Why Your Formula Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)
Every formulator has been there. You’re developing a new formula and something just won’t cooperate. It separates. It’s too thick. It’s too thin. When cosmetic…
Should You Formulate a Scalp Serum? A Look at the Science
Walk through any beauty aisle or scroll TikTok for five seconds and you’re sure to see a scalp serum. Brands ranging from The Ordinary to…
How to Read a Raw Material Specification Sheet
You’ve found the right ingredient, or so you think. But before you place that order, there’s one more critical step: reading the spec sheet. Raw…
Formulator’s Guide to Contacting Ingredient Suppliers
If you’re sourcing cosmetic raw materials, especially for the first time, reaching out to a supplier can feel intimidating. But clear communication, preparation, and the…
What to Know About Preservatives in Cosmetic Formulas
Preservatives get more scrutiny than almost any other cosmetic ingredient and not always for the right reasons. Between “paraben-free” marketing and natural preservative claims, the…
Selecting Emollients by Function Not Hype
Emollients affect not just hydration but also slip, spreadability, skin feel, absorption, finish and barrier function. They can make or break the sensorial profile of…
The Science Behind Surfactants
Surfactants are among the most versatile raw materials in cosmetic formulations. But with that versatility comes complexity. Not all surfactants clean the same way. Some…
Choosing the Right Emulsifier
You can’t make a lotion, cream, or serum without creating an emulsion. And, at the heart of any emulsion is the emulsifier, a raw material…
How to Source Cosmetic Ingredients If You’re Just Getting Started
One of the most common challenges for indie formulators and early-stage brands is sourcing raw materials. You can have a great product idea, but without…
The 5 Types of Raw Material Suppliers Every Formulator Should Know
When we talk about cosmetic formulas, the focus is usually on ingredients. But behind every emulsifier, surfactant, or botanical extract is an ingredient supplier and…
Cutting Through The Confusion Between Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients
The “natural vs synthetic” debate is one of the most persistent and misunderstood topics in cosmetic formulation. It’s also where marketing often clashes with science.…
What Ingredient Lists Don’t Tell You
You’ve seen it before, a trendy skincare product with rave reviews and ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and peptides highlighted on the label. Sounds impressive.…
Why Understanding Raw Materials Improves Your Formulas
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finished products. But behind every unique texture and performance claim is a web of carefully…
The 3 Types of Cosmetic Raw Materials You Need to Know
Cosmetic ingredient lists can be long and overwhelming but nearly every ingredient in a formula serves one of three core purposes. While there’s some overlap…
Review of InCosmetics Asia 2024
In November, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at In-cosmetics Asia 2024 in Bangkok. Held at BITEC from November 5-7, this year’s show…
Innovation in cosmetics: The haircare conundrum
Innovation is and always has been one of the core foundations of the beauty and personal care industry. Cosmetics products are most likely to see…
Embracing Artificial Intelligence as a formulator’s assistant in the cosmetics industry
Over the past couple of years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to permeate businesses across the board, spanning numerous regions and industries. A study from…
AI Cosmetic Formulation - A cosmetic chemists guide
AI’s Role in Cosmetic Chemistry In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic science, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cosmetic chemistry is not just a…
What does Chat GPT mean for beauty and cosmetic chemists?
No doubt you have heard about Chat GPT which seems to have taken the world by storm. AI is a fast growing and ever developing…