Cosmetic Chemistry Articles

Forum Weekly: Top Cosmetic Science Discussions (September 10, 2026)

Weekly roundup of the top discussions from the Cosmetic Science Talk forum.

Does Beef Tallow Belong in Skincare?

Beef tallow is trending in skincare, but does it actually offer benefits over traditional cosmetic ingredients? A cosmetic chemist examines the science behind the trend.

What Cosmetic Chemists Should Know About Natural and Clean Beauty

Natural and clean beauty are everywhere—but are they really safer or better? A cosmetic chemist breaks down the challenges of formulating “natural” products and how the industry has responded.

Why Your Formula Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)

Learn how to troubleshoot cosmetic formulas when they separate, feel sticky, or fail stability testing. A science-first, step-by-step guide for cosmetic chemists.

Should You Formulate a Scalp Serum? A Look at the Science

Scalp serums promise thicker, healthier hair—but how much of it is marketing? A cosmetic scientist examines the claims, ingredients, and the real science behind scalp care.

How to Read a Raw Material Specification Sheet

A step-by-step guide to reading a raw material specification sheet, so you can make smarter decisions in cosmetic formulation.

Formulator's Guide to Contacting Ingredient Suppliers

Save time and build better supplier relationships by preparing key information and questions before you reach out. Here's what every formulator should know.

What to Know About Preservatives in Cosmetic Formulas

Learn the real science behind cosmetic preservatives including myths, use levels, and how to build an effective, safe preservation system.

Selecting Emollients by Function Not Hype

Understand the different types of cosmetic emollients—silicones, esters, oils, and butters—and how to select the right one for performance and product feel.

The Science Behind Surfactants

Understand the roles surfactants play in cosmetic products—from cleansing to emulsification—and how to select the right one for your formulation.

Choosing the Right Emulsifier

Learn the basics of how emulsifiers stabilize oil and water mixtures, the science behind HLB values, and how to choose the right emulsifier for your formulation.

How to Source Cosmetic Ingredients If You’re Just Getting Started

Struggling to find high-quality cosmetic ingredients in small quantities? Here’s how indie formulators and startups can source raw materials smartly and safely.

The 5 Types of Raw Material Suppliers Every Formulator Should Know

Not all raw material suppliers are the same. Understand the key differences between manufacturers, distributors, brokers, and small-scale sellers in the cosmetics industry.

Cutting Through The Confusion Between Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients

A science-based breakdown of natural vs. synthetic cosmetic ingredients and why the distinction matters less than function, safety, and performance.

What Ingredient Lists Don’t Tell You

Cosmetic ingredient lists may look transparent, but they often hide critical information about concentration, function, and formulation strategy.

Why Understanding Raw Materials Improves Your Formulas

Knowing your cosmetic raw materials is essential to creating stable, effective, and innovative formulas and here’s why ingredient knowledge matters.

The 3 Types of Cosmetic Raw Materials You Need to Know

Discover the three fundamental types of cosmetic ingredients—functional, aesthetic modifiers and claims and how they shape your formulation decisions.

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 apparently saw record-breaking participation, with ne...

How to become a cosmetic chemist - podcast relaunch

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 Zoom found that nearly 7 in 10 (69...