I provide them its likely a skillset issue, which requires consultations. Often times they do not have the equipment and need to be creative.

  • mikethair

    Member
    February 26, 2023 at 10:50 pm

    Excellent advice. Thanks.

  • Herbnerd

    Member
    March 5, 2023 at 11:19 am

    I’ve sold a number of formulations in the areas of food and dietary supplements and infant formula and cosmetics. The level of information I give is quite detailed.

    I tend to include the formula, any specific manufacturing instructions, raw material suppliers used, packing instructions (including packaging suppliers) regulatory, allergy information, free-from statement (if required) and any certification details required.

    Perhaps some may say I give away too much information - but since the customer is paying for it, they may as well have the whole lot.

    • KMRCSMiami

      Member
      March 5, 2023 at 12:11 pm

      Absolutely. Happy to see others provide more than the minimum here. Its about customer experience, you want to make sure they have everything they need to move forward. If they’re constantly reaching out to you its (1) you’re not providing enough information to complete the work or (2) they require consultations as there is a skillset issue with the client. I do not provide CoA’s or allergen statements as I am not a manufacturer but rather an independent formulator and feel this would be more appropriate if done by the manufacturer releasing the product, but its great that you provide this. One less thing for the client to request.

  • mikethair

    Member
    March 5, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    Yes, agreed.

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