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Formulating
309 articlesWhat 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.
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.
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.
AI Cosmetic Formulation - A cosmetic chemists guide
AI cosmetic formulation tools are coming and will impact cosmetic chemists and beauty product formulators. Here's how they will be used
Pixi Glycolic Body Wash - Formula Review
This post breaks down the formula and gives the purpose of the ingredients in the Pixi Glycolic Body Wash product.
Clinique Cleansing Balm - Formula Review
This post breaks down the formula and gives the purpose of the ingredients in the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm product.
Solving cosmetic formulation problems
One the cosmetic science formulation forum we often get people looking for advice on how to improve their formulas. While each question and formulation is a little different, there is one thing nearly...
Why companies might change a product formula
There are a few reasons why brands would change a formula. And these changes are often what you will be working on as a new cosmetic chemist.
Why beauty products are going waterless
Waterless cosmetic products have a few advantages which makes them appeal to natural and green seeking consumers. But there are downsides
What conditioner ingredients work the best?
The chemistry involved in how a hair conditioner works is interesting and we explore why some conditioning agents work better on different hair types
Places to find ingredient lists for cosmetics
Cosmetic product ingredient lists - some of the best sources for formulators to find beauty product list of ingredients. With reliability ratings.
Cosmetic product analysis - How do you do it?
A skill all cosmetic chemists and formulators need to learn is analyzing a competitive product. Here are 5 steps to do just that.
How to analyze a cosmetic ingredient list
Learning to analyze a cosmetic ingredient list is a crucial skill for you to learn if you want to be a competent cosmetic formulator. Follow the steps outlined here, practice on existing ingredient lists, and start developing a sense of what raw materials are important and which are just marketing fluff.
The Colorful History of Synthetic Organic Pigments Used in Color Cosmetics
Azo chemistry is one of the most widely used methods of making synthetic dyes and pigments. The term azo refers to a nitrogen double bond within the molecule. The discovery of nitrogen is attributed t...
The Challenges of formulating natural cosmetics
Clean Beauty is all the rage these days and it can be directly related to the difficulties in formulating natural cosmetics. Although there are not actually any cosmetics that I would consider natural...
Cruelty Free Cosmetics - Are they really free from cruelty?
Hello and welcome to Hot Topics from Chemists Corner, the show where I pick some topic about the cosmetic industry that caught my eye and give my 2 cents. Today’s topic…Cruelty Free Cosmetics. I’ve se...
The Problem With Cosmetic Ingredient Research
I was scanning through the various science magazines I follow and stumbled on this interesting article about a couple of essential oils and their effect on skin. The researchers looked at geranium and...
What Silicones Are In Cosmetics
Silicones are definitely controversial ingredients in cosmetic products. The misinformed reasons people suggest avoiding them include things like being unsafe for the environment, causing acne, interf...
What is the best preservative to use?
One of the most common questions we get here on Chemists Corner about formulating is what is the best cosmetic preservative to use. Before I go into a long explanation about how this is a complicated...
Lotion Serum Cream - What do they mean
Formulating cosmetics can be challenging, but convincing people to buy products can be even harder. The biggest challenge in getting consumers to pick your product is the fact that from a technology s...
Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid when formulating
It's getting harder to be a cosmetic formulator these days. It used to be you could mix together any reasonable ingredients to get the performance you wanted and everyone was fine with it. Formulators...
Expiration Date of a Cosmetic Formula
One of the more frequent questions received here at Chemists Corner is about the expiration date of products. Formulators, and beauty product consumers alike, want to know how long a formula will last...
Creating a cosmetic - what is a concept
Learning the chemistry of cosmetics and how to formulate products is not actually the first step required in making a cosmetic product. The first thing you have to do is to create a concept. Once you'...
Cosmetic testing - in vitro - in vivo - ex vivo - and more
When evaluating cosmetic products there are some terms you'll here in reference to specific types of testing. These include in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. If you have a background in science you may...
Should you learn to make cosmetics?
I've been a cosmetic chemist for over 25 years and have come to love the process of creating personal care and beauty products. It appeals to my interest in science, it lets me invent things, it leads...
New formulation club by the in-cosmetics Group announced
This may be useful for all the cosmetic formulators out there. 24 May 2018 - Its events are a trusted source of formulation know-how for thousands of R&D professionals around the world, and today the...
How Shampoos Are Made
In this cosmetic formulation series we will go through the various cosmetic & personal care formula types and describe what they are, what raw materials are in them and how they are manufactured. Sinc...
Color Selection for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Part 1: Stability of Certified Colors An important consideration in the color additive selection process is stability. Once the regulatory requirements for the market(s) where a cosmetic or toiletry p...
Find a cosmetic chemist for your product idea
One of the most common questions we get here on Chemists Corner is someone asking for help to find a cosmetic chemist. Unfortunately, the majority of people who have expertise in developing cosmetics...
Cosmetic Science - What is it?
Simply put, cosmetic science is the area of study focused on the development of products designed to improve the look and feel of skin, hair, nails and other surfaces of the body. The subject of cosme...
Basic cosmetic chemistry course
When you study chemistry in college, they don't spend much time teaching you what to do with your degree after you get out. In reality, you learn basic chemistry and some advance concepts in the subje...
Why are some cosmetic ingredients added hot and others added cold
Formulating cosmetics can be a lot like cooking. And just like when you are making lunch or dinner, some dishes and cosmetic formulas must be heated and others can be mixed at room temperature. Here a...
Why are some oils solid while others are liquid?
Fats, oils, waxes and butters are natural materials that find use in improving the look and feel of skin and hair. They can provide shine, smoothness, supple feel, slip, and aid in combating the negat...
Vitamin E is not a preservative - and other cosmetic preservation misconceptions
Somehow there developed this idea on the Internet that Vitamin E is a cosmetic preservative. It's not. Vitamin E is not a preservative ! If you put vitamin E in your formula, you are not preserving it...
Exercise your way to younger looking skin
Here’s a study which shows that you may not have to spend a lot of money on expensive facial creams to make yourself look younger. Instead, you may be able to exercise the wrinkles off your face. Rese...
Should you be worried about asbestos in your cosmetics?
According to a story in Happi the cosmetic retailer Claire’s has had to recall a number of its cosmetic products because they are thought to be contaminated with asbestos. It seems that a worker at a...
Why cosmetic ingredients with the same name aren't always the same
When you learn chemistry in school, they teach you the molecular structure of materials and the chemical and physical characteristics of the compound. It's easy to get the impression that the world is...
in-Cosmetics Global in Amsterdam to home in on R&D
The leading personal care ingredients event reveals a focus on R&D at its Global event in The Netherlands from 17-19 April 2018 The ever-evolving personal care industry changes radically from one year...
5 Reasons Sulfate-Free Products Exist
Have you ever wondered why companies sell sulfate free products? If there is some safety issue with sulfates, why do companies continue to sell those products? Why would L'Oreal sell a sulfate free sh...
To start a cosmetic lab you need Lab Supplies
Here's the next article in our series about starting a cosmetic lab . Here is the basic equipment you'll need. Containers Weighing equipment Mixers Heating & Cooling equipment Lab supplies Testing equ...
Things to know about starting an organic or natural cosmetic line
I frequently get requests here on Chemists Corner from people who want to start their own organic skin care line or their own natural cosmetics line. Sometimes they want to know how to make it themsel...
Creating a cosmetic lab - Heating and Cooling equipment
Here's the next article in our series about starting a cosmetic lab . Here is the basic equipment you'll need. Containers Weighing equipment Mixers Heating & Cooling equipment Lab supplies Testing equ...
Setting up a cosmetic formulating lab - Mixers
Here's the next article in our series about starting a cosmetic lab . Here is the basic equipment you'll need. Containers Weighing equipment Mixers Heating & Cooling equipment Lab supplies Testing equ...
Setting up a cosmetic lab - Scales and weighing equipment
Here's the next article in our series about starting a cosmetic lab . Here is the basic equipment you'll need. Containers Weighing equipment Mixers Heating & Cooling equipment Lab supplies Testing equ...
How to set up a cosmetic lab - containers
When you are hired on as a cosmetic chemist out of college you typically will start in a lab that is already equipped with all the things you'll need to make cosmetic products. This is one of the big...
What are surfactants? A Formulators Guide
Of all the ingredients you could use to formulate cosmetics , surfactants are perhaps the most important. They are used for a wide range of applications such as cleaning surfaces, delivering condition...
Formula adjustment ingredients for cosmetics
When creating cosmetic products in a lab it is easy to have control over the final characteristics of your formula. Under this setting you get the maximum control over everything such as mixing condit...
Optimizing cosmetic formulas - part 2
In the previous post in this formula optimization series we covered the basic process of optimization and also the things you could optimize and how to measure them. In this post we'll cover some of t...
Cosmetic Formula Optimization - part 1
As a formulator one of your main tasks will be to come up with the recipes for the various products that your company sells. But even after the product is launched your work on the formula is not comp...
What is an emulsion? Back to Basics
You may have heard the term emulsion, but still don't quite understand what it means, especially if you are not a chemist. Well, I thought we go back to basics and take a simple look at emulsions. Wha...
How to formulate nutricosmetics
As a cosmetic formulator, you are expected to know how to formulate any cosmetic product. But these days the definition of what is a cosmetic product is expanding. Now, brands are launching nutricosme...
How to make cosmetic formulations - a complete overview
When you get out of college and start your new formulation job in the cosmetic industry, you will quickly learn that not much of what you learned in your Chemistry courses applies to cosmetic science...
Should you use a blend for your cosmetic formulation?
The primary job of a cosmetic formulator, namely creating cosmetic products, can be challenging. That's mainly because you are trying to achieve a number of goals with every formula you make. Each for...
In-cosmetics Global 2017 focused on Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence
As Euromonitor International hails UK consumers among the biggest beauty and personal care spenders in Western Europe, the stage is set for in-cosmetics Global as it returns to London for the first ti...
Cosmeceuticals in cosmetics
A reader asked me why there weren't more high performance cosmeceutical ingredients in cosmetics. I think there are a few reasons you don't see many of them used. 1. Cosmeceutical claims are limited....
What is an active ingredient in cosmetics
I was recently asked this question by a reader, what is an active ingredient? You hear this term a lot in cosmetic marketing. And according to this article in Happi.com you can't have a successful ski...
Cosmetic ingredient expiration dates
Cosmetic ingredients often have an expiration date but what do they really mean? Typically, it just means the raw material specifications
8 ways to reduce your cosmetic formula cost
When I got my first formulation job, I was hired as a “cost savings” chemist. This meant it was my job to identify ways to reduce the costs of our formulas. It wasn’t a particularly glamorous job but...
Natural Colors in Cosmetics
Many consumers desire natural cosmetics. While some countries, including the US and EU, have natural colors in their positive lists these color leave a lot to be desired in terms of color properties a...
Cosmetic Formulating - How much of an ingredient should you use?
As a formulator one of the hardest things to do is to create new formulas from scratch. This is because formulations are a mixture of chemicals and it is extremely difficult to predict what will happe...
In-cosmetics returns to Korea to showcase next generation of cosmetics
In-cosmetics Korea , Coex Hall B, 159 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-731, Korea, 6-7 July 2016 In-cosmetics returns for its second exhibition in Korea from 6-7 July 2016 . The free-to-attend eve...
Where to get raw materials for making cosmetics
When I was working for a company it was pretty easy to get the raw materials I needed for making cosmetic formulas. I would just look up a raw material, contact the sales person I knew from the compan...
World Perfumery Congress is coming
World Perfumery Congress returns to the US in 2016 World Perfumery Congress, 13-15 June 2016, Fontainebleau Resort, Miami Beach, Florida The organizers of the biennial World Perfumery Congress (WPC) h...
Cosmetic Preservation - What’s In a Name?
What’s in a name, the preservation name? Whether it's Montague or Capulet….love or scorn…parabens or not? Brands, marketers and formulators find themselves in a quandary of hearsay to balance consumer...
Should you formulate with essential oils
Here was a question sent in by our readers about formulating with essential oils. I'm not a chemist but I have been formulating cosmetic products for my wife for a short time and have been getting a l...
Using Extracts in Cosmetic Formulas
On a Facebook page that I participate in someone there was a discussion about extracts in cosmetics and someone posed the question "Do a significant number of cosmetic chemists and formulators really...
Start with simple cosmetic formulas
On the forum there was a question about a shampoo formula and how to make it more conditioning . The question is a good one because it helps illustrate a point that many formulators miss. When you are...
Functional raw materials in the cosmetic industry
We’ve previously discussed cosmetic raw materials on this website and have even come up with a classification system which demonstrates that there are only 3 types of cosmetic raw materials including...
In-Cosmetics Brazil 2015 begins September 1st
The 2015 in-cosmetics Brasil fair set to feature many novelties and innovative educational content in-cosmetics, Brasil 30 September -1 October , Expo Center Norte, Säo Paulo, Brasil The second editio...
3 Ways to Make Surfactant Free Emulsions
Emulsifiers are great for keeping mixtures of oil and water together but they do have a number of downsides that has prompted researchers to look for alternatives. Some of the problems include skin ir...
How to be a Complete Cosmetic Chemist
To be a complete cosmetic chemist you need to have a wide range of knowledge and skills not taught in college. Here are the 5 main areas you need to develop to excel in a cosmetic science career. Cosm...
When do you need to add a cosmetic preservative
Join the Cosmetic Preservative Webinar Featuring cosmetic preservative expert Dene Godfrey Learn About Preservatives What is it? We're hosting for a limited time a webinar by cosmetic preservative exp...
What is the best ingredient to use?
On a few occasions we've gotten a question that goes something like this.... "What is the best preservative to use?" or "What is the best ingredient I can use for moisturizing?" A question like this i...
Does alcohol cause skin irritation?
I recently received an email asking me about why a company would include alcohol (denatured) in their skin care formulas. They were under the impression that alcohol caused skin irritation. They are n...
5 Steps For Getting Replacement Raw Materials
There are a number of reasons why you might want to find a replacement for a raw material you currently using. It could be because the supplier can't get you the ingredient, you can save money on your...
Which cosmetic ingredients are animal derived?
When the INCI Dictionary was first published there were about 2000 cosmetic ingredients listed. The latest edition has over 14,000 ingredients. Hundreds of new raw materials are added to the INCI dict...
Types of Peptides in Cosmetics
There are a number of types of ingredients offered to formulators as "active ingredients." You can find molecules claimed to boost collagen production, turn off melanocytes, and even grow hair. In rea...
5 Things That Cosmetics Can Do
While there are hundreds of types of cosmetics and thousands of cosmetic brands, there are really only 5 things that cosmetics do. If you want to be a well-rounded cosmetic formulator you should be fa...
What to ask about your new cosmetic raw material
At some point in your cosmetic chemistry career, if you haven’t already, you’ll be introduced to new ingredients. The supplier will probably furnish you with a few studies that have been run on why sa...
Why formulators should pay attention to beauty bloggers
In the cosmetic industry beauty bloggers seem to be gaining in their influence and big brands are beginning to take them more seriously. This is good for beauty bloggers and the brands they like but i...
What is Polyquaternium?
This is a post by Nitesh Rajput A product is considered to be a conditioner if it improves the quality of the surface to which it is applied, particularly if this improvement involves the correction o...
Types of Water Used in Cosmetic Formulating
There are a wide variety of water types that you might use for creating a cosmetic or personal care formula. Here are the differences
Controlling Cosmetic Product Quality
A question was posed to us recently about creating consistent cosmetic products and formulations. Basically, the reader wanted to know how you do it. The answer is probably the same whether you are ma...
Figuring out the 1% line
A fun activity for any cosmetic chemist is to look at a list of ingredients (LOI) and try to determine where is the 1% line. If you don't know the 1% line refers to the place in the LOI which indicate...
What are cosmetic product specifications?
When you create a formula in the lab it's rather easy to create batches that are consistently the same in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics. This is because you use sensitive balanc...
Surfactants - Does the counterion matter?
There was an interesting discussion on LinkedIn about whether Magnesium Laureth Sulfate was more gentle than Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It's a pretty good question and I'm not really sure about the answe...
So you want to formulate sulfate free?
Somewhere along the line surfactants which contain the name “sulfate” got a bad name. It’s difficult to say exactly how this negative reputation was developed but I suspect it was the result of a clev...
Cosmetic Formulating - Working with Base Formulas
When you start out as a cosmetic formulator you will not be asked to come up with your own formulas. There may be some exceptions at small companies or contract manufacturers but at companies that hav...
The Three Types of Cosmetic Raw Materials
Did you know that there are only 3 main categories of cosmetic raw materials? Really all of the ingredients used in cosmetics can be put into one of these three categories: Functional Aesthetic Modifi...
Where to find the list of ingredients for a cosmetic
It's a requirement in the United States and around most places in the world that cosmetic products have their ingredients listed on their label. We've previously written about cosmetic product labelin...
Thickening cosmetic products
Here's a pretty good article which outlines the different methods for thickening cosmetic formulas. Cosmetic product thickening In the future we'll do a more in-depth thickening article but that will...
Why Cosmetic Chemists Must Remain Skeptical
In a recent discussion on our cosmetic science forum about functional cosmetic ingredients a commenter complained that my positions were too demoralizing. I suspect my skepticism about the effectivene...
What does Natural Cosmetics mean to consumers?
Many cosmetic entrepreneurs are interested in producing all natural and organic cosmetics. We frequently get emails here on Chemists Corner that say something like “I want to make a natural and organi...
Proper Preservation for your Cosmetic Formulation
There have been a few stories in the news recently about product recalls due to bacterial or microbial contamination of cosmetic products. This one about baby wipes that have been recalled is an examp...
Cosmetics are not a consumer danger in the US but dietary supplements are
As a cosmetic formulator I’m often annoyed by chemical fear mongering of NGOs and other non-scientists who claim that cosmetics represent a significant health concern. The reality is that there is no...
Cosmetic delivery system of the future
Are nanoparticles the cosmetic delivery system of the future? They may be if this research can ever be completed and commercialized. According to scientists at the University of Southampton, they have...
Becoming an excellent cosmetic formulator
I saw this infographic titled “how to excel as a formulator” which lists 9 things you need to achieve that goal. The 9 tips from George Deckner are great but they could use some expansion. Unfortunate...
The hardest things a cosmetic chemist has to do
There are some aspects of cosmetic chemistry that are easy but there are others that can be a but difficult. This list refers to the latter. 1. Generating new product ideas. There's a reason that cosm...
9 Topical Cosmetic Compounds That Work
Last weekend I had the opportunity to speak at the Face and Body show in San Jose. It was a great show and I was happy to have such an attentive audience. The attendees were primarily estheticians fro...
Strategies for formulating green products
Previously, we talked about how sustainability will effect the formulating efforts of cosmetic chemists. In this article, we'll discuss some of the different formulation strategies you might use to im...
7 Tricks for Saving a Bad Body Wash Batch
This will happen to you at some point in your career as a cosmetic chemist. You'll either get a call from the QA people telling you a batch is "out of spec" or the huge batch you made for a consumer t...
How to Decipher Cosmetic Claims - Hair Conditioner
In the United States cosmetic companies are not prevented from making almost any claim they want. However, there is a significant rule they must follow. "You can not make false claims" While small cos...
How do you know if a cosmetic raw material works?
I saw a science article that indicated in a mouse study that a compound in apple peals (ursolic acid) was good for helping build muscles. After I "tweeted" this fact, one of my followers responded tha...
Thickening Agents for Cosmetic Formulations
One of the requirements of most cosmetic products is that they have an appealing rheology. This means that you as a cosmetic formulator you are going to understand cosmetic thickeners in order to cont...
Essential Cosmetic Lab Equipment
If you want to be a cosmetic chemist and make cosmetic products, there is certain essential equipment that you'll need to get. Here is a list of the basic equipment for setting up a cosmetic lab. Basi...
How to Determine Cost of a Formulation
Here is a short cosmetic science tutorial video we made that shows you exactly how to go about figuring out the costs of a cosmetic formulation. If you find it helpful, you can use the following sprea...
A Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Ingredient Lists
In the United States (and most other places around the world), beauty product manufacturers are required to list the ingredients used to make their products in a specific way. The current guidelines c...
How Cosmetic Claims Can be Used to Make You a Better Cosmetic Chemist
As a cosmetic chemist , you should always keep an eye on products and try to figure out what other people in the industry are doing. One of the best ways to do this is to review their product claims,...
A great online community where you can engage consumers
I'm sure Perry has already told you this but as a cosmetic scientist it's important for you to know your consumer. One way to understand the wants and needs of consumers is to tap into questions they...
What Makes one Cosmetic Ingredient Better than another?
As a cosmetic chemist , you will be often visited by chemical sales people and presented "new" raw materials to put in your formulas. Or you may be asked by your marketing people about ingredients and...
The 10 Different Types of Cosmetic Formulas You Must Know
While there are literally thousands of different types of cosmetic products, there are actually only 10 different types of cosmetic formulas. Here is a brief overview of those types including what the...
HLB - The Easiest Way to Create An Emulsion
As a cosmetic chemist you will undoubtedly be asked to make products that require you to combine materials that aren’t easily compatible. Fortunately, there is a system that can help you get started....
How to make a cosmetic formula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCP0f_MqNTk I'm experimenting with a whole new type of video recording. What do you think? If you're interested in the program that was discussed in the video, just sig...
Knockout Experiments for Cosmetics - The Fastest Way to Become an Expert Formulator
Knockout experiments can be used in cosmetic formulas for a wide range of purposes. Here is an outline of how to conduct them.
Why Cosmetic Chemists Should Always Try Their Products
The number of people I've known who work on products that they've never even tried has always amazed me . They miss so much when they don't have direct experience with a product. Perhaps it's understa...
Lab Notebooks and the Cosmetic Chemist
When I was in college I dreaded writing lab reports. They seemed so structured and uncreative that doing them was a chore. Then you had to worry about the grade you would get. It wasn’t fun. So, when...
Most common cosmetic preservatives
We frequently see brands that claim to be "paraben free" and "formaldehyde free." With so many new brands making this claim it might surprise you to see the frequency at which certain compounds are us...
Demonstrating a cosmetic benefit
I was reading my twitter feed and noticed someone reporting from the annual PCPC conference (#pcpc2014 in case you are searching Twitter). The following quote Jonah Berger was relayed and it struck me...
A further look at the Whole Foods Ingredient list
In our continuing series examining the Whole Foods banned ingredient list , this article is going to focus on the dreaded “sulfates” category (and I’ll include sulfonates and sulfosuccinates as well)....
Do consumers think about parabens in cosmetics?
If you spend a lot of time on the Internet surfing RSS feeds and social media, you could develop the notion that parabens are dangerous chemicals in cosmetics and that you should avoid products that c...
Old time cosmetic formulations
I just opened up a box I had in storage and rediscovered a formulation series of books called Benett's The Chemical Formulary. I actually have the entire series. The first volume was published in 1933...
No more formaldehyde - How to modify a cosmetic
J&J seems pleased with themselves for capitulating to fear mongering groups and reformulating their iconic J&J Baby Shampoo . We previously wrote about why caving to fear mongering groups is a bad thi...
How long should your cosmetic formulas last?
I have personal care products that I haven't opened for a few years. These are mostly hair styling products that I got for free and have never got around to using. It takes me a long time to go throug...
Cosmetic Prototype Batch Size
As a cosmetic formulator one of the most common decisions you'll have to make is to decide how large a batch you need to make. To best determine this you need to first answer the question of why you a...
A Formulating Strategy That Makes Sense
There is a discussion in the cosmetic science forum asking about the stabilization of Vitamin C in a formulation. It is an interesting enough conversation and I encourage you to go read it. One of the...
Whole Foods Ingredient List Clarification
The following was submitted in response to the articles we published on the Whole Foods Banned ingredient list. I am writing in response to the December 4, 2013 and December 12, 2013 blog entries, " T...
The Whole Foods Unacceptable Ingredient List is Wholly Unacceptable
This post will explore acids that are found on Whole Foods’ premium body standards list . For those that didn’t catch last week’s post, the idea behind this series started with this Whole Foods ingred...
The Whole Foods Banned Ingredient List is Wholly Flawed
I intend these posts to be a multi-part series focusing on different parts of the nebulous Whole Foods banned ingredient list. The list I’ll be referring to is from their Premium Body Care Standards s...
Cosmetic Chemist Talks Cosmetics
Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in a Google Hangout. It was pretty cool. Essentially a hangout is a video chat with another person (or a group of people). In this segment I talk to Joan...
The Beat Goes on to Hyaluronic Acid Mini
Hyaluronic Acid, the ever acclaimed naturally occurring Biopolymer, with 50% of its bodily existence in the skin is sounding good…REAL good. We have experienced the many notes of Hyaluronic Acid throu...
Limits for including a cosmetic raw material
When you look at the back of a cosmetic product label, you will see all of the raw materials included on the list of ingredients (LOI). At least you should. We've previous talked about the rules for c...
Stem cells and cosmetic ingredients
I've never thought stem cells in the cosmetic industry were anything but a marketing story. I have been, and remain, highly skeptical of the claims made by raw material suppliers who claim their stem...
When should you reformulate your cosmetic product?
I was just alerted to this article that said J&J will be reformulating their sun cream formulation after receiving 150 allergic reaction claims . It turns out that one of the ingredients, Methylisothi...
Skin care advice from the masses
Here's an interesting website that purports to give advice for taking care of your skin. I don't think it is put together by a cosmetic chemist but the advice seems reasonable. Certainly more reasonab...
How to make a survey say what you want
I just finished reading this article about a survey of people and their feelings about animal testing of cosmetics . Unsurprisingly, a large majority of people oppose the testing of cosmetics on anima...
Natural Colorants for Cosmetics
Did you know that in the United States it is not permitted by the FDA to just add any old ingredient into your cosmetic for the purposes of changing color? In fact, of all the ingredients in cosmetics...
Lessons From a Natural Formulator
By: Mark Fuller As a Consultant I have the opportunity to work with many start-ups and Entrepreneurs. With the popularity of “Natural” and “Organic” Cosmetics this leads to the bulk of my projects bei...
There are no fillers in cosmetic products
It's difficult to know where the claim or idea comes from but I frequently hear people say that there are "synthetic fillers" in cosmetics. You even get some natural marketing brands who tout the fact...
Old Spice Fresh Collection Denali Body Wash - Dissecting a cosmetic label
It's been a little while since we've done a dissecting the label so let's do one. Today we will look at the Old Spice Fresh Collection Denali Body Wash . Incidentally, if you have products for which y...
Are you protecting hair from copper?
The truth about cosmetic science is that there is not much basic research going on. In fact, there are a number of questions that remain unknown primarily because no one has taken the time or spent th...
The Strength of the Halo Effect in Cosmetics
In your cosmetic formulating career don't be surprised if something like the following happens. You spend months and months developing a new shampoo formulation. You test & re-test. Formulate and re-f...
Handling Viscosity in the Cosmetics Lab
By Bob Wilcox Fluid viscosity is a measure of resistance to deformation. Deformation can be initiated by actions such as stirring or mixing. When applied to liquids it is often referred to as thicknes...
How to pick a cosmetic formulation benchmark
Whenever you start a new project it is a great idea that you find an existing formula that will serve as a benchmark for your formulation efforts. Typically, your marketing person will propose a bench...
Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry in the Internet Age
For everyone in the New York area, I wanted to let you know that I will be giving a one-day course about cosmetic chemistry. It is a two-part session which will include information about the cosmetic...
Top causes of skin allergies
Many people complain of being sensitive to chemicals or even having allergic reactions. So as a formulator you'll want to avoid using ingredients that might cause a problem in a significant number of...
Using Knockout Experiments to reduce formula costs
I don't know how I stumbled on the knockout experiment but it is by far the most useful formulation exercise. I think I was inspired by reading about knockout mice while I was studying biochemistry. A...
How to evaluate cosmetic raw material marketing
Last week was the annual Suppliers Day for the New York chapter of the SCC. It's always a huge event and you can find thousands of raw materials from hundreds of different suppliers. And to convince y...
Cosmetics Ingredients are not all the same
As a beginning chemist, one of the most frustrating things for me as I started my career was the product ingredient lists. While all the products had cosmetic ingredient listings, the ingredient were...
How to Select Overhead Stirrer Mixing Tools
By Bob Wilcox In an earlier article on cosmetic mixing with overhead stirrers I outlined how these lab tools are used to provide a fast way to develop formulations and processing parameters ranging fr...
Cost savings in a shampoo formula
Here is a typical shampoo formula. It's pretty basic and features sulfates, betaine, standard preservatives, and a fragrance. Whenever you are creating a formula, you should make a sheet like this. So...
25 tips all cosmetic chemists should know
I saw an article on the FutureDerm blog about 25 things everyone should know about skin care . That inspired me to come up with this list of 25 things that every cosmetic formulator should know. For s...
Will bottletop burettes work for your formulation efforts?
By Bob Wilcox If you've been frustrated from time to time (or lots of times, for that matter) trying to dispense the exact amount of a raw material or any other liquid using calibrated glass tube bure...
How to save a cosmetic batch
As a cosmetic formulator you will undoubtedly run into a situation where you screw up a batch. Or maybe the batch just gets ruined through no fault of your own. Most of the time you should simply thro...
General guidelines to scale up cosmetic formulations
We had an interesting question posed by one of our readers who has a background in Chemical Engineering. Specifically, he wanted to know if there were some general guidelines for scaling up a formulat...
A Primer on Magnetic Stirrers
Author: Bob Wilcox Laboratory magnetic stirrers are clever mixing tools that, most simply defined, use a rotating magnet in the base of the unit to cause a bar magnet in solution flasks or beakers to...
Why All Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Sources Aren't The Same
I spent much of my career formulating hair care products including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. One of the largest projects that I was ever involved in was qualifying a second source...
Using Homogenizers in the Cosmetics Lab
Author: Bob Wilcox We’ve noted several posts in the Chemists Corner discussion forum on using homogenizers to prepare shampoos. Our take on homogenizers is primarily from the R&D perspective — that is...
What to do with working cosmetic technologies you can't use
If you are not in the business of formulating hair care products you may have missed the big kerfuffle caused by the use of formaldehyde in a salon treatment called the Brazilian hair-straightening. A...
10 Consumer Trends in 2013 that will affect cosmetic formulators
Euromonitor International is One of the market research firms that reports on the cosmetic industry. They often provide interesting insights into what consumers are thinking. This year they have publi...
Why most active ingredients don't work
I was listening to one of my favorite skeptical podcasts, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe , and they were talking about Deer Antler Spray . Apparently, a player in the Super Bowl was rumored to hav...
How to find a cosmetic market niche
While it may be a dream of a cosmetic formulator to make a product that will be bought and used by everyone, this almost certainly will never happen. It is extremely difficult to be successful marketi...
How long do cosmetics last?
In Colin's post on nail polish , he reminded me of a common question I'm asked about beauty products and cosmetics is "how long do they last?". Most people are hesitant to throw out any product they h...
Greenwashing - A Cosmetic Chemists Guide
I saw that there was going to be a masterclass on greenwashing so I thought I would add my two cents about the different levels of greenwashing prevalent in the cosmetic industry. If you're a formulat...
Preservative free cosmetic formulating - How to make them
There was an interesting question posed on the cosmetic science forum the other day. The forum member wanted to know whether they could still call a cosmetic "preservative free" if one of the raw mate...
Cosmetic Mixing with Overhead Stirrers
This is a guest post by Bob Wilcox Overhead stirrers find wide application in the cosmetic industry. They provide a fast way to develop formulations and processing parameters ranging from benchtop to...
Cool chemistry reactions
This is pretty cool. You almost never get to conduct cool chemistry experiments like these in a cosmetic science lab but they are still pretty cool. For 14 more cool chemistry reactions, see this page...
Calculating Cosmetic Formula Costs
Deciding on the use level of raw materials in a cosmetic formula is an important aspect of formulation. However, product performance is only one factor that you should consider when formulating. Addit...
Old Technology in New Cosmetic Formulas
There was an interesting discussion going on in the cosmetic science forum about a formulation that one of the chemists was working with which included Quaternium-15. Quat-15 is a formaldehyde donor p...
Making Cosmetics the scientific way
Making cosmetics can be done by almost anyone whether you have scientific training or not. Certainly, it is easier for cosmetic chemists to create new formulas because they won't need to take as much...
Olay Oil Minimizing Toner - Dissecting the Label
One of the most simple products that a formulator might be called on to produce is a toner. This Olay Oil Minimizing toner is one of the most popular ones so it makes sense for us to dissect the label...
Where can you get Natural Cosmetic Formulation training
We often get questions about formulating and frequently those are centered on Natural cosmetic formulating. Here is a recent question sent in by someone who has limited background in chemistry but an...
7 Types of Cosmetic Story Ingredients
Cosmetic formulators have to make great performing formulas. You have to get the functionality right, the formula has to be stable, and it has to be aesthetically acceptable to the majority of your co...
What does percent solids tell you?
This question came in via the cosmetic science discussion forum and it was something that we hadn't covered before. The question specifically was "what is % solids and what does it tell you?" % solids...
Cosmetic Science Basics - Silicones
The vast majority of cosmetic raw materials are based on hydrocarbons. Oils, polymers, waxes and more involve bonds of carbon and hydrogen. But a notable exception to this hydrocarbon dominance is Cos...
Salt Curve Analysis - How to control cleansing cosmetics
When you formulate an anionic surfactant based cleansing formula, you don't normally have to include a separate thickening system. This is because salt will thicken surfactant systems . This is a pret...
Does it matter if your formulations are sustainable?
You can't get around this trend in the cosmetic industry. Natural, green, organic, sustainable, etc. They are here to stay and will affect your formulation efforts in the future. According to this sto...
Microbial Enumerations Tests - What Every Cosmetic Chemist Should Know about USP 61
This is a guest post by Rachelle Baker, Lab Manager, Cosmetic Test Labs Microbial contamination of cosmetic and personal care products is a frequent concern within the industry. Contamination with mic...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics: What's in a lip balm, and why?
This is a guest post by Gary Neudahl. He is currently Product Application Manager, Personal Care Ingredients, for the HallStar Company and is based at the HallStar Manufacturing and Technical Center i...
My first patent 8,277,790
One of the coolest things about being a cosmetic chemist is that you get to be an inventor. You invent new formulas, new processes, or for the lucky few, new chemical reactions. If you happen to work...
Most significant challenges for natural formulators
One of the biggest trends in cosmetic formulating is the trend towards making "natural", "green" and sustainable formulations. This represents a challenge for cosmetic chemists because you are essenti...
Top 7 Cosmetic Chemist Myths
As cosmetic formulators, we are supposed to be scientists. Rational, curious, and willing to modify our beliefs based on new information. But we are mostly humans who suffer from confirmation bias, pe...
Cosmetic Challenge Testing: Why Even Well-Known Preservatives Need Testing
This is a guest post by Rachelle Baker, lab manager at Cosmetic Test Labs . A popular trend in the cosmetic and personal care product industry is to "go green." For most manufacturers, the switch to a...
Cosmetic Formulations - Body Wash
This is a guest post by Gary Neudahl The long, hot summer days in the Midwest are coming to an end, and the busier days of fall are arriving, so perhaps it’s time to put away last month’s bath oil and...
Are Stem Cells a Revolutionary Cosmetic Ingredient?
A significant trend in the cosmetic industry is one loosely called "customization". A number of consumers claim that they want products that are customized to their needs and desires, so marketers hav...
The science of Powdered Cosmetics
When I was a kid, I didn't give much thought to cosmetics. When someone said the word cosmetics, I automatically figured they were talking about lip stick, nail polish, or make-up. I didn't know that...
Sunscreen Simulator Formulation Tool
Here is a pretty useful sunscreen formulation tool created by BASF. I put together a video to show a formulator exactly how she might use it. What do you think?
Is sunscreen effective at preventing cancer?
Here was an interesting article published on Boing Boing about sunscreens . The basic premise is that we do not know whether sunscreens actually prevent cancer or not. The reason, most sunscreens are...
Cosmetic claims substantiation - Olay Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
Proctor and Gamble is arguably the biggest company in the beauty business. They also spend the most money on research and development which results in the creation of products that are preferred by th...
Basic Cosmetic Formulations - Bath Oils
This is a guest post by cosmetic science expert Gary Neudahl. We’ve had a warm winter, a hot spring and a really hot and dry summer in the midwest. Perhaps you’ve thought of getting rid of the sweat a...
Are Cosmetic Chemists Going to be Replaced?
You may not have noticed but there is a small but significant DIY (Do it yourself) trend in the cosmetics arena. Well, a group out of France has launched the Rowenta Naturalis device that addresses th...
Penetration of Cosmetic Ingredients
When you are meeting with a cosmetic raw material supplier, they often talk about how their ingredient will penetrate the skin. Even cosmetic marketers use the phrase "skin penetration" when advertisi...
Kitchen Cosmetic Chemistry
It's nice to see young people having an interest in cosmetic chemistry. This video shows you how to make your own lipgloss. The approach they take is a little different than a cosmetic chemist would t...
Cosmetic Claims Substantiation - Case Study 02
Today, we turn out claims substantiation eye to a skin product, specifically, Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Night Cream . Why this product? I don't know. It was the first one that looked interesting to...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics - Shaving Cream
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Shaving Cream Shaving cream is a product put on the skin (primarily face and legs) to provide lubrication which helps prev...
Cosmetic Industry Jargon - Color Cosmetics
To become a cosmetic chemist, you are going to have to learn to speak like a cosmetic chemist. As in any industry, the cosmetic industry has a number of terms that are distinct to our industry. Some o...
Cosmetic Claims Substantiation - Case Study 01
Formulating is only one of the responsibilities of a cosmetic chemist. An equally challenging task is to come up with claims and tests that will support the claims that your marketing people want to m...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics - Toothpaste
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Toothpaste Toothpaste is a semisolid product designed to clean teeth and leave breath smelling and feeling fresh. While it...
A cosmetic chemist in Charleston
Not much to post except to report that I'm in Charleston for the mid year SCC meeting and having a great time. Here's a shot of tonight's dinner. The benefits of being a cosmetic chemist.
The Drunkards Walk - Book Review
I may be a bit odd but statistics and probabilities have always been favorite subjects of mine. Ever since I learned that I could calculate the probabilities of a certain distribution of card hands, I...
Is that cosmetic ingredient worth using in your formula?
As a cosmetic formulator I get the opportunity to look at a number of cosmetic formulations. Cosmetic chemists are like artists and many will have their own special style they bring to their formulas....
The Cosmetic Calculator
Here's an interesting website. It's called the Cosmetic Calculator and it ostensibly tells you how old your cosmetic is. You put in the lot code and it will tell you when the product was made. They do...
What is driving the development of alternative preservatives?
Here's an article which claims that paraben-free cosmetics are gaining popularity. They say that it is due to consumer demand but I suspect there are other more significant forces. 1. Fearmonger press...
Aussie Smooth Tizz No-Frizz Gel - Dissecting the label
Today we're going to take a look at a hair gel. This is one of the best selling formulas in the category and may even be worth using as a benchmark for your future hair gel formulation efforts. Also,...
Becoming a cosmetic evaluation expert
To become an expert cosmetic chemist, it is not enough to learn the science of cosmetic raw materials and which ones are compatible or not. Indeed, this information is criticial but another part of th...
Cosmetic Science in 300 seconds - Surfactants
We're starting a new feature here on Chemists Corner. It's called cosmetic science in 300 seconds. It will be a 5 minute video that will quickly explain some aspect of cosmetic science, formulating, t...
How do you switch sources for Cosmetic Raw Materials
This question was asked on the cosmetic science forum and I thought would make for a good discussion here on the blog. How do you go about switching ingredient vendors? We want to switch vendors becau...
The Joy of Cosmetic Chemistry
Today, I'm going to be speaking to a group of high school students about cosmetic chemistry and what it means to be a cosmetic chemist. It is my goal to inspire some of these people to go into science...
What are Sustainable Cosmetics?
When I first came into the Industry the terms Organic, Natural, Green and Sustainable kind of jumbled themselves into one niche group, of next generation products. We have previously taken a look at O...
How do you measure viscosity of cosmetics
There was a question on one of the cosmetic science forums I subscribe to about viscosity. This reader wanted to know whether they needed an "expensive" Brookfield viscometer or whether they could tak...
Why does cold cream feel cold?
I've just started reading a book called Chemistry Connections and it's quite good so far. One of the questions had to deal with cosmetics and I thought it was an interesting one to discuss. Why do col...
Natural beauty summit coming soon
For you formulators that are interested in natural formulating there is a beauty summit that is being held in New York on May 14 and 15. At the event you will be able to engage with leading natural pl...
How good are your color matching skills?
As a cosmetic chemist you have to hone certain skills to be able to discern subtle differences between formulation prototypes. These skills include things like determining differences in feel, picking...
Governmental Guidelines for Cosmetic Stability Testing
I stumble upon some of the most interesting things while going through the Internet. Back in 2004 the CTFA (now the PCPC) and its EU sister organization COLIPA issued some Guidelines on Stability Test...
What is in a sunscreen spray, and why?
This is a guest post by Gary Neudahl who is currently Product Application Manager, Personal Care Ingredients, for the HallStar Company and is based at the HallStar Manufacturing and Technical Center i...
Formulating Easter Raw Materials into your Cosmetics
When I was a kid, Easter used to be a much bigger deal holiday than it has become. We used to get baskets of candy, go on easter egg hunts and get together for a big family dinner. Now, it's just the...
3 Challenges to Formulating Natural Products
As a cosmetic chemist and formulator you will likely receive requests from your marketing group or your customers to develop an all-natural formula that is devoid of any "bad" chemicals. Indeed, this...
Can you make a spoon disappear?
I've been reading this book which is excellent called the Disappearing Spoon. It's a historical account of the periodic table of elements. And I love it. I will do a review of it shortly but I wanted...
A List of Cosmetics that have FDA Monographs
On the cosmetic science forum someone posed this question, "Where can I find the monograph for cosmetics?" It's an interesting question for a number of reasons so I thought I would make a complete blo...
See the production of a bath bomb
I thought this was a pretty interesting video. It shows how Lush makes one of their bath bombs. A few things are noteworthy. 1. The green color they get is actually from dyes and not the avocado. 2. I...
What is in a hand & body lotion, and why?
This is a guest post by Gary Neudahl. He is currently Product Application Manager, Personal Care Ingredients, for the HallStar Company and is based at the HallStar Manufacturing and Technical Center i...
Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser - Dissecting the label
Today we're going to take a look at a cleanser that is fairly frequently recommended by dermatologists. This was a brand that I had heard of even before I got into the cosmetic industry. And that is s...
Gladwell on Innovation
I like Malcolm Gladwell's stuff. While it gets a little too story like and is more definitive about life than science would suggest, it is inspiring for innovators.
Midwest SCC technical symposium review
First talk was by Dr Sam Shefer about fighting acne using time release technology. He explained the problems formulating with salicylic acid and discussed a solution which involved encapsulation techn...
Cosmetic Chemists Baloney Detection Kit
I saw this excellent video about critical thinking and how you can detect whether a claim is bogus or not. This is an important skill for cosmetic chemists because despite your knowledge of science, y...
Good stories for cosmetic chemists
Here are a few stories that caught my eye. 1. 2012 will be the year of skin care. Really? I think the fact that skin care products border on drug claims may make it tougher for cosmetic chemist. 2. Ne...
Innovation inspiration while traveling
Although I'm on vacation I continue to think of new product ideas. The idea I thought of was related to my running clothes. Whenever I run my clothes get sweaty and end up smelling really bad. I've be...
Hot topics on the cosmetic science forum
Today I'm traveling to Utah for a little downhill skiing. Of course, I've got my sunscreen and travel toiletries as every good cosmetic chemist should. But writing a full blog post gets a bit challeng...
Cosmetic Formulating Checklist
Whenever you begin a formulating project there is a variety of information you need to establish before doing anything else. Some of these things will be obvious and easy but others might be challengi...
Formula optimization course coming soon
I'm traveling back to Chicago (from Florida) today so don't have much time to post. But I thought I'd let you know about a couple courses coming soon. One is the Physiology of Skin and the other is Fo...
Do hippos hold the key to new sunscreens?
I thought this was an interesting story that I stumbled on. It turns out scientists have isolated the proteins responsible for protecting hippos (who spend numerous hours every day in the sun) from su...
Useful Formulating Spreadsheet
We posted this a while back but there are a number of new readers do I though I would post it again. This video shows you how to make an excel spreadsheet for formulation efforts. http://www.youtube.c...
A cosmetic chemist at the beach
I've had the opportunity to spend the last couple weeks in Florida by the ocean. This means I've had many opportunities to go to the beach. And while I'm at the beach I often think about sunscreens. M...
Are Hand Sanitizers Better Than Washing Your Hands?
This is a guest post by Shannon Romanowski While this winter has been mild and there is a spring-like feeling in the air, we are still in the midst of cold and flu season. Clean hands are a good way t...
Old product new inspiration
Today, I was given a product that I didn't know existed. It's a product called New Skin liquid bandage and the premise of the product is that it can repair damaged skin. Now, I'm familiar with the bra...
Open Minded Formulating
I was having an Internet conversation about the nature of misleading claims wheas someone accused me of being closed-minded. This came about when I asked for some scientific evidence ofa what was bein...
Basic Cosmetic Formulations - Deodorant Sticks
Article submitted by Gary Neudahl In a previous post, the composition of an antiperspirant deodorant (APDO) stick was presented. In this post we’ll look at the typical composition of a deodorant stick...
Innovative beauty products - Magnetic Nail Polish
Since I'm traveling today I didn't get time to do a full post however, I was reminded of one of the most innovative cosmetic products that I've seen in some time. Magnetic nail polish. Here's a pictur...
Cosmetic Label Dissecting - Burts Bees Baby Shampoo
Here's another in our continuing series on dissecting the cosmetic label. By reviewing these labels it is our hope that you will develop the skills yourself. This is a key activity that all good cosme...
Cosmetic formulation basics - Foundation
Click here for a complete list of the Cosmetic Formulation basics series. Foundation Foundation or skin colorants are designed to enhance the color and appearance of the face. They are also used to im...
Pantene Pro-V Brunette Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo - Dissecting the label
Another in our continuing series that endeavors to teach cosmetic chemists how to look at a product label and see what they can determine about the cosmetic ingredients used in the formula. In this po...
Introducing girls to cosmetic science
There are a couple of things I like about this video. 1. It encourages girls to be interested in science. 2. It demonstrates simple safety testing that should be done They do brush over the science a...
Cosmetic formulation basics - Nail Polish
Click here for a complete list of the Cosmetic Formulation basics series. Nail Polish Nail polish is designed to improve the appearance and condition of nails. It also can protect nails from breakage....
Are vitamins effective in cosmetics?
On a number of occasions we've mentioned the use of vitamins in cosmetic products. The typical spin is that vitamins are put in cosmetics to make label claims because they don't really have much effec...
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cosmeceuticals
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cosmeceuticals I saw this interesting review study about cosmeceuticals . The article goes through and looks at the best scientific evidence available for various cosme...
Organix Conditioner - Dissecting the formula
Another installment of our Dissecting the Label series. In these blog posts we dissect a lable and discuss what each of the ingredients do in the formula and ponder why they are added. Last time we di...
Why do you need multiple preservatives in your cosmetic formula
We received this question here at Chemists Corner central and thought it would be a good one to write an article about. "Why do the raw material suppliers recommend the combination of presevatives ver...
Organic Formulating - Tales from the front
I am health. I am wealth. I am stealth. Ok, maybe not stealth, but it rhymed so well… I am ORGANIC. At least this is where my mind goes when I think of Organic. You make think it odd, that I did not m...
Basic Cosmetic Formulating - Antiperspirant
This is a guest post by Gary Neudahl . In personal care, there are cosmetics and there are toiletries. What’s the difference? In general, a cosmetic is intended to beautify the body; a toiletry is int...
Longer lasting formulas are more sustainable
Living in America, I was raised to wash my hair every day. In 2005, while developing a new shampoo and conditioner formula for the mass market brand, I took it to an extreme and actually believe that...
An example of how to test a hypothesis
Yesterday, I wrote about what makes a good scientific study and how you can prevent fooling yourself. The key was to remain skeptical and create studies that are blinded. Here is a video which shows j...
How to determine the level of cosmetic ingredients
In yesterday's post we talked about cosmetic claims ingredients and why they are used at low levels. In today's post we'll describe a process by which you can evaluate ingredients that might have some...
Why natural extracts are not put in cosmetics at high levels.
One of the things that people find surprising when they first enter the cosmetic formulating business is that many of the feature ingredients have very little effect. I distinctly remember the look on...
Merry Cosmetic Chemistry Christmas
Well, I don't have much today but I never like to take a day off so I'll write a Christmas cosmetic chemistry poem. Cosmetics Humectants Rheology Ionic bonds Surfactants Thickener Molecules Aerosol So...
Jergens Natural Glow - Dissecting a cosmetic label
On one of my other blogs ( The Beauty Brains ) we do a series where we look at the ingredients on a cosmetic label and write about what they do. I don't know why it never occurred to me to do the same...
On Becoming an Organiceutical Formulator
Today we feature a new writer here on Chemists Corner. Natural. Green. Organic. EcoCert. EWG. COSMOS. NPA, etc., etc., etc. Do these ever nagging terms sound familiar? Did I say nagging? Well yes, I d...
Buzz words for the natural formulating chemist
One of the biggest trends in the cosmetic formulating business is the Naturals or Green product trend. Terms get thrown around and it is often difficult to know exactly what people mean. Therefore, we...
Varieties of Cosmetic Emollients
There are a variety of cosmetic emollients that cosmetic chemists will use to formulate skin and hair care products. The type you use will depend on your specific formula and the characteristics you a...
See an aerosol production line
This is an interesting enough video for anyone who wonders how aerosol hairsprays, sunscreens, or deodorants are made. This is an example of a slow speed filling machine. It's slow enough that a worke...
How to convert a formula from ounces to percentages
Someone sent me a question about how to convert their formula from ounces into percentages. This is an important skill for cosmetic chemists to learn so we provide it here for anyone who might not kno...
How to get useful cosmetic information sent to you
The Internet has really changed the way you should be doing cosmetic formulating. In the past, you used to rely on your suppliers, trade shows and SCC events to learn the latest in cosmetic science de...
The senses of a cosmetic chemist
We've previously talked about the importance of trying all of the products you are working on. But this article about the ability for people to train their sense of smell made me think of the skills t...
Weekend science shopping
I'm not really much of a shopper but after this morning's round of golf, my father in law and I went to American Science and Surplus. It's a fun store literally full of science stuff and other junk. T...
Thanksgiving Ingredients in your Cosmetics
As a cosmetic formulator, you can find some fun stuff by looking through the INCI dictionary . In honor of the US Thanksgiving holiday, today we're going to do a post on Thanksgiving ingredients used...
What makes a good cosmetic ingredient study?
On the cosmetic science forum , user PMA asked an excellent question about the effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid in skin care products . Specifically, the question was, "Is hyaluronic acid a better moi...
Will this viscosity device replace Brookfield viscometers?
According to this story, researchers have developed a new viscometer that can take viscosity measurements by simply flowing liquid through it. They say that it can be made the size of a microchip and...
The most useful smart phone apps for cosmetic chemists
If you have a mobile smart phone (an iPhone for example) there are a number of apps that a cosmetic chemist will find useful. Here are some of the best that I've found. Productivity Dropbox - This is...
Parabens declared safe for use by EU
In case you were curious, the EU is in the process of updating its regulations regarding the use of parabens in cosmetics. According to the new rules, parabens will continue to be allowed at specific...
Cosmetic formulation basics - Sunscreens
The sunscreen market is a growing one and to be a competent cosmetic chemist, you should know the basics of how to formulate one. How a sunscreens work A sunscreen is typically a skin lotion with adde...
Cosmetic formula testing - Triangle Test
As a cosmetic chemist, one of the most basic things you need to be able to do is to evaluate formulas and new raw materials. This is one reason we highly recommend that formulators try EVERY product t...
Why more cosmetic chemists aren't doing research?
On another post about wrinkle treatment breakthrus , Louise asked this excellent question which I thought would make a good post because people just starting out in the cosmetic industry might wonder...
Self Tanning - Cosmetic Formulation Basics
Self tanning products are designed for people who want to darken the color of their skin without risking the negative health effects of UV exposure. Technology improvements in the purification of the...
Optimizing cosmetic raw material levels
As a cosmetic chemist, you will frequently be called on to evaluate a new raw material or to optimize its level. But unless you've done it before, you won't have any easy method. Here's one you can fo...
7 reasons to do a stability test on a cosmetic
One of the primary tests that you will run on your cosmetic formulations is a stability test. You can read this other post for a complete procedure for stability testing. In this post I wanted to go o...
Naming Cosmetic Chemicals
Here's a video I put together explaining how cosmetic chemicals get their names. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dvW5o8GOm0 It's not quite the IUPAC system but it is logical.
On Formulating a Greener Shampoo
Next week I'm giving a talk on cosmetic sustainability at the Southwest SCC monthly meeting. It should be fun. This is a hot topic in the cosmetic industry and it is particularly of interest to formul...
The Pressures Against Innovative Cosmetics and how to overcome them
As a cosmetic formulator, you have a tough task. You have to make great new formulas that consumers love, your marketing department loves and they have to be better and unique compared to anything on...
SCC Technical Symposium
Today, I am giving a talk about how cosmetic chemists can use the Internet to become better cosmetic chemists. It should be a fun talk and I look forward to it. This is one area that I believe chemist...
What color will your cosmetic products be in 2012?
This article is Happi reports that Pantone, the global authority on color, has released it's predictions for the top 10 colors for women's fashion in 2012. I guess these are the people the pick the co...
Electronic Devices in Dermatology
I saw this article about electronic devices being more important in cosmetic treatments . It seems that dermatologists are using these gadgets more frequently to deliver skin care benefits. They are s...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics - Skin Lotion
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Since skin care represents the largest market in cosmetics and oil soluble ingredients are often the best performing skin...
Why does salt thicken shampoos?
When I first got into the cosmetic industry I worked on hair care products, specifically, shampoos. One of the things that I found fascinating about shampoos was that if you added salt to them they wo...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics - Styling Gel
Every cosmetic chemist should learn how to make a gel. It has a great look and consumers respond well to the product form. The most common type of gel in the cosmetic industry is hair styling gels so...
Nail Polish formula
Consumers like to change the appearance of their nails and the most common way to do this is to use nail polish. What Nail Polish does Nail polish is a liquid solution applied to the fingernails or to...
Formulating Multifunctional Cosmetic Products
One of the biggest challenges a formulator faces is creating products that are different than their competitors. Unfortunately, most cosmetic chemists have to do this using the same ingredients that e...
Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin
Some years ago I co-edited a book about the different types of conditioning agents that are used by cosmetic chemists for hair and skin products. You can still get the book through ( Conditioning Agen...
Cosmetic Formulating Basics - Lipstick
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Lipstick Lipsticks are designed to improve the natural appearance of lips. They typically involve a color change but also...
Cosmetic Formulating Basics - Body Wash
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Body Wash Body wash is a product designed to remove dirt and odors from skin. They have taken the place of bar soap in man...
Cosmetic Formulation Basics - Hair Conditioners
Click here for a complete list of the the Cosmetic Formulation Basics series. Rinse-out Hair Conditioners While shampoos represent the most common type of hair product, conditioners are a close second...
8 Types of Cosmetic Ingredients in Formulas
As a beginning cosmetic formulator you will most likely not be given the responsibility to create your own formula from scratch. More likely, you will inherit a formula from a previous chemist and be...
How to Find Answers to Common Cosmetic Product Questions
When people find out you are a cosmetic chemist, they instinctively begin asking questions. They assume that you are an expert who will give them the “real” answers to their burning beauty queries. Th...
Viscosity Tips for Cosmetic Products
On another discussion group someone asked how to determine the correct viscosity range and spindle for your formulas. Specifically, they wanted to know what parameters go into making a viscosity range...
Ingredients a Makeup Chemist Should Know
A makeup chemist is a cosmetic chemist who focuses on creating color cosmetics. They face the same issues as personal care product formulators, but they need to know about slightly different ingredien...
Cosmetic Formulating Around the Halo Effect
It's happened to me on numerous occasions. I spend weeks testing different ingredients and improving the performance of my cosmetic formula . I get evidence from lab tests that demonstrate its superio...
Alternative Cosmetic Preservatives - What are your options?
We've previously written about cosmetic preservatives and for the most part, there are ingredients that are effective for almost any standard condition a cosmetic product will experience. However, for...
Cosmetic Formulation Philosophy
I recently traded emails with one of our Complete Cosmetic Chemist training program students about a cosmetic formulation she was working on. Without getting into the exact details, she was working wi...
How to Reduce the Cost of a Cosmetic Formula
In your career as a cosmetic chemist , you will undoubtedly have the following experience. After months of prototyping and testing you create the most inspired, most incredible cosmetic formulation of...
How to test Cosmetic Raw Materials
As a cosmetic chemist you will likely be inundated with new raw materials and sales people encouraging you to try out their latest and greatest offerings. If they have an interesting sales pitch you m...
Cosmetic Formula Spreadsheet Template
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xymoPm2T7_g If you're interested in making cosmetic products from scratch but you don't have fancy software to do it, you can easily make them using a simple spreadshee...
Math Used in Cosmetic Product Formulation
To become a college graduate with a degree in chemistry, you probably had to take at least a year of calculus and some type of statistical analysis. Then classes like Physical Chemistry or Inorganic C...
Cosmetic Science Training Program Syllabus
Chemists Corner is dedicated to teaching you about the field of cosmetic science and how to become a cosmetic chemist. We've enjoyed writing blogs, discussing topics with you through the comments and...
Ingredients Cosmetic Companies Add As Puffery and Why
One of my favorite times when training new cosmetic chemists is the moment they learn that many of the ingredients cosmetic companies put in their formulas are added for reasons other than their direc...
6 Steps to Create a Cosmetic Formula
Formulating is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a cosmetic chemist . This is when you get to blend all the cosmetic science you’ve learned with your creative inspirations. It’s how you can m...
Cosmetic Stability Test - Freeze Thaw Cycles
Previously, we covered the basics of cosmetic stability testing . But one member of the Chemists Corner community wanted some more details on Freeze Thaw testing. We'll look at that aspect of stabilit...
Cosmetic Industry
184 articlesReview 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...
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...
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 success if they leverage cutting-edge technical formul...
Environmental Impact of the cosmetic industry
When I started formulating cosmetics back in the late 1990's, one regulatory movement was to reduce the VOC (volatile organic compounds) of cosmetics. What this primarily meant was that all the hairsp...
Misunderstood motivations of big cosmetic companies
A belief in a number of misconceptions about big beauty companies is harmful to cosmetic consumers causing them to spend more on inferior products.
Cosmetic innovation challenges - Is there innovation in cosmetic science?
Innovation in the cosmetic industry has a problem. Companies are focusing on things that aren't innovative & ignorning real consumer noticeable innovation
Cosmetic science - why isn't there more research?
Cosmetic science technology hasn't changed in many years. Here are the reasons there for that and why there aren't more cosmetic science programs.
Cosmetic Regulations Around The World
It has never been easier than it is now to create your own cosmetics for personal use and for sale. The Internet has made it simple to get raw materials, find formulas, and even sell and distribute yo...
The 20 Biggest Cosmetic Companies in the World
While having a good working knowledge of raw materials and formulations is important for being a great formulator, having a working knowledge of the cosmetic industry is just as important for your cos...
in-Cosmetics North America Partners with Leading Cosmetics Trade Associations
Two leading US cosmetic trade associations have been confirmed as partners for this year’s in-cosmetics North America exhibition. The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (I...
Naturals, facial masks and color cosmetics featured at in-cosmetics Asia 2017
Three major cosmetics trends which are driving substantial growth within the beauty and personal care market across APAC will be examined at this year’s in-cosmetics Asia exhibition. Natural extracts,...
in-Cosmetics 2017 recap
The second day of in-cosmetics Global closed in style, with awards presented to suppliers excelling in innovation, green and sensory product development. New to this year, the personal care industry a...
Upcoming Continuing Education Opportunities
If you are looking for some live courses in cosmetic science, the National SCC is sponsoring a number of them coming up this year. In fact, yours truly will be teaching 4 courses this year. Here is th...
Is Increased Cosmetic Regulation Needed?
I read an opinion piece in the New York Times that looked at some proposed cosmetic regulations and pondered “ Is Your Lipstick Bad for You? ”. The answer is NO but they didn’t bother answering that q...
Why don't consumers trust the cosmetic industry?
An industry friend of mine posed this question to me in regards to the proliferation of so much junk science when it comes to the safety of cosmetic products. Although cosmetics continue to be among t...
Do Active Ingredients in Cosmetics Work?
Last week I gave a presentation of my Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry course to a full house at the National SCC meeting in New York. I was pleased that there were nearly 50 students! Doing that course i...
in-cosmetics Brazil proves huge success with visitors and exhibitors
More than 2,800 visitors attended the second annual in-cosmetics Brazil exhibition last week. With 30 percent more industry professionals joining the show this year, the event has cemented its positio...
Product categories in the cosmetic industry
Most people who work in the cosmetic industry for large to medium sized companies specialize in one type of cosmetic product. They are limited to hair products or skin products and rarely is there an...
Speaking Engagement - CTSCC September Meeting
Hey everyone, I'll be giving a few talks coming up in September. Here's information about the meeting in Connecticut. Website to register: http://www.ctscc.org/
Why the EWG Skin Deep Database is Still a Dubious Source
Many people use the EWG Skin Deep database for information about ingredients safety. But there are many reasons you should be skeptical.
Are big cosmetic companies more trustworthy?
On the Internet, big cosmetic corporations frequently get labeled as evil and there is the implication that they are trying to harm their consumers . Small companies don’t seem to experience that kind...
Natural and Organic Products Europe Show - 2015
This post was written by Jane Barber The Natural & Organic Products Europe Show in London (19-20 April 2015) was packed with independent retailers, buyers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, export...
Cosmetic Compliance Summit Returns this April 27-29
This cosmetic industry's premier event, taking place April 27-29 in New Jersey, is designed to be your #1 information source positioned to not only address where your organization stands on compliance...
Will cosmetic formulators become food scientists?
There's a trend in the beauty industry called "beauty from within." This is a growing segment (representing about $5 billion in annual sales worldwide) which refers to beauty products that are designe...
When is a cosmetic ingredient considered safe?
While surfing the Internet looking for information about cosmetics you can't help but stumble onto negative information about the "toxic" chemicals evil corporations put into their products. We once p...
The largest natural and organic cosmetic companies
We're in the process of launching a new course about formulating natural cosmetic products. You can see our latest video here. Formulating natural cosmetic products In the process of putting together...
Hot trends to look for in 2015
Euromonitor is a market research company who covers the beauty market. They put together a white paper suggesting some trends that will be popular in 2015. Here is the list. You can get the full repor...
How stable are your formulations?
I once made a shampoo formula that I kept for about 17 years. It was my first batch of anything and for some reason I just never disposed of it. It stayed stable for about 7 years before it striated i...
Should your products be organically certified?
There was an excellent write-up of a debate between two cosmetic industry experts about the value of having your products certified by one of the natural standards companies. Beauty blogger and cosmet...
Formulating into the new year
One of my favorite times of year is the beginning. This is when I get to reset everything and come up with a new list of goals. I have a whole process where I spend a bunch of hours brainstorming diff...
Top 10 Interesting Cosmetic Stories from 2014
This year we look back on some of the more interesting stories in the cosmetic industry. Thanks to cosmetics design for continuing to publish all the relevant press releases. They really are an excell...
9 Beauty Trends from 2014
According to Lucky Magazine these were the big beauty trends in 2014 (in no particular order). How many of them do you remember? 1. Beauty products from Korea. We have them to thank for the alphabet l...
Scaremongering Groups and the Cosmetic Chemist
I saw this interesting article examining how the media sensationalizes scientific findings and gets things wrong. The article covers the story of researcher Chris Adigun who made a presentation that g...
Cosmetic Innovation - From discovery to product
The cosmetic industry is mostly run by the marketing group. They are primarily the ones responsible for developing new product ideas, testing them with consumers, coming up with ad copy and deciding o...
Natural Cosmetic Chat with Cosmetic Chemists
On Saturday we had a “tweet-up” with a group of cosmetic chemists. A “tweet-up” is just an agreed upon time in which users who are on Twitter virtually gather and discuss a topic. Most of the people i...
Avoiding pseudoscience in the cosmetic industry
Here is an interesting take on the cosmetic industry written by Zen Liu, a scientist but not a formulator or cosmetic chemist. She is looking at the question of why cosmetic marketers can get away wit...
Can you make cosmetic products safer?
California is one of the world leaders in their propensity to regulate cosmetics. They started with their own VOC regulations and also put together Prop 65 which requires manufacturers to disclose and...
Best Beauty Brands in Social Media
Most big beauty brands have been slow to adopt social media but their presence is starting to make itself known. This article in Happi lists the winners of the second annual consumer choice awards for...
Scientific Activism for Cosmetic Chemists
I was at the Lake Erie SCC meeting the other night and the talk was given by Dr Joe Schwarcz regarding cosmetics, chemicals and the public perception of product safety. He made some great points about...
Visit the Cosmetic Compliance Summit September 15-17
If you sell or product cosmetic products around the world you are going to have to keep up with the various local governmental regulations. And what better way to learn those than to attend a three da...
What is scientific skin care?
Here’s a story suggesting that scientific skin care is a great opportunity for cosmetic brands as it is poised for future growth. The article then goes on to say that "scientific skin care" “…scientif...
Sunscreen formulas may be hazardous to sea life
Here is a story that caught my interest about the ingredients in sunscreens harming ocean life . It turns out that the active ingredients in mineral sunblocks, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (...
Market Research Basics for Cosmetic Chemists
In any big company there will be a group known as Marketing Research which every cosmetic formulator will have to interact with eventually. In this post, we'll go through the most basic information ab...
How will natural ingredient replacements affect cosmetics?
Here's an interesting trend that will affect cosmetic chemists and formulators in the future. More and more, natural ingredients are replacing standard cosmetic raw materials . What will this mean? Co...
Why the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is bad for formulators
This article about the upcoming ban of Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo has me concerned. We cosmetic chemists are being attacked and told by people who have no background in or understanding of toxicol...
Why do people buy cosmetics?
You work hard as a cosmetic formulator. You research the ingredients, you optimize the levels, and you do it in an affordable way. Then you evaluate the performance and adjust the formula so it will w...
Is there really such thing as a cosmetic?
According to the FDA statute first written in 1938, cosmetics are products used for beautification and enhancement of the appearance of skin or hair. By law they must not affect the structure and func...
5 Reasons There are not Better Cosmetic Raw Materials
It seems every year one of the big cosmetic raw material companies introduce a new ingredient that will “revolutionize” the cosmetic industry. But in the last 20 years, I can't name a single ingredien...
How can a cosmetic chemist remain a scientist?
The other day I stumbled on this story about a group of scientists questioning the need for people to take Vitamin D supplements . These independent researchers from the Institute of Medicine's Food a...
MAY – The Sun be with you or against you?
As the month of May is officially known as Skin Cancer Awareness month, I thought it fitting to share some interesting facts about Skin Cancer, but also some interesting facts from an ingredient stand...
Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Working with Vendors
As a cosmetic chemist you are going to have to deal with suppliers and vendors to get anything done. Here is an explanation of the relationship and a list of things that a supplier can do to make you...
What is a Cosmetic Product?
Innovation from the cosmetic raw material companies always makes me smile. I remember when one particularly “innovative” company would come in for a visit and always show these incredible compounds wi...
Can a Carcinogen Free Cosmetics be real?
I saw this article in the NYT about a cosmetic brand who is advertising themselves as "carcinogen free". According to the founder of Bio-Spectra, their line of body care products called Attitude is ma...
A Cosmetic Industry Overview for Cosmetic Chemists
In college, science majors spend their time learning complicated subjects like Calculus, Physics and Chemistry. Figuring out stuff like differential equations and bond angles of electron orbitals ther...
7 Reasons You Can Benefit From Going to a Cosmetic Chemistry Trade Show
Tomorrow is the Midwest SCC trade show featuring raw material suppliers from around the world. Here you will find companies with displays on new ingredients, packaging technology, contract manufacture...
The Whole Foods Unacceptable List - Part 4
As I mentioned in my previous post on the Whole Foods Unacceptable list , I was able to get in touch with the person in charge of creating this list for Whole Foods. It was a nice conversation and we...
The Whole Foods Unacceptable Ingredient List - Part 3
Wow. The power of the internet is amazing. It only took four days for Whole Foods to update their list after my first post on this site was published. It looks like we have their attention. The format...
Cosmetic Science Questions Answered
One of the great things about doing this website and participating in the cosmetic science forum is we get contacted by people from all over the world with all sorts of cosmetic science questions. And...
Discontinuing a Preservative
Guest author: Deepa Sinha Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a commonly used cosmetic preservative in cosmetics and personal care products has been recommended by Cosmetic Europe to discontinue its use on...
Busting Beauty Product Myths
Last weekend I got a chance to be interviewed on Fox and Friends about our new book It's OK to have Lead in your Lipstick . You can take a look at the video here. http://video.foxnews.com/v/2935236265...
Cosmetic Industry Sales and Market Distribution
As a cosmetic formulator or cosmetic industry entrepreneur, it is helpful to understand the market and where cosmetics are sold around the world. The challenge with market data is that it is difficult...
Personal Care Industry - Past Present and Future
This looks like a very interesting program and if you are in the Midwest or Cincinnati area, you should make it a point to attend. I'll be there. ;) The OVSCC presents: "The Personal Care Industry: Pa...
The award for the most innovative cosmetic ingredient goes to...a non cosmetic
This report in Cosmetics Design about the award recently granted to a researcher for his development of a new "cosmetic" ingredient left me feeling a bit puzzled. The award was given to Dr. Iva Doleck...
NGOs and the Cosmetic Industry
In an ideal world, cosmetic chemists would spend our time formulating, researching, experimenting and developing new cosmetics that provide better benefits for consumers. Or we might focus on making c...
Badger Sunscreen recall demonstrates risk of small brands
This was bound to happen. A mid-sized but growing brand who positions themselves as "natural" and "safer" than conventional products doesn't put a proper preservative in their products and they end up...
Top Ten Cosmetic Urban Legends
The great thing about the Internet is that you can learn almost anything that you want to know about. Often, you can get the information for free. But the downside to the Internet is that it is so eas...
Is R&D the key to succeeding in the cosmetics industry?
For the most part I find Euromonitor to be a credible source of cosmetic market information. They do a good job of collecting sales data, monitoring new products and identifying trends. But I found th...
Are your organic cosmetics really organic?
Here's a news development that could have wider implications for anyone involved in selling natural or organic cosmetics. It seems there was a class action lawsuit against the cosmetic brand Organix ....
Formaldehyde donors are banned in Minnesota?
I was tipped off by one our cosmetic science forum members about a law that was recently passed in the state of Minnesota. According to the law, formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors (like DMDM Hydanto...
Who makes the best cosmetic products?
It bothers me to see people waste money on cosmetic products that do not work better than less expensive versions. Furthermore, it troubles me to read some of the marketing nonsense that some companie...
Will the persecution of parabens ever end?
The most frequent type of formulation questions we get here on Chemists Corner are about preservatives. Specifically, people ask about alternatives to parabens. And while we've written about alternati...
Weasel Words and the Cosmetic Industry
People often accuse the cosmetic industry of lying. This is rarely the case. And for large cosmetic companies, it is almost never the case, at least in advertising. So how is it that cosmetic companie...
Be Careful When Making Competitive Cosmetic Claims
Advertising and selling in the cosmetic industry can be tricky. Even the big companies get it wrong sometimes. This report about Unilever's recent body wash ads is a perfect demonstration. Regulating...
Cosmetic Chemical Fearmongering Reduces Credibility
We try to keep this website focused primarily on education. Specifically, educating cosmetic chemists, formulators, cosmetic marketers and anyone else interested in working in the cosmetic industry. S...
SCC Midyear Symposium in St Louis Wrap-Up
Last week was the Mid-Year SCC Scientific Symposium held in St. Louis, Mo. It was an excellent event that featured two days of fascinating talks on microbiology in cosmetics, emerging cosmetic markets...
Are gold nanoparticles causing wrinkles?
Scare stories about the dangers of cosmetics always grab headlines. Whether they are put out by fearmongering groups, politicians or even researchers, these stories are gobbled up by a less-than-scien...
The upside of fear induced cosmetic formulation
I saw a story indicating that the shareholders at Avon were going to vote on whether to remove "dangerous chemicals used in their beauty products that have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, an...
Are we chemists or cooks?
There has been an interesting trend in the cosmetic industry where companies are launching products that are food themed. I was reminded about it by this article was posted by one of the chemists on T...
Upcoming Appearance in Akron
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be giving a talk at the next Lake Erie Chapter SCC so if you happen to be in the area, be sure to stop by. Here are the details. The Lake Erie Chapter of t...
The EU bans cosmetic animal testing
Well, the ban on animal testing is happening in the EU. As of March 11, 2013, cosmetics will not be allowed to be tested on animals . The ban covers... 1. Finished goods 2. Raw materials 3. The market...
Happy and Sad
I recently was a judge at a local science fair for grade school students. It was great to see all the students excited about their projects and many were pretty interesting. This one made me both happ...
7 Reasons to attend the Mid-Year SCC Scientific Meeting in St. Louis
I enjoy being a card carrying member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists . I respect and share their mission, it has been helpful for my career, and I've met lots of interesting people. The SCC is a g...
5 Reasons Cosmetic Companies Will Continue to Greenwash
According to this article on Cosmetics Design , greenwashing is going to get a lot harder in the natural cosmetic segment and integrity is of upmost importance. I have to respectfully disagree. Here a...
Whole Foods Cosmetic Standards and the Cosmetic Chemist
This is a guest post by cosmetic formulator Valerie Patton. To be totally honest, when a customer requests a product that has to live up to a natural retailer's standards, a little part of me cringes....
A year of growth on Chemists Corner
2012 was a pretty good year for Chemists Corner. We launched a new program ( How to start a cosmetic line ), wrote more than ever, and even started a video series. We didn't do as many as I would have...
Merry Christmas from Chemists Corner
We are taking a break for the holiday but thought you would enjoy this Chemistry themed Christmas Tree.
Why Lead in Lipstick Stories Will Never Go Away
This story about a study of lipstick done by the Daily Mail which showed 55% of lipsticks contained trace amounts of lead leads me to conclude that this problem will never go away. The problem? No, no...
Why aren't there more women in cosmetic science?
Today, I'm traveling to New York to attend Thursday's annual Society of Cosmetic Chemists scientific meeting. I'm looking forward to it as there will be lots of great talks and I'll be able to connect...
Big companies and Big Brands
This is a pretty cool graphic which shows how many huge brands that these huge companies own. It was a surprise to me that L'Oreal was owned by Nestle.
How Research Gets Used to Sell Cosmetics
The R&D gurus over at P&G have come out with a new press release declaring that they've identified the sevens signs of aging hair . This made me think of the entire process by which research gets turn...
Sunscreen Symposium Call for Papers
If you publish in the area of sunscreens, this might appeal to you. It's hosted by the Florida SCC chapter and is an excellent event. Call for papers Authors are invited to submit titles and abstracts...
Regulation in the Cosmetic Industry - Creative Compliance
This guest post was submitted by Lisa A. Leigh, of Leigh Business Group, New York, NY. Is the creativity behind cosmetic chemistry being stifled by excessive regulation? How can regulatory specialists...
Call for Papers for Holistic / Green Formulation Conference
Sixth Biennial Holistic Cosmetic Symposium Call for Papers. Holistic Symposium Date: March 19th, 2013 Location: Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430 DEAD...
SCC Quebec Suppliers Day Recap
In about an hour, I'm going to be doing a talk at the dinner meeting portion of the SCC Quebec Supplier's Day. But before that I got the chance to attend the show. There were nearly 50 booths and the...
Why are cosmetics recalled?
In the 17+ years that I spent formulating products, our company never went through a recall. We did have a microbial contamination issue with a pump imported from China that caused a big shipment of a...
Chemical Free Cosmetic Claims get a boost
As a chemist, little bothers me in the world of cosmetic claims than the claim "chemical free." THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHEMICAL FREE COSMETIC! Ok, I've gotten that out of my system. The reason th...
Does the FDA regulate cosmetics?
Consumer advocacy groups frequently claim that the cosmetic industry is unregulated. This is false. The regulatory framework for the cosmetic industry was set up in 1938 with the passage of the Food,...
How to sell chemicals to cosmetic chemists
As a cosmetic formulator you will have the opportunity to meet lots of raw material sales people. These meetings can be extremely helpful and you can learn a lot. You may even be inspired to leave the...
Genetics and Cosmetics?
The Human Genome Project was an impressive accomplishment in the history of human existence. No other creature on the planet could have done what we did, essentially translating the language of life i...
Hair care ingredient virtual conference
This looks like a pretty interesting conference and one that is free. Sign up here for the Virtual Hair Care Ingredient conference and expo . It is sponsored by Cosmetics Design and features experts f...
A cosmetic chemist in Thailand
This week I'm traveling to Thailand. I'm doing a talk for the local IFSCC chapter and then another in Kuala Lumpur next week. It's very exciting and I love to travel to places I've never been before....
What is wrong with a cosmetic company caving to fearmongers?
Recently, Johnson and Johnson have announced plans to remove a variety of chemicals from their cosmetic products. This is strictly a PR move and also an unfortunate mistake for the following three rea...
Review of SCC Suppliers Day in Texas
This is a guest post by Gavanne Davis. You can follow her at @MissGavanne. On Thursday, August 23, The Society of Cosmetic Chemists hosted their Educational Seminar and Supplier’s Day in Irving, Texas...
What Does a Cosmetic Chemist Consultant Do?
This is a guest post by cosmetic industry consultant Mark Fuller of Microformulation . Several years ago when I was working as a Chemist in a traditional Contract Manufacturing setting one of my respo...
Cosmetic Industry Trade Shows
One of the people in my online cosmetic science training program asked what trade shows she should attend. I thought this would make a good post for cosmetic chemists in general. So here is a list of...
The problem with avoiding chemicals
I read a few articles about what people called the "toxic trio" in nail polish and it really bugged me a bit. Toxic Nail Polish The basic premis of these articles is that most nail polishes contain to...
Cosmetic Product Production from Idea to Store Shelf
Here's a pretty good video put together by Pielor. It shows the whole process by which they come up with a cosmetic product idea, formulate it in the lab, and produce it. This is really how a cosmetic...
Is this hair advice from the AAD believable?
The relationship between dermatologists and cosmetic chemists is interesting. While I can't speak for dermatologists, from a cosmetic chemist perspective I respect dermatologists for their knowledge a...
Funny response to Science its a girl thing
There was a bit of controversy caused by the Science: It's a Girl Thing that we discussed last week. This response made me laugh. I'm not sure if the video deserves as much criticism as it's been gett...
What cosmetic chemicals can be used in China?
The Chemical Inspection and Regulation Service reports that China has come out with a new list of approved ingredients for cosmetic products. You can see the new report and even download the list of a...
10 Things the Toxic Makeup Patrol should Learn
There is little that frustrates me more than ignorance masquerading as authority. It is particularly galling when the fake authority is making claims about cosmetics, a subject of which I have a good...
Why chemical free claims are harmful
The claim "chemical free" really bugs me and I really wish marketers, the media, and everyone else would stop using it. Almost nothing is "chemical free"!! My latest irritation with the claim was from...
Recap of SCC Midyear Scientific Meeting 2012
Last week I attended one day of the SCC Midyear Scientific Meeting. It was a two day event but my schedule just didn't allow for Friday attendence. But the Thursday talks were interesting and featured...
NYSCC Suppliers Day 2012 at a Glimpse
This is a guest post by cosmetic chemist Dana Cifelli If you are a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) then it is likely you are aware of the happenings of Suppliers’ Day. However, for th...
The CIR could be vastly improved
I always cringe when I see people referencing the EWG's Skin Deep database about the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Since we've previously written about its shortcomings (inaccuracy, incompleteness,...
The Biggest Cosmetic Raw Material Show This Year Starts Tomorrow
There are a number of raw material supplier shows around the United States and around the world. Last March, the Midwest SCC chapter held their Teamworks show which featured cosmetic suppliers from ar...
How big companies respond to scare stories
I thought this was an interesting article about how Proctor and Gamble are responding to claims that their Tide Detergent brand contains carcinogens. According to the story, they are satisfied that th...
10 Things to Know about New Regulations for Nanoparticles in Cosmetics
Recently, the FDA released a report on nanotechnology in cosmetic products . In case you didn't know, the FDA is the governmental body in the US that is responsible for regulating cosmetics. The repor...
Cosmetic Science History - The first cosmetic chemist
While answering a reporter's question about the hisotry of cosmetics, I came across the name Johann Bartholomaeus Trommsdorff. He lived from 1770-1837 and according to the source , he is considered th...
How do you make cosmetics safer?
I read a couple of articles recently about pressure on governments to make cosmetic products more safe. This article points out that there are "toxins" found in even 'safer' cosmetic products . Then o...
Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Trade Shows
The Midwest SCC Trade Show is this Wednesday. If you are going to be in the Chicago area, it is a free event and you should certainly attend. Here is the information for registering . Cosmetic chemist...
The FDA really does regulate cosmetics
There have been a couple stories that demonstrate how the FDA has been ensuring that cosmetics are safe for consumers. Recently, they have sent out a warning about skin lightening products that contai...
Animal Testing Bites Cosmetic Companies Again
Ooops. I read this story about Avon and animal testing and it looks like they are in a bit of trouble. According to the story, Avon is being sued (along with Estee Lauder and Mary Kay) for conducting...
What is the right level of cosmetic regulation?
I saw this article about REACH which suggests that the EU regulation is costing industry between 1.5 and 2 billion Euro annually. It makes me wonder, who is this helping? In case you don't know REACH...
Cosmetic Market is Getting Bigger
I saw this article that is encouraging to cosmetic chemists and their potential to find jobs. The cosmetic industry is predicted to reach $333 billion in global world wide sales . This means more comp...
Natural as Petroleum Jelly
What do “we” and “they” mean by “NATURAL”? Is it just me, or does it have an obscure aura about it? According to the Natural Product Association, the natural standard is anything coming from flora, fa...
Lead in Lipstick - Are Cosmetic Chemists Trying to Kill Consumers?
Recently, lead in lipstick has been in the news. The FDA came out with a report in which they reviewed 400 samples of lipstick and found trace lead levels in nearly all of them. This prompted cosmetic...
How big is the Natural Cosmetic Market?
We recently worked with Allured to launch a Natural Cosmetic Formulating course. If you haven't signed up to receive the free report on the subject be sure to go get it here. Formulating natural cosme...
The 10 Most Misleading Cosmetic Claims
I was reading some of my latest Twitter updates when I saw another claim about a beauty product being "chemical free." Reading claims like this really bug me because nearly EVERYTHING is a chemical. T...
The Cosmetics Industry and SOPA / PIPA
If you spent any time on the web this week, it would have been difficult for you to avoid the news of the impending Internet censorship legislation called SOPA and PIPA. Some major websites went dark...
Parabens - A tale of two headlines
There was a recent study on parabens that made the news. It was research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology conducted by Dr. Philippa Darbre and Mr Lester Barr. The key findings of the res...
How to spot Quackery
Very clever summary of how to spot quackery . In the cosmetic industry, you can find examples of people selling products using all of these methods. Here is a list of their Red Flags of Quackery. If y...
3 reasons the EWG is dubious resource
**NOTE: This post was written in 2012 and at the time was accurate. The EWG has changed some aspects of their Skin Deep Database which prompted the writing of this fresh look at why the EWG Skin Deep...
Midwest SCC website relaunched
After a month or two of working on it, we have revamped the Midwest SCC website. The previous version was excellently handled by our former webmaster but his departure gave us an opportunity to revisi...
Consumer Reports Investigates Cosmetics
It's the final holiday of the year, or more properly the first holiday of the year. Anyway, in celebration of the holiday, I'm not going to create much of a substantial post today. I'll be back to reg...
Highlights of 2011 on Chemists Corner
This has been a great year for Chemists Corner and I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. We've got some big things planned in 2012 but before we get there, here is a list of the top 10 hi...
5 Biggest Cosmetic Industry Stories of 2011
Here's just a quick post about what I think is the 5 most significant stories in cosmetic science during 2011. 1. J&J caves to fear mongering group and promises to reformulate baby shampoo. 2. FDA dec...
Create great formulas and a great story
Here is an interesting video explaining how P&G shifted their focus from merely creating excellent formulations to making products that make women feel better about themselves. I'm not really sure how...
Does advertising corrupt cosmetic science?
This recent story about P&G being cited by the NAD for publishing misleading mascara ads and their subsequent vow to stop doing it makes me ponder whether advertising and marketing corrupt cosmetic sc...
No (scary sounding chemical) detected
While accompanying my wife on a trip to the grocery store I saw this gem in the wine section. The claim of "no sulfites detected" seems like an evolution in the ridiculous "no" claims trend. Does this...
Recent quotes in cosmetic stories
Every so often a reporter will contact me and look for answers to questions related to cosmetics and cosmetic science. I'm happy to answer because I like talking about science and because it provides...
How do some cosmetic companies get away with false advertising?
Searching around the Internet, you can find lots of examples of people selling products online. You can also find wild claims that as a cosmetic chemist you know are probably false. Unfortunately, you...
A cosmetic chemist on TV
Last Friday I was in Boston and had the opportunity to be interviewed on one of the local news station. You can see the clip here. Fox News Cosmetic Chemist interview While I have fun doing these TV s...
NESCC Dinner Meeting Visit
On Thursday I visited the New England SCC chapter and did a talk on how a cosmetic chemist can use the internet to become a better formulator. It was a great visit. I flew into Boston in the morning f...
More Dr Chemistry Cartooning
We follow the continuing story of Dr. Chemistry , the crafty ole cosmetic chemist and formulating veteran. Click on the link to enlarge
Dr Chemistry cosmetic science cartoon
Back in my younger years I did a series of cartoons called Dr. Chemistry. It wasn't a terribly original name nor do the comics seem as funny to me as they used to. I did enjoy drawing them and they ar...
Can Corporations Really Produce Sustainably?
This article about Procter & Gamble's sustainability efforts suggests that they are on pace for achieving their 5 and 10 year sustainability goals. They've reduced their energy usage by 16% since 2007...
California SCC Suppliers Day Recap
This is a guest post submitted by cosmetic chemist & formulator Valerie Patton. The California SCC Suppliers’ Day , which took place October 25 & 26 at the Long Beach Convention Center, is a highly an...
New Naturals Cosmetic Formulation Program Coming Soon
Last week I spent a couple days working with the instructors of our new Formulating Natural Products online training course. Here's a shot of Art Georgalas as he's taping one of his segments. I think...
Do you trust cosmetics from open markets?
Last week I did a talk in Dallas for the Southwest SCC. It was a good meeting and I felt fortunate to be invited. While walking around Dallas after the meeting, I stumbled upon this open market where...
Midwest SCC scientific summary
Today, I went to the Midwest SCC Technical Symposium and was pretty impressed with the event. The talks were nicely done (no awful slides) and the topics were really engaging. Of course, I might be bi...
Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry in Paris
I'm always pleased when I hear that people are using and getting benefit from our book Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. Here is a picture that a friend of mine who is taking a perfumery program in France...
Get a Scholarship in the Cosmetic Science Field
If you are a student studying science (chemistry or biology is best) you might qualify for a scholarship from the Midwest SCC. The Midwest Chapter Society of Cosmetic Chemists each year offers multipl...
CIR finds Formaldehyde based hair straighteners unsafe
I thought I would weigh in on this topic as it's been in the news a bit and have a little history researching in the field. When I was at a former employers, I accidentally stumbled on the notion that...
Marketing before Science in the Cosmetic Industry
I can completely understand how something like this happens. Overzealous marketers were selling iPhone apps that use colored lights to supposedly treat acne . The FTC found out and brought action agai...
Cosmetic chemistry for the public
One of the biggest problems in society is that people do not appreciate or understand science. This makes them prone to be easily swayed by the media, the government or marketing people. That makes fo...
What is the Lipstick Effect?
Have you ever heard the phrase "Lipstick Effect"? It is a phrase supposedly coined by Leonard Lauder in November of 2001 and refers to an observation that During a recession, the tendency for consumer...
More Developments in Beauty From Within Cosmetics
Here is an interesting story I stumbled upon. The makers of some food supplements are claiming that they have created the first anti-wrinkle pill that actually works. According to the manufacturers (s...
Cosmetic Industry and Chemical Fearmongering
I received the following press release from the PR people at Pantene. Being a beauty blogger I get lots of these things and I mostly ignore them (unless they pique my interest for some reason). This o...
Cosmetic Chemist Guide to Cosmetic Corporations
When you get a job in the cosmetic industry you'll most likely be working in the Research and Development department, or The Lab, as most people will call it. But there is much more to your company ou...
How Will the Beauty From Within Trend Affect Cosmetic Chemists
According to a recent report by the market research firm RNCOS, the nutricosmetics market is due to experience significant growth and will reach $4.24 billion by 2017. If true, this will undoubtedly h...
Why cosmetic chemists should attend trade shows
The Fall seems to be an important time for trade shows in the cosmetic industry. In New York there is the HBA coming up and around the world there is In-Cosmetics Asia. Here's an article I wrote for t...
Are cosmetic chemists trying to kill people?
This post was originally written for a consumer website but it is relevant to cosmetic chemists. As a cosmetic chemist who is responsible for formulating skin and hair care products, I often get the f...
A good time to be a cosmetic chemist
While many areas of the economy of still mired in the recession, it looks the the cosmetic industry is finally shaking it off. After modest growth in 2010, the first quarter of 2011 has seen sales ris...
Why is the Media Scaring People Away from Sunscreens?
Articles like this bug me. " The Claim: A Sunscreen Chemical Can Have Toxic Side Effects " In this sound-bite, headline reading world, a person will casually see this in their reader or on the Interne...
Cosmetic Science Public Outreach
I tend to like speaking in front of crowds. I don't know why but when I was in high school I just loved speech class, especially the "Impromptu Speech." Anyway, I'll talk in front of an audience almos...
Sustainability and the Cosmetic Chemist
This was an excerpt from a talk I did on sustainability and the cosmetic industry. Everywhere you look around the cosmetic industry you hear about sustainability. This trend will no doubt continue and...
Are Cosmetic Companies Only Interested in Profits?
I see this claim a lot. "cosmetic companies are only interested in profits" I call BS. Here are a few examples where the cosmetic industry is not doing things "just for profits" Sustainable cosmetic i...
Cosmetic Raw Materials - Finding sources
I like the TV show Top Chef. If you don't know it's a competition show in which cooks are given challenges and a time limit to create their best recipes. The reason I like it is because a cook and a f...
Has This Antibacterial Soap Website Ignored Science?
I like the PCPC and believe that for the most part they do an excellent job of ensuring that our cosmetic products are safe and effective. The cosmetic industry is not interested in poisoning it's con...
Cosmetic Industry Trade Shows - InCosmetic Review
Last month I got to spend time at the InCosmetics event in Milan. It was a great experience and a lively show. Here are some of my observations about the event. Cosmetic Trade show layout If you have...
Organic Cosmetics - Why?
This is a guest post by Dene Godfrey. He was a recent guest on the Chemists Corner podcast and always has more to say about cosmetic formulation. WHY ORGANIC? I understand the concept of “organic” far...
Get Cosmetic Industry Magazines for Free
I learned lots of new things at the InCosmetics show in Milan last week but perhaps one of the most useful things I discovered was that you can get Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine FREE! I knew they ha...
Cosmetic Trade Show - Why You Should Go
Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I am making the trip out to one of the premiere cosmetic industry trade shows; In-Cosmetics . It is being held in Milan from March 29 - 31, 2011. I wil...
Animal Testing in the Cosmetic Industry
I saw this article in the Guardian about the delay the EU faces in their ban of animal testing of cosmetic products . For someone new in the cosmetic industry, the role of animal testing may be confus...
Happy New Year
On this is the last day of the year and we just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. We've got big things in store for this cosmetic science website in 2011. Thank you so much for following and partic...
Midwest SCC Innovation in Cosmetics Symposium
Next week is the Midwest SCC's technical conference on Innovation in the Cosmetic Industry. I will be doing the emceeing and helping lead some of the group exercises. It promises to be a great event....
Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standards
Listen to a podcast about cosmetic organic standards If you work as a cosmetic formulator for any amount of time you will likely be asked by a marketer or customer to develop a “natural or “organic co...
The 12 Most Maligned Cosmetic Ingredients
If you have spent any time reading information about cosmetics on the Internet, you've no doubt come across scare stories about dangerous, “toxic” ingredients. It might be lead in lipstick, mercury in...
Cosmetic Chemists Guide to the Top 20 Beauty Industry Companies
Every year Happi magazine does a listing of the top beauty companies. They actually do two rankings where they give the 50 top US companies and the 30 top International companies. I always wished they...
5 Reasons to Attend the Mid Year SCC Scientific Meeting
The SCC Midyear meeting is fast approaching. It's scheduled for June 3-4 in Long Island, NY. It's an excellent meeting for any cosmetic chemist to attend but if you are on the fence as to whether atte...
Premier Cosmetic Industry Trade Show Coming to Chicago
If you live anywhere near Chicago or can be around on March 31, 2010, you won't want to miss the 2010 SCC Midwest Chapter TEAMWORKS trade show. This is always a great show and you can't beat the price...
Top Cosmetic Industry Magazines You Should Be Reading
When you first enter an industry you will learn that there are a host of magazines dedicated to that industry. In their pages you'll find news, technology developments, stories about industry influenc...
20+ Cosmetic Chemists Who Tweet - Do You?
If you're a recent college graduate or are up on Web 2.0, you have no doubt heard about Twitter. And if you're really up on things, you've signed up and used Twitter. However, even if you've tried it...
Science
127 articlesWhy 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.
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.
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.
First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser Body Scrub and the science behind its TikTok success
A break down of the formula and ingredients in the First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser body scrub and why it is trending on TikTok.
Chemistry concepts most important for cosmetic formulators
Not everyone who makes cosmetics is a chemist. This is a basic introduction to concepts in chemistry important for formulating cosmetics.
Cosmetic product effectiveness
Beauty products can work but they can also be a waste of money. Here we uncover the different levels of cosmetic product effectiveness
What is in a cosmetic ingredient
Formulating cosmetics can be a challenge. You've got to make a product that performs well enough for your consumers, is easy to make for your manufacturer, is inexpensive enough for your purchasing de...
How to be convincing
When I participate in discussions about cosmetic ingredients, I'm usually disappointed in the quality of arguments people put forth in support of their positions. It is especially disappointing when I...
10 Things Surfactants Do In Cosmetics
In the first part of our cosmetic surfactant series we talked about what surfactants are and how they behave in a cosmetic mixture. In this next part we look at what you can do with surfactants. Surfa...
Cosmetic Science - What is known and unknown
One of my Facebook friends posted a question looking for advice about which sunscreen she could use for her child. It turns out her daughter had a skin reaction to the sunscreens she had been using. O...
The Importance of UV Protection Ingredients in Cosmetics Formulations
There was a time when having tanned skin and laying out in the sun’s rays was considered healthy. However, the dangers of UV rays are becoming more apparent as cases of melanoma have risen dramaticall...
Sun Damage in the Dark – Yes, in the Dark
Here is some surprising research that suggests a new angle to explore in the formulating of skin care and sunscreens. Contributing authors - Meaghan Lee-Erlandsen and Dr. Nora Khaldi of Nuritas Guest...
Biochemistry Terms that Cosmetic Chemists Should Know
When I was in high school I learned about cloning and thought it would be a great idea to clone myself. I wasn't particularly serious about it however, it was the basis for my choice to study Biology...
How do moisturizing ingredients work?
This is a pretty good summary of how skin moisturizers work on dry skin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdNPiW4ZULk
Weekend science - surfactants
Here's a nice video I found on Youtube that explains the chemistry of surfactants in a solution. It's a nice way to spend 5 minutes on a snowy Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3AdOsRAipU
How stem cell technology can really work
Right now there are a bunch of cosmetic brand that claim to use stem cells to provide benefits. For example, there is the Swiss Botany brand with their apple stem cells or the Peter Thomas Roth rose s...
Are people using cosmetics wrong?
People apply color cosmetics hoping to improve the way they look. But according to this research published in the The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology , most people don't know what they ar...
Weekend chemistry
On the weekend I like to look through Youtube and find cool chemistry videos. Here's one from a series called Chemistry Life Hacks which gives you tips on how to improve aspects of your life using che...
Soap bar in a microwave
This is pretty cool. Did you know what happens to a soap bar when you put it in the microwave for about 2 minutes? It loses all its air. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1hzatoE1tg
The science of cosmetics
Here's some good weekend reading about cosmetic science . They cover some good information but unfortunately, the non-science based EWG gets referenced at the end. It's a bit of an embarrassment for a...
Hair biology that every cosmetic chemist needs to know
Most people working as formulators in the cosmetic industry have a solid background in chemistry. It’s not a requirement that you have a degree in chemistry and there are many formulators with degrees...
Have you heard of Laminar Flow?
This seems like it would be a violation of the second law of thermodynamics but if you look at the system as a whole, the entropy of the universe continues to increase. Pretty cool example of Laminar...
Summary of Journal of the SCC July - August
What could be more fun on a cold Saturday afternoon than going through the latest issue if the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists? Well, if you haven't had time to do it fret not. Here is a q...
Sunscreen science and technology for formulators
Article by -Nitesh Rajput - Cosmetic scientist Sunscreen, also commonly known as sunblock, sun screen, suntan lotion, sunburn cream, sun cream or block out, is a lotion, spray, gel or other topical pr...
Chemical Reactions in Cosmetic Science
In college, most chemistry classes were focused on creating chemical reactions. We were constantly challenged to figure out what reaction would happen when you mix chemicals together. Cosmetic science...
Human Skin - The Ingenious Creation of Nature
This article was written by Vitaly Solomonov In this article, we take a short trip deep in our skin in order to understand clearly how the skin works and protects the inner environment of our body. Un...
The Chemistry of Fireworks explained
It's not quite cosmetic chemistry but I always found the chemistry of fireworks interesting. It's a bit like formulating but instead of making creams, liquids and gels, you make a firework that explod...
Why a cosmetic chemist should learn about toxicology
I recently got a request from a website to write an article about the dangers of parabens. At first, I declined because I do not believe that parabens are dangerous to use as cosmetic preservatives. W...
How to Prevent Contamination in Cosmetic Products
This recent article about scientists discovering bacteria living in hairspray provides a good example of why cosmetic products need to be preserved. Microbes can grow almost anywhere! And these tiny o...
The Basics of Cosmetic Chemistry
I found a couple of interesting articles that explain the absolute basic compounds used in modern day cosmetics. Neither of these are particularly thorough, but if you want a quick understanding of th...
10 Science Topics for Cosmetic Chemists That Were Barely Covered in College
The way chemistry majors typically begin their chemist careers goes something like this. In their senior year of college they start looking through the newspapers for any company looking to hire chemi...
How Do Cosmetic Raw Materials Get Their Names?
I must confess. One of my favorite things about being a chemist is getting to say long words and knowing what they mean. I loved learning the IUPAC system for naming chemicals. That’s why I found ingr...
How to Read a Scientific Journal Article
If you want to stay up on the latest research in cosmetic science , you’ll have to learn to quickly filter and read scientific papers. With page turning titles like “Dermatological aspects of a succes...
The Chemistry of Hair Colors
Yesterday, I did a talk for a cosmetic science class at the University of Toledo which outlined the hair research I did which eventually resulted in this patent . It was all about the process of how w...
Skin pH - what does it mean?
I've always thought it weird when people say that skin has a certain pH. This seems a complete misunderstanding of the term pH as pH refers to the concentration of H+ ions in a solution. Since skin is...
What is a cosmetic?
Here's a video I put together some time back. I've finally restored it since the crash. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qJ81qCEI1k
Valentines Day and the Cosmetic Chemist
If you ever wanted to create a Valentine's Day themed cosmetic product, here is an ingredient you might consider adding. Synthetic pheromones. In a study from San Francisco State University researcher...
Creating New Hair Follicle Cells
If you could "cure' baldness, you would be a billionaire. You wouldn't even have to spend much money marketing the product. It would sell itself. There is such a huge consumer demand and people alread...
Factors influencing the deposition of conditioning polymers
There was an interesting article in the November/December 2013 issue of the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. The research titled "Use of Statistical Modeling to Predict the Effect of Formu...
Stem Cells for the Cosmetic Chemist
I just read a story about a new skin care product that incorporates both plant and human "stem cells." This type of marketing is a bit annoying because it's completely misleading. There aren't stem ce...
Why people age
Here's a pretty good video demonstrating how and why aging is programmed right in your cells. I'm still trying to figure out this whole Hayflick Limit idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqCo-McgHLw
Solubility – Basic Chemistry for the Cosmetic Formulator
Not everyone who formulates cosmetics received a degree in chemistry. In fact, most home formulators have very little chemistry training at all. While having a degree in chemistry is not required to b...
How to make a shampoo from scratch
I thought it would be interesting to deconstruct a shampoo formula. To do that, we need to begin with the formula. Here's a nice, simple formula that I used to work on. I've removed all of the superfl...
Beauty From Within Put to the Test
On my other blog The Beauty Brains we spend a lot of time answering questions about what beauty products work and which ones aren't backed up by science. It's fun, but the reality is that most of the...
How your sense of smell works
This is a pretty interesting bit of biology. It also explains why fragrance is such an important part of the cosmetic product experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snJnO6OpjCs
3D printing for skin products
We are in the early phases of the development of 3D printing technology but I believe it has the potential to revolutionize the cosmetics industry. This isn't the kind of thing that is going to lead t...
Skin biology - how it grows
This is a pretty good, short video explaining how skin grows and protects you from the environment (including cosmetic ingredients). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8AYLGJuyvw Happy Halloween!
Why an oil phase heats faster than a water phase
I was sent an email asking me about what the best set-up was for heating batches. It seemed that this formulator was having a hard time getting her batches to heat up quickly. I told her the setup I t...
Cosmetic Preservation - Some Definitions
This is a post by Nitesh Rajput In my previous article I talked about natural cosmetic preservatives . To expand on that topic, here are some key definitions that will be helpful for anyone using natu...
Forensic science and cosmetics
This story about University of Kent scientists who have discovered a way to identify the brand of lipstick at a crime scene reminded me of an idea I had a few years back. I'll tell you about it but fi...
Good discussion of the science of soap
I'm a big fan of the website Reddit . But I just learned they have a section called "Ask a Scientist" where scientists in specific fields answer reader's questions. I scrolled through a few and found...
Natural Preservatives in Cosmetics - A Trend
This is a post by Nitesh Rajput Cosmetic products become easily contaminated by bacteria and fungi. Containing water, oils, peptides, and carbohydrates, cosmetics are a very good medium for growth of...
Surfactant Science - Traube's Rule
While it doesn't come up too often when creating cosmetic formulations, it is useful for cosmetic chemists to know the concept of Traube's Rule. At the very least it will help you understand why some...
Washing hair in space
Here's a fun video for a Friday. How do you wash your hair in space? Here's how.
Interesting facts about the human biology
The skin info at the beginning is fascinating.
Happy 4th of July!
In the US, July 4th is a holiday and it's tradition to shoot off fireworks. Ever wonder about the chemistry of these devices? Check out these two videos that explain them. and then the sound
How does hair grow?
This is a pretty good video showing how hair grows. It also explains how you can lose about 100 hairs a day. I'm not sure I agree with one part where they say hair can be repaired only when it is atta...
Does stress cause grey hair?
It is commonly thought that stress causes grey hair but the evidence has been mostly anecdotal. This is unsurprising as many "facts" in the world of beauty are based on anecdotal evidence and are almo...
Have you ever seen the Kaye Effect?
If you work with surfactants and formulas like shampoos or body wash, you may have occasionally noticed when pouring it out the stream will unexpectedly shoot up out of the solution. This is called th...
What can you eat or drink for better skin?
To tell you the truth, I'm skeptical there is much evidence at all that eating or drinking some specific thing is going to have a noticeable, positive impact on your skin. The body is complicated and...
Is the end of gray hair near?
I saw this interesting news story about a group of European researchers who say they have found a treatment that can eliminate gray hair. Two things strike me about this story. First, the researchers...
How does a shampoo work
Some years ago I went through a phase where I was really into making computer animations. Here's one I did that explains roughly how shampoos work on a molecular level. Shampoo Story Listen / Watch
The science of aging
Creating anti-aging products is a popular activity for cosmetic chemists. But did you know that humans are programmed to die? This cute video explains it all.
Slime mold is smarter than we think
This is a pretty cool story about slime mold . I was a biology major and always appreciated interesting animal adaptations. Here's the video.
How sunless tanners work
Here is an instructive video put together by the good folks at the American Chemical Society.
Video that explains acne
This is a cute video about acne and what causes it. Cosmetic chemists and formulators should know what causes the problems we're trying to solve. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz1FKi6z4Fc
Laser Technique Allows Calculation of Skin Age
This was an interesting story about the determination of skin aging . According to the report, scientists used a harmonic generation microscope to determine the intrinsic age of skin. The intrinsic ag...
New preservative from your eyes?
Here's an interesting story about a technology that could be the future of preservation for cosmetics. According to researchers, they've discovered a compound in the eye that has an anti-microbial eff...
Basic cosmetic science from the ACS
If you were a chemistry major in college, you undoubtedly heard of the American Chemical Society (ACS). It's one of the oldest professional societies in the country. They produce a magazine called Che...
The science of sunscreens
Here's a pretty interesting video that shows just how sunscreens work. It's helpful to any cosmetic chemist who works in the sunscreen field. It's pretty simple but a great introduction.
ACS Tackles Emulsions, Foams and Suspensions
When I was in college the only professional chemistry group that I knew about was the American Chemical Society. It's an old organization and I was a proud, card-carrying member for over >15 years. Ev...
How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids work?
Despite what many comsetic marketers claim, there aren't a lot of anti-aging actives that work when delivered from topical applications. Retinol, maybe Niacinamide but not much else. However, alpha hy...
Will Shark Skin Studies Lead to New Sunscreens?
Did you ever hear that sharks never get cancer? Well, this is false. Sharks do get cancer . However, they don't get all types of cancer. In fact, it turns out that sharks do not get skin cancer . Scie...
Silicones - Cosmetic Science in 300 Seconds
Transcript: Cosmetic Science in 300 Seconds - Silicones Welcome to Cosmetic Science in 300 seconds brought to you by Chemists Corner. Today’s topic is silicones. In the cosmetic industry, the term sil...
Gray hair is not caused by stress
I have a couple of gray hairs. At the age of 43, I have much less gray hairs than other people my age but I see they are coming. A popular claim is that gray hair is caused by stress, which is odd bec...
Journal of Cosmetic Science Summary
There is actual science that happens in the cosmetic industry and you can find much of it written in the peer reviewed Journal of Cosmetic Science. Of course, as a working chemist it sometimes becomes...
Progress on hair bleach technology
Here's an article which discusses a new development in hair bleaching technology . Rather than using hydrogen peroxide as is typically the case, scientists from Kao have found an enzyme derived from a...
Advances in penetration of skin creams
Last week I wrote about skin penetration and the difficulty of both creating a product that works and the problems associated with cosmetic products that claim to penetrate. Today, I stumbled on this...
A Cosmetic Chemist at the Museum of Science and Industry
Here in Chicago we have an excellent science museum, the Museum of Science and Industry. I make a trip there almost once a year and always have a great time. There is much more to see and read than I...
Cosmetic ingredients that can be harmful
There is so much ridiculous fearmongering about the dangers of cosmetic ingredients that people often ignore cosmetic ingredients that can actually be harmful. Here is a list of cosmetics and cosmetic...
Is Coffee the Next Big Skin Cosmetic Ingredient?
Here was a recent report on research published in the jorunal Cancer Research demonstrating that coffee consumption could lower your chances of developing the most common form of skin cancer. The rese...
Cosmetic Stability Testing is Soft Science
One of the most surprising things to me when I started a career as a cosmetic science was how subjective things were. There are no definitive answers about which surfactants to use, how much, or even...
Cosmetics - Cosmetic Science in 300 Seconds
Transcript of video Hi I'm Perry Romanowski and Welcome to Cosmetic Science in 300 seconds brought to you by Chemists Corner. Today’s topic is Cosmetics. Cosmetics are used by people all over the worl...
Science demonstrations you can do
One of the greatest things about science is that you can set up demonstrations / experiments that have unexpected results. And these demonstrations don't have to cost a lot of money. Often you can do...
Why Nonscientists Think They Know More than Scientists
As a cosmetic chemist you will no doubt run into people (either in person or on the Internet) who hold strong opinions about beauty products, chemicals, and product safety. They will be quick to tell...
Surfactants in action
Here's a pretty good demonstration that you might use in the future for a presentation to your marketing group or other people you want to impress with a cool science trick.
Science fun with a box
I'm going to take a break from writing about cosmetic science today and show you some other sciencey thing that caught my interest. It is a vortex cannon and it looks very fun and easy to make. Just t...
Evidence for Beauty From Within Products
There is a trend in the cosmetic industry some market research folks have labeled 'beauty from within'. These are products which consumers are supposed to ingest to realize the benefit. For example, B...
The Joy of Chemistry book review
I don't know how I stumbled upon the book The Joy of Chemistry (received it as a Christmas gift) but I'm glad I did. It was just what I needed to reignite my interest in the entire field of chemistry....
Inorganic chemistry and the cosmetic chemist
I just finished reading the excellent book The Joy of Chemistry and in a future post I'll do a review but while I was reading I began to think about inorganic chemistry. For the most part cosmetics re...
Entropy for your weekend
I like to amuse myself with chemistry videos on youtube. Here is an interesting about entropy that might be helpful for current and future cosmetic chemists. Incidentally, entropy is one of my favorit...
The Known Universe - From Smallest To Biggest
This is a little outside the realm of cosmetics but I like science and thought this animation was very cool. It takes you all the way down to the smallest thing that we've discovered (or theorized) up...
Cosmetic Chemistry Basic Science Background - pH
Some of the followers of this website do not have degrees in chemistry. In truth, you don't have to know chemistry to formulate products. However, it is extremely helpful! So, we're going to occasiona...
Why are there preservatives in cosmetics
With all the fear mongering that goes on about cosmetic preservatives, it is no wonder consumers and some cosmetic manufacturers wonder why they can't make products without those "nasty" cell-killing...
Hey Skin Care Formulators - Here is your competition
Articles about anti-aging treatments always catch my eye because let's face it, that is one of the main functions of cosmetics. This article about new anti-agining treatments focuses on things that de...
College courses for cosmetic chemists
If you are a science student in college or even in high school and you have an interest in pursuing a career in cosmetic science, then you might be curious which classes will be most useful. Here are...
How a micelle is formed
One of the fundamental principles of cosmetics and personal care products is the action of surfactants in a solution. Here is a video that demonstrates what happens to the surfactant molecules when th...
Cosmetic Science Forum - Hot topics
There is a lot more activity going on in the cosmetic science forum and we are delighted! The questions have been excellent and the responses too. I am especially happy to be learning from the differe...
Is snail slime in your skin care products
There was a bit on Penn & Tellers show Bullsh*t where they convinced people to let snails climb all over their face. It was supposed to be an anti-aging product but the real point of the segment was t...
Chemical inspiration for a Saturday
Here is one of my favorite chemical demonstrations of all time. It is the old iodine clock reaction. What happens is that there is a chemical equillibrium that happens and the different species change...
Is cosmetic science important enough for scientists?
This video is funny...and a little sad. Thankfully, this isn't how it really is for cosmetic chemists but there is certainly a tinge of truth here. Early years In my younger years I often fretted abou...
The chemistry of acne
Skin care is one of the most common areas in which cosmetic chemists get to formulate. And acne is one of the most common problems they are trying to either prevent or cure. Here is a nice short video...
Does eating sugar cause wrinkles?
As an information hungry scientist and cosmetic science blogger, I see lots of stories about health and beauty. There is a lot of nonsense out there and it's difficult for a cosmetic chemist to find o...
Cosmetic Science Forum Roundup
There are some pretty good discussions going on at the Cosmetic Science forum. If you haven't been participating, you should really take a look. Here are some of the highlights. Top cosmetic science d...
Bacteria May Produce an Allergy Free Sunscreen
One of the problems facing sunscreen formulators is that many of the chemical UV filters can cause contact allergies in a large group of consumers. So, you can formulate an excellent product that can...
Tanning beds increase melanoma in young women
This is an unfortunate story. There has been a big spike in the number of melanoma cases in young women and it has been linked to tanning bed used prior to special events like Prom or Homecoming. I kn...
Can you really make an internal cosmetic?
There is this trend in the cosmetic industry called "beauty-within". (There's even a conference about it .)The idea is that people can consume some product and it will have a beneficial effect on skin...
Is it Cosmetic Science or Cosmetic Non-Science?
The Journal of Cosmetic Science published by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists is the premiere scientific journal and a great resource for finding out the latest developments in the field of cosmetic s...
Do hair strenghtening products really make hair stronger?
Looks like my old company has gotten themselves in a little trouble with a recent ad about their Tresemme Naturals product line. I fondly remember working on this line and also know that the formulas...
Hair Product Testing for Small Cosmetic Companies
I saw this interesting approach to hair testing that TRI (Textile Research Institute) is doing this June 2011. They are offering the opportunity for any company to submit samples of shampoos and condi...
Future of Cosmetic Formulation
I was recently asked by one of the students in the cosmetic science training program about the future of cosmetic formulating. She said... Are we reaching a stage where further novel & creative produc...
The 'Science' of Cosmetic Product Testing
There was an interesting article about 'clinical testing' of cosmetic products . Essentially, the authors suggest that the science used to support the claims made by the nutrition supplement product I...
Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature - An Introduction
I put together this video about cosmetic ingredient nomenclature that you might enjoy. It's about 15 minutes long and gives you a basic introduction to how cosmetic ingredients get their names. Just c...
4th International Applied Hair Science Conference Announced
If you are a cosmetic chemist who works on hair care products, this conference would be a good one to attend. TRI Princeton is doing some great basic research on hair and hair products of anyone in th...
How Cosmetic Chemists Can Help Forensic Science
Last fall I did a talk for the Joint Forensic Association meeting in Orlando. It was a lot of fun talking to forensic scientists about cosmetics. I did a modified version of my Beginning Cosmetic Chem...
Who Knows the Most Important Causes of Aging Skin?
One of my favorite parts of the C&T website is their " Biology Research " section. Here you'll find science based articles that illuminate the latest understandings of basic human hair and skin biolog...
Top Cosmetic Science Stories of the Decade
This article on Gizmodo about the 10 Science stories that changed our decade made me think about the advances in cosmetic science that have changed our industry. It's pretty tough to narrow down but t...
Emulsions Made By Bouncing Oil and Water Droplets
Here's an interesting bit of research that might change the way cosmetic chemists make cosmetics and personal care products in the future. We know that surfactants plus heat & mixing are used for maki...
Cosmetic Surfactants - An Introduction for Cosmetic Chemists
I remember learning about surfactants in first year college chemistry. It covered one page of Zumdahl Chemistry , and we spent exactly 5 minutes covering it. It came up again briefly in Organic Chemis...
What Kinds of Surfactants Are Used in Cosmetics?
If you haven’t done so yet, you might want to review part 1 of this surfactant series to learn what surfactants are and when you might use them. There are thousands of different types of surfactants a...
Skepticism and the Cosmetic Industry
Hey all, just a quick note to tell you I'm working on a talk about the cosmetic industry and skepticism. I'll be giving it tonight (11/10/09) at the Midwest SCC meeting in Chicago. When I'm done with...
Weirdest Ingredients Used By Cosmetic Chemists
Just some fun for this sunny Wednesday. In your career as a cosmetic chemist , you just might get the opportunity to work with some of these weird cosmetic ingredients. Snail serum - There was a joke...
How To Stability Test a Cosmetic Formula
Here’s the biggest difference between what you experienced in your college organic chemistry lab versus a cosmetic formulation lab. In an organic lab, you mix chemicals together and hope something hap...
Top 10 Unsolved Skin Care Problems
Since we already reviewed the 10 unsolved problems in hair care , it makes sense to look at the problems that need to be solved in skin care. Here are the top unsolved skin care problems which, if you...
Top 10 Unsolved Hair Care Problems
As a cosmetic scientist your job will often involve coming up with a formula that satisfies the desires of your Marketing department. Fortunately, or unfortunately, those desires are usually satisfied...
Career
102 articlesCosmetic Chemists - Are we Scientists or Marketers?
Marketing stories have gone beyond messages going out to consumers. If you're not a suitably skeptical cosmetic chemist, you might get fooled by marketing too
Challenges of being a cosmetic chemist
When you study chemistry or science in college it does not prepare you for working in industry. Industry research is not the same as doing research in college. There are a number of challenges that get in the way which makes being a science leaning cosmetic chemist more difficult than you might imagine.
Cosmetic Science Programs Around the World
A review of the cosmetic science programs and formulating courses around the world. To become a cosmetic chemist these are the best courses to take.
How to Become a Cosmetic Chemist
Becoming a cosmetic chemist is not something you learn in college. But here are the 7 steps to start a job in the cosmetic industry
Making money as a cosmetic chemist
Getting a degree in chemistry is highly satisfying and emotionally rewarding. The classes you take like Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Advanced Inorganic Chemistry are tough, especially co...
An Open Letter to Cosmetic Chemists
I saw this article about Bodisafe Cosmetics which claims their products are natural and chemical free. Normally, I would just file this away with all the other scaremongering, BS, natural cosmetic mar...
How do you become a cosmetic chemist consultant?
I received the following question and thought it would make a good post. I’m an Senior Cosmetic Chemist with an Bachelors Degree, with 18yrs experience in formulations, color matching and production,...
Will cosmetic chemists become obsolete?
A few weeks ago I was giving a talk at a Society of Cosmetic Chemists meeting and one of the formulators in the audience asked me this question, "Will cosmetic chemists become obsolete?" In further co...
Improve your chances of getting a cosmetic chemist job
Frequently we're contacted by people who are in school or another industry and want to break into the cosmetic industry as a formulator. They want to know if there are internships, jobs or experiences...
What is Chemists Corner About?
Chemists Corner was started a number of years ago and my initial vision was for it to be a website for people who have degrees in chemistry and want to get a job in industry. It is primarily focused o...
Could a computer replace formulators?
I recently read an article which suggested that many jobs are at risk of being taken over by robots . Fortunately, chemists only have about a 10% chance of being replaced in the next 20 years. But the...
Cosmetic science on tv
One of the fun aspects of what I do for a living is that I occasionally get invited to be a guest on TV shows. Recently, I recorded a spot on the Dr Oz show which is filmed in New York. You can see th...
Presentation tips for Cosmetic Chemists
During your career you will likely be encouraged to give a presentation in front of either a group of co-workers, the public, or fellow scientists. It's a great chance to demonstrate your expertise an...
Cosmetic Chemist Jobs - Where to find them
Here on Chemists Corner we get a number of requests from people who are looking for jobs. In fact, we've written a number of articles about this which you can read about on our cosmetic chemist career...
Formulating Chemist Job - Big Company or Small?
Getting a degree in chemistry will teach you a lot about science but not much about having a chemist job. We’ve previously talked about what you can do to start a cosmetic chemist career , but you mig...
Learn All You Need to Know About Business for Free
Congratulations!! You spent your days in college making it through some of the toughest courses the place had to offer like Physical Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, and even Advanced Calculus...
3 Tips for Finding a Cosmetic Science Lab Job
The other day someone asked me for some tips on how to find a cosmetic science job in the cosmetic industry with personal care companies like Alberto Culver, P&G, L’Oreal or other big companies. Of co...
Career Advice to Impress Your Boss
Working in corporate America you will quickly learn that your success is not completely based on your scientific abilities. In fact, if you really want to advance in your career you're going to have t...
75 Things a Formulation Scientist Does
"What does a formulation scientist do every day?" This was a question I received in an email from someone who was doing some research about different chemist careers . And if this person wanted to kno...
What is a cosmetic chemist career like?
Here's a pretty good video in which a high school student describes what it's like to be a cosmetic chemist. She got to visit Estee Lauder in Toronto. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdd39lE9-_g Also,...
5 tips to giving great scientific talks
Last Friday I had the opportunity to speak with a group of high school / college students about the topic of cosmetic chemistry. I like doing talks like this as I don't have to get too technical and I...
5 Reasons You Should Attend a National SCC Meeting
A blast from the past. First published in 2008. Still relevant now... On Friday afternoon, I walked out of the New York Hilton and waved down a cab. The drive got out of his taxi and I said, “Can I ge...
Quick method for creating a cosmetic talk
This fall I traveled a lot doing presentations and happily spreading the word about cosmetic science and formulating. The talks have ranged in length from 30 minutes to 6 hours. While I've done a coup...
Confessions of a Society of Cosmetic Chemists Member
This is a guest post by cosmetic chemist Cindy Yu. Passion. It's one of the driving forces in my life and emphasized through my four years of membership with the Midwest Society of Cosmetic Chemists (...
Golf Outings and the Cosmetic Chemist
Yesterday I played in the Midwest SCC annual golf outing. It was great fun and I was pleased to have the opportunity to golf with some nice & interesting cosmetic chemists. While golf outings don't se...
Companies in the Cosmetic Industry
When you are first getting out of college and looking to start your career in the cosmetic industry, it is helpful to know what type of companies for which you might be able to work. To best understan...
More about the University of Toledo Cosmetic Science program
Here's an informative video for anyone who is just getting started in the college career and thinks they might be interested in studying cosmetics. Yours truly is doing a couple of guest lectures this...
Here is a new cosmetic science program
I did a couple of guest lectures for this program. They are new but they are doing things the right way.
Qualities of a Good Chemist
This is a guest author post These days, people are interested in all different types of disciplines. More and more students realize that the economic environment can vary significantly by the time the...
Tips for learning cosmetic formulation
Guest author: Roger Rodriguez Now that we are in the 21st century, people are starting to learn more and more about different job opportunities and sectors - one of which is cosmetics. You might even...
How to create a personal elevator pitch
You may have heard of an elevator pitch for business idea, but did you ever consider creating an elevator pitch for your career? An elevator pitch is a short summary that you can tell to someone in an...
10 Things that Make it Harder to get a Cosmetic Science Job
A number of people visit this website looking for information and tips on how to get a job in the cosmetic science industry. You can find lots of articles that we've previously written in our career p...
Headhunters and the cosmetic chemist
After a couple years of working as a cosmetic chemist, you might get a phone call that goes something like this... "Hello (your name). I'm trying to fill this great position and I was wondering if you...
Cosmetic Industry Science Jobs for Non-Chemists
Many of the Research and Development jobs in the cosmetic industry are held by people who have degrees in chemistry. In fact, if you are interested in working as a cosmetic scientist the best degree t...
Why cosmetic chemists should use Twitter
I'm a big fan of Twitter and post regularly as @ChemistsCorner, @thebeautybrains, and @thejoggler. There are also a number of other cosmetic chemists who tweet (see this post on 20 cosmetic chemists w...
7 Non Formulating Skills Every Cosmetic Chemist Needs to Develop
If you want to succeed in the world of cosmetic science, it typically requires more than knowing raw materials and being a brilliant formulator. Success in any company will require general knowledge o...
Rules of a Cosmetic Chemists Life
This article about the rules of a scientist's life inspired us to put together one about the rules for a cosmetic chemists life. See what you think and add more in the comments if you like. 10 Rules f...
What to expect when your company is bought
I was fortunate to spend my entire corporate career at one company that operated independently so I never had to go through a company buy-out. However, I was on the other side as our company bought a...
25 Career tips for the Cosmetic Chemist Job Seekers
If you're searching for a job in the cosmetic industry (say you never had one or recently got laid off) or if you have one and want a better one, here are some career tips that you might find helpful....
How to use Social Networking to get a Cosmetic Science Job
When I got my first job in the cosmetic science field, I did it the old fashioned way. I saw a help wanted ad in the newspaper and I sent them my resume. That lead to a job interview which ultimately...
Career Standards for Cosmetic Chemists
I saw this interesting post which listed some standards for entry level cosmetic chemist jobs . Every company is going to be a little different but these standards reflect the kind of tasks and backgr...
7 Tips for Falling in Love with Formulating Again
Over time, the job of a cosmetic chemist can occasionally get boring. With the endless stability test measurements and prototypes that fall apart, you can just get plain worn out. You don't want to qu...
How to Maximize the Benefit of your next Networking Event
Being part of an industry professional group like the SCC is a great idea for cosmetic chemists because it provides numerous opportunities for learning and networking. But if you don't plan ahead, you...
Seven Ways to Survive a Corporate Takeover
When I started in the cosmetic industry there were a lot more companies than there are. It used to be that there were a large number of small companies, then a bunch of medium sized ones, and a few gi...
Personalities and Drives of Today's Chemists
This is a guest post from writer Marcia Poladky Chemistry is one of the more popular genres of physical science. In its simplest form, chemistry deals with the physical composition and behavior of phy...
How to prevent cosmetic chemist career boredom
I worked as a *formulator for 17 years at a medium sized cosmetic company. We were primarily a hair care company so I spent most of my time creating new shampoos and conditioners. I did have the oppor...
Product Safety Manager Position Open
Posted 12-10-12 Limited Brands, through its high-emotion brands Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Pink, La Senza and Henri Bendel, is an international specialty retailer delivering lingerie, per...
Skin Physiology for the Cosmetic Chemist
For chemists and other scientists coming out of college, one area in which you will likely be deficient in knowledge is skin biology. But if you are working on any skin care formulations, it is critic...
Cosmetic Industry Internship - Amway
Frequently, we get messages here on Chemists Corner looking for cosmetic internship opportunities. Unfortunately, the number of internships are few and far between in this industry. However, there are...
The Benefits of Being a Cosmetic Chemist
Some people might see the job of a cosmetic chemist as frivolous and less-than-important. However, there are a number of benefits to taking up a career in cosmetic chemistry. 1. Make people's lives be...
Job Opportunity - Formulator & Technical Support
Job Title Formulator and Technical Support — OTC topical products and therapeutic cosmetics Description Summers Laboratories is a small, (30 person) dermatological pharmaceutical company in business o...
Should Cosmetic Chemists Publish?
I'm a huge believer in the idea that cosmetic chemists should be active participants in the cosmetic science community at large. This means you should join organizations like the Society of Cosmetic C...
University of Toledo Cosmetic Science Program Begins
There is a new cosmetic science program that is focused on undergads. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is starting school and knows that they want to get into the cosmetic industry. It is th...
The challenges of cosmetic chemists around the world
This is a guest editorial post by Rajat Narang Cosmetic Chemist!!! A cosmetic chemist is an individual who specializes in a Degree with majors in Cosmetic Science with subjects like Cosmetic Research,...
Cosmetic chemistry in Minnesota
I'm going to be speaking tonight at the University of Minnesota. Here is the information. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by & say hi. How to become a cosmetic chemist and why you would want to...
New Masters Level Cosmetic Science Program
The London College of Fashion has been running a Bachelors Level Cosmetic Science program for some time. They have recently increased the content of that program and now offer a Masters level program....
Cosmetic chemist running for office
I frequently have the thought that there should be more scientists in politics. I don't know why there aren't but perhaps it's because the people who are drawn to science careers are not the same type...
How I became a cosmetic chemist
Are you interested in how a person starts a career in cosmetic chemistry? This is my story of how I became a cosmetic chemist.
Job opportunity for cosmetic chemist
We have a new feature here on Chemists Corner...job opportunities! Our first job opportunity in the cosmetic industry comes from a Northeastern United States raw material supply company. The job detai...
Media Training for a Cosmetic Chemist
A contributor on the cosmetic science forum alerted me to a story in which I was quoted about the biology of gray hair . I appreciated finding out about it because the reporter didn't tell me that it...
Why you Should Do a Scientific Talk
Have you ever thought of doing a talk at a scientific symposium? Well, if you haven't you should consider doing it. Read on to learn why. I'm on the committee that is helping to organize the upcoming...
How to get the most out of a cosmetic industry meeting or trade show
As a cosmetic chemist you are presented with ample opportunities to go to trade shows. It seems there is some kind of meeting going on every month. Trade shows and industry meetings are a great chance...
Looking for a cosmetic science job?
A common request we get here on Chemists Corner is the request for a job. I never mind this much and am happy to give suggestions. We've written a lot about getting a job as a cosmetic chemist and if...
How can cosmetic chemists make more money?
Someone on the forum said that they loved being a cosmetic chemist but were looking to make more money. Here is what I responded. ----------- This is an excellent question. It's also one of the most d...
Will this help inspire girls to take science?
I have to say that I appreciate the effort but I'm not sure this video hits the mark. The European Commission has the laudable goal of trying to inspire more women to go into science. I'm not sure if...
You work for yourself
There were a couple of troubling stories that I read about actions taken by some of the biggest cosmetic companies. In one, Unilever reports that they are shutting down a couple of their factories whi...
Cosmetic Science Masters Program at the London College of Fashion
If you are interested in getting an advanced degree to help your cosmetic formulating prospects, you might consider the London College of Fashion. Here is an interview with Dr Danka Tamburic the curre...
How much money does a cosmetic chemist make?
When you go through college and get a degree in science, you can rest assured that you are taking the hardest courses that the university offers. I suppose there are a few math majors who might disagr...
Undergraduate Cosmetic Science Program opening in the Fall
We just received word that the University of Toledo will be starting a new Pharmaceutics/Cosmetic Science Major in the fall of 2012. This will be a four-year degreed program that will result in a BS....
Recent Job Posts for Cosmetic Chemists
While this site is primarily about the science of cosmetics, it is also about helping future chemists get cosmetic science jobs. If fact, we have a whole section of articles about cosmetic chemist car...
Message to Undergraduate Chemists Looking for a Job
This is a guest blog post written by cosmetic chemist Mica Oba. She is currently an undergraduate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and spent some time working with a contract manufacturer in the Bay Area (...
How Cosmetic Chemistry is Like Cooking
It's pretty common to hear people complain that they didn't like Chemistry in school because it was too hard or too boring. And perhaps the way it was taught to them, this was true. But if you like co...
What subject should a cosmetic chemist focus on?
I just read an article which suggested that 2012 will be the year of the skin care formulator. They went on to list a number of different conferences around the world that are focused on formulating p...
What background do you need to become a cosmetic chemist?
We get asked this question a fair amount by people who are in college, high school or are even just interested in starting a new career in cosmetics. Here are some suggestions. Figure out your objecti...
The Realities of a Cosmetic Chemist Career
We get lots of career questions about cosmetic chemistry related to salary, how much education you need and how easy it will be to advance in a cosmetic chemist career. So, I thought you might find my...
Monthly goal update - January
At the start of every year I put together a goal list which articulates all I want to accomplish for the year. I've been doing this since 2003 accomplishing many of the things I list but not accomplis...
Cosmetic Science Consultant Questions
If you want to become a formulation or cosmetic chemist consultant here are answers to some of the most common questions when starting out
How to Create Goals for 2012
Well, it's that time of year again. Time to create all the goals I'm going to endeavor to accomplish in 2012. For me, the goal making process is highly involved. It goes something like this. Step 1 -...
What major should I take to be a cosmetic chemist
A lot of people have asked us what they should major in if they want to become a cosmetic chemist. There are a wide variety of majors you can have and still become a formulator but these are the best....
What a cosmetic chemist can expect when put on television
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to be a guest expert on the Dr. Oz television show here in the US. It's a nationally televised show and has a rather large audience, so it was a good opportunity to pl...
Interview with a UK cosmetic chemist
I stumbled on this interview that a cosmetic chemist working in the UK gave for the Guardian. She does an excellent job of describing what a cosmetic chemist does and really can make people excited ab...
On becoming an expert cosmetic chemist
Here is the 5-minute, speed talk I did at the Midwest SCC November dinner meeting. The idea is that speakers get 5 minutes to talk about a topic. There must be 20 slides and the slides automatically m...
Productive Use of the Internet
Here at Chemists Corner, we have an online training course ( the Complete Cosmetic Chemist ) and we encourage everyone who would benefit to take the course. But there are a number of other types of co...
Top 10 Reasons to Become a Cosmetic Chemist
If you’re like me, you went through college and focused on learning & passing some of the toughest courses they had to offer. You didn’t give much thought to what you would be doing once you left coll...
Cosmetic chemist salaries around the United States
Ever wonder what kind of salary you might make as a cosmetic chemist? Well, the truth is things are highly dependent on your location, company, experience, and economic conditions. The average salary...
7 Essential formulation chemist skills
While there are a variety of cosmetic chemist jobs , the formulation chemist is the most interesting if you want to be an inventor and create products. Come up with new product ideas This is one of th...
Cosmetic Industry Takeover and the Cosmetic Chemist
I just read the news that my former company Alberto Culver was officially bought by one of the "big guys", Unilever. It has yet to be determined what this transaction will mean to the people who work...
Cosmetic Science Career Questions
One of the goals of Chemists Corner is to help people who are curious about the cosmetic industry learn how they could start a career in cosmetics. That naturally attracts a number of questions which...
Cosmetic Training Program available again
I just returned from an interesting trip to China where I spoke at the PCHi trade show. There is a lot of interest in cosmetic science in China right now! Did you know that the per capita spend in Chi...
How Much Traveling Does a Cosmetic Chemistry Require
As I sit here on an airplane to Beijing, it occurs to me that in my career as a cosmetic chemist I have traveled to numerous places. These include a number of cities in the USA such as New York, Los A...
Cosmetic Science Internship Programs
On a few occasions we've been asked here at Chemists Corner about whether we know of any internship programs in the cosmetic industry. While many are not advertised, we searched our list of contacts a...
Cosmetic Chemist Career Basic Questions Answered
We received an email from a student who was doing a report about becoming a cosmetic chemist and thought it would be a good idea to post the answers to these basic questions here. If you have ever con...
Underrated Genius of Cosmetic Science
This is a guest essay by cosmetic chemist Cindy Yu from Corn Products International. Beauty is a form of genius. -Oscar Wilde The simplicity of this statement cannot be more ideal in characterizing th...
FDU Cosmetic Science Program Questions Answered
Here at Chemists Corner we get numerous questions about the various cosmetic science programs around the world. Perhaps the most common are from people inquiring about the FDU Cosmetic Science Program...
Want jobs as a chemist - Start a blog
Many job-seeking cosmetic chemists are unaware of a powerful tool that can help them stand out in the crowd: start a cosmetic science blog. If you are a new graduate, recently laid off (or about to be...
Is A Degree in Cosmetic Science Worthwhile?
Usually I write posts about science. But today, I’m going to get personal. I’ve either had too much coffee or am looking for new ways to avoid editing what will be the capstone of my MS in cosmetic sc...
5 Places to Find Cosmetic Science Jobs
While learning how to become a cosmetic scientist is fun, it doesn't do you much good if you don't have a job. Sure, you could start your own company and we love to encourage people to do that, but if...
How Do You Start a Cosmetic Chemist Career?
I received the following question and it's a pretty common situation that most new science majors will find themselves in. Although I have an excellent educational/research background in the field of...
Chemist Careers for the Uncertain Science Major
When I was in college, I had no idea what kind of job to get when I graduated. In fact, I switched from a biology major to chemistry major in my first senior year because I realized there were a lot m...
Use Twitter to Find a Cosmetic Chemist Job
We recently wrote about all the Cosmetic Chemists on Twitter and even listed some things you can do with the service. But here is an application we didn't think of. According to this article on WSJ.co...
Could You Start Your Own Cosmetics Business?
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 the...
How to Sell An Idea to Advance Your Career
There's a good article over at BNET about selling your ideas to your company. They give the following 5 steps to help turn your idea into an actual project at work. People with ideas make the most val...
Podcast
76 articlesHow to become a cosmetic chemist - podcast relaunch
Day 30 - Becoming a Cosmetic Science Expert
Listen Welcome to Day 30 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 29 - Natural Cosmetic Products
Listen Welcome to Day 29 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 28 - Evaluating Cosmetic Products
Listen Welcome to Day 28 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 27 - Reducing Cosmetic Formulation Costs
Listen Welcome to Day 27 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 26 - What To Do With Raw Material Samples
Listen Welcome to Day 26 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 25 - Cosmetic Science - Skin Moisturization
Listen Welcome to Day 25 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 24 - Cosmetic Career - Creating Your Online Profile
Listen Welcome to Day 24 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 23 - NGOs And The Cosmetic Industry
Listen Welcome to Day 23 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 22 - Using Patents To Find Test Methods
Listen Welcome to Day 22 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 21 - Calculating Formulation Costs
Listen Welcome to Day 21 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 20 - Dissecting An Ingredient List
Listen Welcome to Day 20 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 19 - The Science of Surfactants
Listen Welcome to Day 19 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 18 - How To Further Your Education In Cosmetic Science
Listen Welcome to Day 18 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 17 - Regulation Of The Cosmetic Industry
Listen Welcome to Day 17 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 16 - Product Testing Required Before Launching
Listen Welcome to Day 16 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 15 - Types Of Cosmetic Formulas
Listen Welcome to Day 15 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 14 - Raw Materials - Claims Raw Materials
Listen Welcome to Day 14 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 13 - Basic Chemistry For Formulators
Listen Welcome to Day 13 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 12 - Types Of Jobs In The Cosmetic Industry
Listen Welcome to Day 12 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 11 - Companies In The Cosmetic Industry
Listen Welcome to Day 11 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 10 - Claims Testing For Cosmetic Chemists
Listen Welcome to Day 10 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you lessons and basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosme...
Day 9 - Equipment Needed For Formulating
Listen Welcome to Day 9 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosmetic chemist....
Day 8 - Cosmetic Raw Materials - Aesthetic Ingredients
Listen Welcome to Day 8 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosmetic chemist....
Day 7 - The Biology Of The Hair
Listen Welcome to Day 7 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosmetic chemist....
Day 6 - Non-Formulating Skills Every Formulator Needs
Listen Welcome to Day 6 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosmetic chemist....
Day 5 - Cosmetic Stability Testing
Listen Welcome to Day 5 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series Get the 30 days to become a better cosmetic chemist book This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises...
Day 4 - Biology Of The Skin
Listen Welcome to Day 4 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series Get the 30 days to become a better cosmetic chemist book This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises...
Day 3 - Best Formulating Books & Resources
Listen Welcome to Day 3 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series Get the 30 days to become a better cosmetic chemist book This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises...
Day 2 - Functional Raw Materials
Listen Welcome to Day 2 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series Get the 30 days to become a better cosmetic chemist book This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises...
Day 1 - Types Of Cosmetic Products
Listen Welcome to Day 1 of the 30 Days to Become a Better Cosmetic Chemist series This 30 day challenge is all about giving you basic exercises that will improve your abilities as a cosmetic chemist....
Episode 48: An Unconventional Route to Cosmetic Formulating – Interview Bill Basinski
Listen Contact information: Bill Basinski 214-463-9870 [email protected] http://www.basinskipersonalcare.com/ More information about Bill. Born in Heidelberg, Germany to a US Army Artillery Cap...
Episode 47: Harry's Cosmeticology - Interview Meyer Rosen
Listen In today's episode we have an interview with Meyer Rosen, the editor and chief of the new edition of Harry's Cosmeticology. This book is one of the best resources of cosmetic information that y...
Episode 46: Cosmetic Raw Materials - Interview Kathleen Norris
Interview starts at 6:00 Details: Kathleen Norris is Director of eMarketing and Analytics for the Formulator Sample Shop , a supplier of specialty ingredients for the cosmetic, personal care and toile...
Episode 45: Preserving Cosmetic Formulas - Dene Godfrey Interview
Listen Interview starts at 5:00 - Dene Godfrey Dene Godfrey is the owner of Independent Preservation Advice Limited. He has been involved with the preservation of cosmetics since 1981 and has worked f...
Episode 44: Functional Natural Ingredients - Satish Nayak Interview
Listen Interview: Dr Satish Nayak interview starts at : 14:10 Satish Nayak is the Director of Research and Development for Kemin Personal Care. He joined Kemin in 2008 as a Scientist for Kemin Industr...
Episode 43: Robert Tisserand - Essential Oils in Cosmetic
Listen Interview: Robert Tisserand starts at 2:00 Robert is an international speaker, educator and industry consultant who has helped to bring widespread professional and public recognition to aromath...
Episode 42: Cosmetic Chemist Valerie Patton
Listen Interview : Valerie Patton - Starts at 2:00 Valerie began her cosmetic chemistry career in men's grooming before transitioning to hair care, her true passion. She has expertise in formulating v...
Episode 41: Mark Broussard - Formulating to a Natural Standard
Listen Interview : Mark Broussard - Starts at 10:00 Mark Broussard is a cosmetic formulator and entrepreneur who has a BS degree in Microbiology & Immunology, a Masters in Organic Chemistry and an MBA...
Episode 40: Dennis Abbeduto - Green Surfactants for Cosmetic Formulators
Listen Interview: Dennis Abbeduto has nearly 20 years surfactant and formulation chemistry experience and currently works for Colonial Chemical, Inc in Southeast Tennessee as a Senior R&D Chemist. Pri...
Episode 37: Botaneco Natural Emulsion Technology
Listen Chemists Corner is a podcast about cosmetic science and formulating. Listen Interview Tony Abboud currently does Technical Sales and Special Projects at Botaneco. Tony graduated with a Bachelor...
Episode 36: Irina Tudor on Fragrance Science
Listen Chemists Corner is a podcast about cosmetic science and formulating. Today's interview: Irina Tudor Irina Tudor is the founder and owner of Irina Tudor Consultancy. She has a Masters of of Scie...
Episode 34: Chemists Corner - Ginger King
Listen Hello and welcome to Chemists Corner. I'm your host Perry Romanowski and this is a podcast about the wonderful world of cosmetic chemistry and cosmetic product formulation. On this show we talk...
Episode 35: Valdata Formulation Software
Listen Tom Winter is the president of Valdata systems a company which creates hardware and software solutions for manufacturers of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. He has an electrical engineerin...
Episode 33: Cosmetic Process Engineering
Listen Interview begins at 10:00 Bob Bornfriend is highly experienced in a variety of R&D, Quality, Engineering, & Manufacturing positions. He's had extensive exposure to product, project, and process...
Episode 32: Cosmetic Resource Podcast - Innovadex
Listen Interview begins at 11:30 Guests Priscilla Taylor Senior Developer at ULProspector. Over 20 years in personal care formulation, developing products for companies such as Helene Curtis and Unile...
Episode 31: Scott Taylor - Chemists Corner
Listen Interview begins at 12:25 +B32 Scott Taylor is the President and Regulatory Affairs Consultant at The Regulatory Department, a one-stop international food, supplement, and cosmetic regulatory c...
Episode 30: Lisa Leigh - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 9:15 Lisa Leigh is an experienced Attorney and Regulatory Affairs Professional with a multifaceted knowledge of domestic and international regulations concerning over-the-co...
Episode 29: Melody Bockleman - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 6:50 Melody Bockelman from privatelabelinsider.com is a seasoned professional in the cosmetic industry. Her track record includes brands on QVC, HSN, large retailers and gro...
Episode 28: Beth Johnson - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 14:15 Interview - Beth Johnson Beth Johnson has been with Dow Corning for fourteen years, working to commercialize new technologies for the hair care general market. These r...
Episode 27: Steve Herman - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 5:55 Interview - Steve Herman Steve Herman is the Principal at PJS Partners where he consults on technical, formulating, regulatory and marketing for the cosmetic & personal...
Episode 26: Matt Zoeller - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 13:30 Interview - Matt Zoeller Matt Zoeller holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Roosevelt University and is a 30-year veteran of the personal care product contract manufacturing...
Episode 25: Alex Westerberg - Cosmetic Science
Listen Interview begins at 13:35 Interview - Alex Westerberg Alex Westerberg is the Research Director at Cosmarts where he enjoys formulating cosmetics products, and oddly enough, knows the do's and d...
Episode 24: Gina Cosby Interview
Listen Interview begins at 11:20 Interview - Gina Cosby Gina Cosby is a Technical Services scientist currently working for Rhodia. She has focused primarily on the formulation of surfactant and condit...
Episode 23: Chris Boone Cosmetic Chemist
Listen Show Notes - Interview - Chris Boone Chris Boone is a cosmetic scientists who specializes in solving problems in the area of formulation, product development and innovation. He has worked with...
Episode 22: Formulating for Efficacy Software Podcast - Johann Wiechers
Listen Today we have a very special show. We have an interview with our first returning guest, Dr. Johann Wiechers. I recorded the interview in May but it took a little time to edit and post. Sadly, J...
Episode 21: Cosmetic Chemistry Programs - Duncan Abbott Interview
Listen Show Notes: Duncan Abbott interview Duncan Abbott has been in the cosmetic industry over 20 years and has worked for cosmetic companies such as Alberto Culver, Unilever, and Meller Beauty. He i...
Episode 20: Online Beauty Communities - Ron Robinson Interview
Listen On today's program we have an interview with Ron Robinson of Beautystat.com. He has created one of the largest portals for beauty information on the web and he stated his career out as a cosmet...
Episode 19: Cosmetic Chemist Consultant - Desiree Mattox Interview
Listen Show Notes: Desiree Mattox interview Desiree Mattox is the owner and operator of Envie Bath and Body Read her blog: The Glam Laboratory Follow her on Twitter: envielabs Cosmetic News AAD: broad...
Episode 18: Finished Goods or Raw Material Supplier - Dennis Abbeduto Interview
Listen On today's show, we have an interview with Dennis Abbeduto. He has the unique perspective of working on both the supplier side of the cosmetic industry and on the finished goods manufacturer si...
Episode 17: Start Your Own Cosmetics Business - Mark Fuller Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with Mark Fuller , the Technical Director at Microformulation Cosmetic Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping small entrepreneurs create their own cosme...
Episode 16: Organic Cosmetic Standards - Gay Timmons Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with Gay Timmons , president of Oh Oh Organics and Chair of OASIS inc. Our topic is Organic cosmetic standards . Interview begins at 15:00 Cosmetic News...
Episode 15: Eric Abrutyn Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with Eric Abrutyn , cosmetic industry consultant and owner of TPC2 Advisor. He has nearly 40 years experience in cosmetic formulating and raw materials....
Episode 14: Mark Richards Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with Mark Richards from Alluralab . He is the CEO of a company that helps chemists and other entrepreneurs create their own cosmetic brands. Interview be...
Episode 13: Dene Godfrey Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with cosmetic chemist Dene Godfrey about preservatives, the cosmetic industry in the UK and the Society of Cosmetic Scientists. The show also features co...
Episode 12: Allison Kontur Interview
Listen In this episode of the podcast we speak with cosmetic chemist and business owner Allison Kontur about how she got into the industry and the challenges involved with running your own cosmetic co...
Episode 11: Colin Sanders
Listen This episode of the podcast features an interview with longtime UK cosmetic chemist and beauty blogger, Colin Sanders. It also discusses how and when to do stability testing. Cosmetic Science N...
Episode 10: Cosmetic Science - Doug Schoon
Listen This episode of Chemists Corner features an interview with Doug Schoon of Schoon Scientific. He is an outspoken cosmetic chemist who specializes in nail technology. Show notes: 1. News Better A...
Episode 9: Chemists Corner - Cosmetic Science in Australia
Listen Cosmetic scientists can be found all over the world. In this episode we talk with Joel Edwards, a cosmetic chemist from Australia. He tells his story how he started out as an environmental chem...
Episode 8: How a Chemist Launched Her Own Cosmetic Produc
Listen Are you a cosmetic scientist who dreams of one day starting your own line of cosmetics? On today's show we talk to Kimberly Riley of FSL Cosmetics Show notes: 1. News Wrinkles are scarier for y...
Episode 7: FDU Cosmetic Science Program - Steve Herman Interview
Listen Many people have asked about whether they should get an advanced degree in cosmetic science. Well, in today's show we interview one of the instructors at the Fairleigh Dickinson University cosm...
Episode 6: Kevin Young Cosmetic Consultant Interview
Listen It's the latest episode of the Chemists Corner podcast. Please have a listen and let us know what you think. Chemists Corner podcast is about cosmetic science and is broadcast to help educate,...
Episode 5: Chemists Corner - Fluid Viscosity
Listen It's the latest episode of the Chemists Corner podcast. Please have a listen and let us know what you think. Chemists Corner podcast is about cosmetic science and is broadcast to help educate,...
Episode 4: Amanda Foxon-Hill Interview
Listen It's the latest episode of the Chemists Corner podcast. Please have a listen and let us know what you think. Chemists Corner podcast is about cosmetic science and is broadcast to help educate,...
Episode 3: Cosmetic Chemist Goes Shopping
Listen It's episode 3 of the Chemists Corner podcast. A bit shorter than previous episodes but it was a busy week. Please have a listen and let us know what you think. Chemists Corner podcast is about...
Episode 2: Dr Johann Wiechers Interview
Listen It's the second episode of the Chemists Corner podcast. Please listen and leave a comment below with what you think. Chemists Corner podcast is about cosmetic science and is broadcast to help e...
Innovation
59 articlesWhat does Chat GPT mean for beauty and cosmetic chemists?
This post discusses the impact of AI and Chat GPT on the beauty business and the benefits and pitfalls for cosmetic chemists.
Is bacteria the next big thing in cosmetic ingredients?
Here’s a novel idea in cosmetic ingredients…bacteria. According to this report , scientists have found that they could improve the condition of skin by topically applying a bacteria that could metabol...
Nail design can prevent date rape?
Sometimes it seems innovation in cosmetic formulation is nonexistent. Most of the new products that are launched every year are simply minor adjustments on current technology. In my view there has bee...
A Dozen ways you can become a luckier Cosmetic Chemist
I played some poker last night and it is always a reminder to me that being lucky is a much bigger factor than anything else in the game. Sure, good players will win in the long run but during any giv...
Cosmetic Innovation - Sleep Cream to Improve Skin
As a cosmetic chemist it's always a good idea to come up with new ideas even if you aren't working in a particular area at the moment. If you're like most scientists in this industry, a number of your...
Skin Gun - Wrinkle Treatment of the Future?
Here is an amazing new technology that could represent a new way to treat skin wrinkles. It is being tested for use for treating skin burns but I could see how this could be adapted to creating youthf...
Cosmetic Innovation in Sun Care
There haven't been many new technologies introduced into sun care in the last few decades. There was the introduction of mexoryl sunscreen in the mid 2000's, nanoparticle sized titanium dioxide / zinc...
Anti-Cellulite - Cosmetic Products of the Future
The future of cosmetic chemistry may be changing. While being able to mix surfactants, emollients, occlusive agents, and other cosmetic raw materials in the proper ratio to get excellently performing...
The cure for contaminated cosmetic manufacturing equipment?
A big problem for contract manufacturers and finished goods makers in general is the development of a contaminating biofilm on the manufacturing equipment. Even after following GMP, a biofilm can pers...
Cosmetic Innovations for 2013?
As we start into the new year I always have fun going through articles that predict what will be the hot trends in the coming year. Mostly they are wrong but it does provide an interesting hint at thi...
Orange Juice and Alcohol - A New Skin Protector?
I've generally been critical of the " beauty from within " trend in the cosmetic industry. There is little evidence that taking products like vitamins and herbal extracts will have any noticeable affe...
Clever Toothpaste Packaging Innovation
I've never liked toothpaste packaging. Mostly because it never seems like you get all of the product out. Then there are some people who don't squeeze from the bottom so the center gets all smashed an...
Cosmetic Innovators Dilemma
During my last few years working for a corporation in the cosmetic industry I focused most of my effort on innovation. We were always on the lookout for new technologies that could revolutionize cosme...
What happens to new technologies?
I use a plugin on my web browser that allows me to read web pages at a later time. There is so often that I see something that has an interesting headline but I don't have time at the moment to read i...
A new kind of crowd sourced innovation
One of the last things I was working on at my former job was innovation. I am a big fan of innovation and believe that the cosmetic industry sorely needs some significant improvements. The products re...
Packaging Innovation for expiring cosmetics?
Take a look at this interesting milk packaging. It changes color as it gets closer to the expiration date. I think this could be a novel way to tell people when their cosmetics have expired.
Blue Ocean Innovation for Cosmetics
One of my favorite business books is one called Blue Ocean Strategy . There are a number of things I like about it, but perhaps what I find most useful is that it provides a great roadmap to creating...
Cosmetic Tooth Care of the Future
Here's a cool new technology that could radically change cosmetic oral products. It is a tooth patch film that coats individual teeth, preventing decay and making the them appear more white. The film...
What can a cosmetic chemist do with this waterproof coating?
Here's a great new technology that demonstrates some really impressive results. The shoe coating is incredible. I see this being interesting for cosmetic products. For example, this could be the basis...
Adding functionality to face paint
Dr Robert Lochhead is one of the better known cosmetic science academics in our industry. You can always find him at the yearly SCC meetings moderating, speaking, or asking a poignant question. His pr...
Waterless Shower - An Innovative Cosmetic?
In our twitter feed I was alerted to this innovative Waterless Shower product . The product is said to contain germicides, biocides, moisturizers, and bioflavonoids, which kill germs and eliminate odo...
The Next Revolution in Cosmetic Packaging?
It's not often that I see some technology that I think can have a significant impact on the cosmetic industry. In truth, most "innovations" are simply baby step improvements in things that we could al...
A Chemical Free Anti Aging Cosmetic?
Chemical free claims always bug me. You see them a lot in the sunscreen market where people claim "chemical free sunscreens." For some reason they don't see titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as chemicals...
Get inexpensive market research for your idea
You might have an idea for a cosmetic product but how do you know if it is any good? Well, you can ask your friends and family but they might not give you honest feedback for fear of hurting your feel...
Innovation Inspiration - 010
As an ongoing project, we here at Chemists Corner try to put up posts that might inspire people to come up with truly innovative new cosmetic products. The majority of things that are invented now are...
How do consumers fix their cosmetic problems
When a consumer has a problem that can be addressed by cosmetics, they will often go and buy products. This is good for cosmetic chemists because it means more sales for your company and job security....
Innovation challenge - Making skin products for baby boomers
If you are going to make it in the cosmetic business you have to know your consumer. And if you are like most cosmetic companies, your consumer is a woman. Woman buy far and away more cosmetics than m...
Useful phone app for cosmetic chemists
This seems like a pretty handy app for formulators. Hopefully, other raw material manufacturers will jump on this bandwagon. Floratech has created an app that allows people with smart phones to scan t...
An example of a cosmetic product niche
I don't know why but there seems to be a desire by consumers (at least according to some cosmetic manufacturers) to put food on their bodies as cosmetic treatments. There is beer shampoo, egg facial m...
How not to be innovative in the Cosmetic Industry
We always appreciate the messages we receive from followers of Chemists Corner. I love to read the ideas that people have and am encouraged that innovation in our industry continues despite the uninte...
Ideas for solving the toughest hair problem facing cosmetic chemists
Being a cosmetic chemist can be frustrating. You'll want to create products that can solve consumer's problems but the reality is that you are handcuffed by one significant fact. The most pressing cos...
Cosmetic Product Innovation 09 - Make a more expensive product
If you are going to start your own cosmetic line (or even help your company launch something new) you have to figure out how to add value to your product so you can sell it for more money. As an indiv...
Cosmetic Innovation 08 - Mind Mapping
One of the key techniques that has helped me immensely in my career as a cosmetic chemist is the Mind Map. I have previously mentioned mind mapping in my post about setting goals but it occurred to me...
Natural Cosmetic Ingredients - Honey
On a previous post about the Natural cosmetics market, someone left a comment that suggested I was anti-natural. This is not true, although I can understand how someone would get that impression. Natu...
Cosmetic Innovation 07 - Creating disruptive ideas
Here was an interesting article about innovation and creating disruptive ideas . The cosmetic industry is definitely in need of some disruptive ideas. Unfortunately, the big companies are risk adverse...
Cosmetic science innovation inspiration – 06
The slower holiday season is an excellent time for cosmetic chemists to brainstorm some new ideas to work on in the upcoming year. So, try out this week's innovation question and see what kind of idea...
Cosmetic science innovation inspiration - 05
It's been a little while since we've done an innovation question but here's one that might make you think differently about developing your cosmetic product. When you work at a cosmetic company, the t...
Cosmetic science innovation inspiration - 04
I just finished reading the book Proust was a Neuroscientist . It really was an excellent book and I encourage anyone who is interested in science and art to pick it up and read it. The book goes thro...
Cosmetic Science Innovation Inspiration - 3
When trying to come up with different ideas for new cosmetic products, you need to consider the "pain points" that people experience when purchasing your product. Every product has some kind of issue...
Cosmetic Science Innovation Inspiration - 02
To be a good cosmetic chemist, you'll want to generate a lot of creative ideas. Unfortunately, it's pretty tough to come up with new ideas. With thousands of new cosmetic products being launched each...
Cosmetic Science Innovation Inspiration - 01
To be a good cosmetic chemist, you'll want to generate a lot of creative ideas. Unfortunately, it's pretty tough to come up with new ideas. With thousands of new cosmetic products being launched each...
Is this the next breakthru in wrinkle treatments?
I can't tell if this is hype (probably) or if there is something to this new technology that is supposed to work like botox without needles . The basic story is that researchers took the active ingred...
A pill that makes you smell better?
We've previously talked about the beauty with-in trend in the cosmetic industry but this idea has inspired me to talk about it some more. While most beauty from with-in ideas are all about ingesting s...
Formulate Differently
Here's a short video worth watching. Phil McKinny explains why "best practices" is not a great way to do innovations. A quote that I love "If everyone is special than no one is special." In the world...
Biomimicry and the Cosmetic Chemist
Perhaps the most difficult thing about being a cosmetic chemist is that the formulas are already pretty good. Also, nearly everyone has access to the same technology. This makes it nearly impossible t...
Is this the future of hair care?
When you formulate cosmetic products long enough you start to think that everything that can be invented has been invented. In fact, it's pretty tough to imagine formulators creating a better shampoo....
Pseudo Science Based Beauty
Happi has an article about how science is shaping the future of beauty care products . The title was very appealing to me and I eagerly began reading. I whole-heartedly agree that to create new and in...
7 Websites for cosmetic chemist innovation inspiration
You should be familiar with all the website dedicated to cosmetic science such as the various industry magazine websites, the regulatory websites, and the cosmetic chemistry blogs. We've previously wr...
Could this be part of the future of skin care?
As a cosmetic chemist, it is always good to keep an eye out on developments in other fields of science. I found this article about advancements in skin regrowing technology interesting and pondered ho...
Get New Cosmetic Product Ideas Here
Are you stumped for new cosmetic product ideas? Think that everything has already been invented? Well, it hasn't. Take a look at the Cosmetic Product Idea Pool and see for yourself. What is the Idea P...
Asking Questions to Create Cosmetic Innovations
One of the hardest parts of being a cosmetic chemist is coming up with new product ideas. Of course turning them into working new products is also challenging but we'll save that for another time. In...
On Being an Innovative Cosmetic Chemist
I saw this article about being innovative. In it they list 10 ways to be innovative. Not all of the original list of 10 apply but I'll list the ones that do. 1. Do you see opportunities the competitio...
How a Cosmetic Chemist can use the Medici Effect to Innovate
Innovation is a subject I enjoy learning about, so I read as much about it as I can. Recently, I finished The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson. It was a great read and filled with practical informatio...
Innovation in the Cosmetic Industry
Kelly alerted me to this interesting article about some of the more unusual cosmetics launched in 2009 . In it they highlight the following products as examples of what cosmetic companies are doing to...
More Ways to Become a More Innovative Cosmetic Chemist
One of the missions of Chemists Corner is to teach and inspire scientists in the cosmetic industry to become more innovative. The personal care and cosmetic products of today have changed only slightl...
To Be An Innovative Chemist You Have to Ask Questions
I read this interesting interview over at the Harvard Business blog . Some university types conducted a 6-year study of 3000 "creative" executives and came to the following conclusions about what inno...
What Should You Do With Your New Product Idea?
At some point in your chemist career , you are going to have an idea that you think would make a great product. You might even think the idea is so incredible that once it's developed it will make you...
Who Wants to Discover How to Generate New Cosmetic Product Ideas?
To advance in your cosmetic chemistry career you have to come up with good, unique ideas. If all your company needed from you was color and fragrance changes to formulas, they could’ve saved a lot of...
Online Sources to Help You Become a More Innovative Chemist
As formulation chemist , it can be fairly easy to spend your days executing projects your marketing & sales people think are worthwhile. This will usually involve taking a formula that already exists...
Resources
47 articlesHow 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.
Did you know about this source for finding cosmetic information?
Although you can find lots of great formulating advice here on Chemists Corner and on our cosmetic formulating forum , there are numerous other places you can find excellent cosmetic formulation infor...
How to read a cosmetic patent
As a cosmetic chemist , you'll find patents to be an extremely useful source of information. In them you will find starting formulations, novel test methods, and even the historical development of cos...
Cosmetic Chemist Jargon - Acronyms of the Industry
Every industry has acronyms which are supposed to make communication easier. Unfortunately, for an industry newcomer, it seems like a foreign language. The following of cosmetic industry acronyms shou...
California launches cosmetic database
Well, here's the latest entry into the online cosmetic chemical database world. ( California Safe Cosmetic Product Database ). This follows sites like the industry supported Cosmetic Ingredient Review...
Silicones for Personal Care - Book Review
This is a post by cosmetic chemist and formulator Valerie Patton. The world of silicones has grown exponentially since the mid-1970s, and their use in cosmetic formulations has revolutionized the cosm...
How to Tweet a Scientific Meeting
Coming up in December is the National SCC Cosmetic Science Symposium where cosmetic chemists and formulators from around the country and world will gather in New York City to hear presentations, see p...
The Best Formulation Software Options for Cosmetic Chemists
When I first started in the cosmetic formulation business, there was no such thing as formulation software. I did my cosmetic formulations using a lined notebook and a calculator. It was tedious and s...
What is the INCI?
In the cosmetic industry, the compounds on the ingredient list are determined by the PCPC and published in a book called the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). The INCI Directo...
Top Sources for Reliable Cosmetic Ingredient Information
Somehow many consumers, DIYers, and even formulators stumble on to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database. Unfortunately, they have no way of knowing that much of the information is dubi...
A new cosmetic science project
We've been getting a number of questions about cosmetic science over the years and it occurs to us that there is enough interest that we should write a book (or maybe a series of books). This book wil...
Periodic Table of Videos
This is a pretty cool resource for you chemistry types. It is the Periodic Table of Videos . I heard about it on a podcast that I listen to called Skeptically Speaking. Good show. Anyway, take a look....
Free Education Online
One of the greatest things about the Internet is the proliferation of educational materials. You can find great stuff on Youtube or elsewhere, but you don't always know about the quality. That's why I...
Where to find Free Cosmetic Formulas
One of my goals is to create a website that gives starting formulas to anyone who is looking for one. I'm modeling it after the Open Source Software movement and dubbing it Open Source Formulating (or...
Cosmetic preservative choice tool
Suppliers for most cosmetic chemicals have websites and some are certainly better than others. Overall, the quality of the websites that are available is not great which is why when I see something th...
Allured launches four online video education courses
Cosmetics & Toiletries ® Launches Four Online Video Education Courses CAROL STREAM, IL– Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, in partnership with program director Perry Romanowski, has launched four course...
Free online chemistry textbook
I always like to discover free online information. The University of Minnesota is working on a new program where they make full textbooks available online (and there is the option to buy them too). Th...
Where to get methanol and other raw materials
A common question we get here on Chemists Corner is where to find sources of raw materials. Ingredients like methanol, propylene glycol, or glycerin are commodities which will have a number of sources...
Things you can learn from a patent
One of the most overrated things in the cosmetic industry is getting a patent. They almost never give you an actual advantage and they are rather easy to get around. But fortunately, companies still a...
Top Beauty Blogs and Why you should read them
When my group started the Beauty Brains in 2006 there were a couple thousand beauty blogs. It was the early years of blogging but we were still relatively late to the party. But we did have a unique a...
Useful websites for cosmetic chemists
Here is an article about 100 incredibly useful and interesting websites. I've pared down the list to point out the ones that would be useful for anyone in the cosmetic industry. Money RetailMeNot - A...
Resource for learning Chemistry
I was searching through some of my old bookmarks and was reminded of this website called the Martindale Center . The amount of information that they have is really quite amazing. They have information...
Some Beauty Web Resources Around the Web
While Chemists Corner is a great place to learn about the science of cosmetic formulating and some ins and outs of the cosmetics industry, there are other web resources that can provide you a differen...
What can cosmetic raw material companies do for formulators?
There was an interesting discussion on the SCC Linked-In group about what cosmetic chemists expect from suppliers. If you are a new cosmetic chemist you might not be familiar with some of the terms or...
Get a free Formulating Natural Cosmetics ebook
The most common types of questions that we get here on Chemists Corner are ones about formulating natural cosmetics. This is a hot trend in the cosmetic industry and formulators are struggling to find...
10 Gift Ideas for the Cosmetic Chemist in your life
While you're out on the black Friday shopping spree, don't forget about the cosmetic chemist in your life. Here are 10 gift ideas that any chemist would love. 1. Cosmetic Science books Nothing says Ha...
Get a refresher on chemistry and more
Are you familiar with the Khan Academy ? If you aren't, you should be! The Khan Academy was started by Salman Khan in 2006 with the expressed mission of "providing a high quality education to anyone,...
Why a cosmetic chemist should use Twitter
In my talk about using the Internet to do cosmetic chemistry, I frequently say people should use Twitter. But I think people are having a hard time seeing the benefits. In this video, I will show you...
Online Sites to Talk with Cosmetic Consumers
One of the most useful things about the Internet is that you can get free consumer research (if you know where to look). The way you can do this is to peruse various beauty blogs, forums, and opinion...
Which Society of Cosmetic Chemists Chapter is yours?
The Society of Cosmetic Chemists is probably the best organization for any cosmetic chemist to join. It connects you with cosmetic chemists around your area, around the country and even around the wor...
5 Key Websites for Finding Cosmetic Regulatory Rules
Since cosmetics are chemicals that get applied to people’s bodies, governments from around the world strive to ensure they are safe. It’s a laudable goal, but a challenging one to implement since ther...
The Cosmetic Chemist Guide to the Internet
Last weekend I taught a class on ways cosmetic chemists can use the Internet to become more more productive. The class was created as an attempt to teach people ways to get just what they need from th...
Cosmetic Science Forum Announced
After a whirlwind couple months of traveling to China and Europe, I've finally had some time to dedicate to our cosmetic science website. We have a secret new training program in the works but before...
How to Find Starting Cosmetic Formulas
Creating new cosmetics is what cosmetic formulators are hired to do. But if you're new to the cosmetic industry or have concentrated on one specific area, you probably haven't had the chance to formul...
Cosmetic Science Program Re-Opening
We're re-opening the Complete Cosmetic Chemist training program for a limited time. You can get all the information by clicking on the following link. Cosmetic Science training program The class begin...
Allured Opens New Bookstore Website
If you're looking for the best book titles in cosmetic chemistry, take a look at Allured Publishing's newly re-designed cosmetic science bookstore on the web. Here you can order all of their titles in...
Useful Search Engines for Cosmetic Chemists
If you are reading this blog then you most likely found it by doing a Google search. There aren't a lot of sites dedicated to cosmetic science so Chemists Corner comes up frequently. Google is a great...
New Source For Personal Care Science Information
There's an interesting new website that promises to provide people with information about cosmetic and personal care products based on scientific facts. It's called Personal Care Truth and it looks pr...
Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Staying Informed on the Web
The Internet is an excellent source for information, learning, and research. Unfortunately, it is not nicely organized and it can make you unproductive if you spend too much time trying to find the in...
Cosmetic Science Online Training Program Announced
After months of planning, writing and recording, we're almost ready to begin our new online cosmetic science training program. We're not quite ready to start, but space will be limited so I wanted peo...
Periodic Tables for Your Amusement
As a cosmetic chemist you won't use the periodic table very often. It just isn't something you frequently need. However, it is something that is unique to chemistry and if you're like me, you still fi...
Other Cosmetic Science Blogs You Will Find Interesting
While we know you adore Chemists Corner and use it for all your cosmetic science needs, the truth is we can't cover every topic. To get even more cosmetic chemistry information, take a look at some of...
The Top 7 Cosmetic Science Books
Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry 3rd Edition Sure it might be a bit much to include my own book on a list like this, but it really is one of the best resources for introducing someone to the world of cosm...
Search the Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary for Free
One of our favorite cosmetic chemist resources, SpecialChem for Cosmetics, just got a whole lot better. At this website, you can find all kinds of free information about the cosmetic industry like ind...
Useful Cosmetic Product Information from the FDA
I just saw that the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) revamped their cosmetics information website . This is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to know what the US government has to say about c...
Journal of Cosmetic Chemistry Now Online
Here's some great and useful news to aspiring cosmetic chemists . The premiere journal of our industry has put their back issues online in a searchable database. You can see all the cosmetic science t...
Cosmetic Chemist Site Coming Soon
We're just getting started. Come back soon. Leave a comment if you have suggestions on what should be included. Technorati Profile
Fun
24 articlesFictional Cosmetic Chemists
I saw that Colin over at Colins Beauty Pages had tweeted that he was watching an old episode of Columbo in which Martin Sheen played an evil cosmetic chemist. That got me thinking about other fictiona...
Halloween Chemistry Experiment
Did you ever see a flaming pumpkin? Well here's a video by my coauthor on the book Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry demonstrating just how to do it. Do you know why you need to add Borax? Nice work Randy!...
Fun with the BASF Make-over Tool
I've always thought a tool like this would be useful for consumers. BASF thinks it is a tool that would be useful for formulators. They do link to formulas to get the look so it's a bit helpful if you...
Illustration of surface tension
This is a pretty cool image showing the effects of surface tension.
How your brain works - fast and slow thinking
Here is a fun video to watch this weekend.
How to boil water at room temperature
Here's a fun science video for your weekend enjoyment. A demonstration that water doesn't have to be 100C to boil.
Happy 2013 from Chemists Corner
Did you know that the year 2013 is the first time since 1987 in which which all the digits of the year are different? That's just the kind of thing we think about here at Chemists Corner when we are n...
What elements are used most in cosmetics?
I'm traveling today so I'll keep this short. This project 94 Elements seems rather interesting. I look forward to them finishing more videos. But it got me thinking, what elements are used most in cos...
A Budding Young Cosmetic Chemist
I was at a family party a couple weeks ago and was asked by my 13 year old niece how long it would take for Kool Aid to come out of her hair. Apparently, she was watching a video on YouTube which demo...
The Chemistry of July Fourth Fireworks
When I was in high school I did a number of experiments in creating my own fireworks. Unfortunately, there wasn't the Internet and Youtube to better educate me and I made a bunch of duds. But this is...
Just a nail growing
I thought this was pretty cool. It is a series of pictures put together to show a nail repairing itself and growing. The human body is pretty cool.
Can you figure out how this technology works?
Here's an interesting video. They show how their product can protect skin from corrosive acid. Do you know how they do it?
How cosmetics are made video
It's a holiday today but I wanted to at least post a video for our non-American audience who isn't celebrating a holiday. Here's a cool video which demonstrates the entire cosmetic manufacturing proce...
Ukulele and the Periodic Table
Two of my favorite things brought together in a fun song. Enjoy.
Cool chemistry tricks
Everyone should have had a chemistry instructor like this.
How stable is your formulation?
I remember reading about this years ago and then stumbled on it while doing research for the next Cosmetic Science in 300 Seconds video. It was interesting enough that I thought I would share. Archeol...
Science demonstrations for a Saturday
Here's a nice Saturday video shot. A couple fun science experiments on the Kelly and Guest show. It's not Helium its heavier than air so makes your voice lower. Sulfur hexaflouride.
Science party tricks
I loved Richard Wiseman's book Quirkology . His book 59 Seconds was also excellent. That's why I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled on this video he did containing 10 cool science tricks. Take a...
Simple ways to make cosmetics
Are you familiar with Instructables.com ? It's a website where people share their methods for making different things. They have a number listings for different cosmetic products and most of the techn...
Continuing adventures of Dr Chemistry
On this holiday weekend, here's a little Dr. Chemistry for your amusement. Merry Christmas.
Adventures of Dr Chemistry
Well, I still have some of these so here is the next installment.
Cosmetic Chemist in the land of Oz
Well, it looks like the show that I was on was just broadcast nationally. I personally have a difficult time watching and I haven't actually done it yet. In the past, I had no problems watching myself...
Refresh Your Organic Chemistry Knowledge with a game
Remember all that chemical nomenclature that you learned in Organic Chemistry? Well, in the cosmetic industry it's easy enough to forget because you don't use the information too often. But it is valu...
Elephant Toothpaste and other Science Videos
I like science and seeing a cool experiment done well is always entertaining. That's why I found this article at Wired Science about the top 10 chemistry videos so amazing. Some of my favorites includ...
Entrepreneurship
21 articlesWhat are the startup costs for a cosmetic business?
When starting a beauty product or skincare line there are a number of costs you have to consider. We outline the costs of launching a product
Secrecy in the cosmetic industry
One of the more frequent questions we get from people here on chemists corner is about keeping your ideas safe and secret. People worry about their idea getting stolen. Here is an email exchange in wh...
Making your cosmetic brand stand out
One of the best books on marketing by Seth Godin is his book The Purple Cow . It's an easy read and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in launching their own cosmetic line. It's also great for...
Cosmetic Tests You Must Run Before Launching Your Product
Many followers of this website have a desire to create and sell their own product. We continue to work on a training program that shows you just how to do that, but in the meantime it would be helpful...
Cosmetic Brand Review - Old Spice
Many people who follow this website have expressed an interest in starting their own line. In fact, most cosmetic chemists that I know secretly wish they could make their own line. It seems so easy wh...
5 Reasons You Should Make Expensive Cosmetics
A friend of mine forwarded me this product link for the Estee Lauder Re-Creation Face Cream set . If you click on that link you will see that they are selling a product "system" which includes a 1.7 o...
Why don't more cosmetic chemists have their own cosmetic line?
In the comment section of a past blog post someone asked me why more cosmetic chemists don't have their own line. This is a pretty good question. After all cosmetic chemists are the ones who best know...
Production Guidelines Every Cosmetic Formulator Should Follow
Many of you are formulators who have notions of starting your own cosmetic line . In fact, some of you may have even made formulations in your kitchen and are wondering how to start selling. Before yo...
How to influence people
As a cosmetic chemist or cosmetic entrepreneur, you need to develop the power to influence other people to get the things done that you want to accomplish. If you have a new project idea you want your...
What can we learn from Urban Decay?
Yesterday, it was announced that cosmetic giant L'Oreal was acquiring Urban Decay . The article didn't say how much the acquisition was for but brand most recently had annual sales of $130 million. Th...
Stealing Your Cosmetic Product Idea
We get a number of people who contact us here at Chemists Corner asking for help in advancing their idea for the next amazing cosmetic product. It seems the biggest concern that people have is that th...
Innovative Cosmetic Marketing - Finding a Niche
While it may be a dream of a cosmetic formulator to make a product that will be bought and used by everyone, this almost certainly will never happen. It is extremely difficult to be successful marketi...
Is the Male Cosmetic Market Finally Booming?
Ever since I started in the cosmetic industry in 1992, people have been predicting that the male cosmetic market was the next big thing. Big and small cosmetic companies have attempted to launch numer...
Have an idea for a cosmetic product - Here is a reality check
A friend of mine from high school frequently comes up with ideas for inventions. He's a clever guy and a bit of a thinker. But when you ask him about the invention, he refuses to talk about it. Appare...
Why you do not need to patent your cosmetic formulation
Getting a formulation patent is a gratifying experience for a cosmetic chemist. You get to see your name listed in the official rolls of the US patent office and you get to add it to your resume or CV...
Launch your anti-aging cosmetics in America
Are you a cosmetic chemist or entrepreneur interested in starting your own cosmetic line ? Well, here's a tip for you, if you're going to market your product in the US, it would be a good idea to make...
Why Cosmetic Businesses Should Use Social Media
Cosmeticsdesign.com reports that a recent study carried out by The Allstate Corporation showed that US Adults are heavily connected on social media outlets. 51% are on Facebook, 28% on Google+, 13% on...
Online marketing best for startup cosmetic companies
Did you know that the biggest brands in the cosmetic industry are some of the biggest spenders on advertising and marketing? And you know what that means? Small, start-up entrepreneurs just can't comp...
Niche Markets for the Cosmetic Industry
To create innovative cosmetic products or to start a cosmetic brand , you need to know about and find niche markets. Since science majors never really learned about this type of marketing information,...
Start Your Own Line of Cosmetic Products
A few months ago we talked about creating a program to teach people how to launch their own line of cosmetic products. One of the most common questions we are asked is for help in launching a beauty p...
Can small cosmetic companies be successful?
This question was raised on the cosmetic science forum and I thought it was so good that it warranted a full treatment here on the blog. Many of our followers here on Chemists Corner are people who ar...
Raw Materials
12 articlesDoes 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.
Cosmetic thickeners and stabilizers
Thickeners are considered an aesthetic modifier (as discussed more in this post about types of cosmetic ingredients ). In a formula they are essential for creating a product that is appealing to your...
The best cosmetic preservatives
Types of preservatives used in cosmetics, how they work, how they are regulated, and how to use them in a formula.
Herbal Extracts in Cosmetic Formulating - A reality check
There are a number of problems when formulating cosmetics with natural extracts . Find out what they are and how they're really used in the cosmetic industry
What are claims ingredients?
There are some ingredients that you include in cosmetic formulas to provide a benefit to consumers. These we call functional cosmetic ingredients . There are other ingredients you use to make your for...
Types of surfactants in cosmetics
In our cosmetic surfactant series we've talked about what surfactants are and what they do in your formulations. In this entry we'll give a brief overview of the different types of surfactants found i...
The addition of colorants in cosmetics
Today we are having a special webinar examining the use of colors in cosmetics. You can sign up for the webinar here. Sign up for the Colors in Cosmetic webinar This is a free webinar and it is being...
Fatty Acids and the Formulator
In our recent post on cosmetic emollients I mentioned that many of them were derived from triglycerides. Triglyceride molecules are made up of two segments including glycerin and fatty acids. Since fa...
Humectants - Cosmetic Formulating Basics
Humectants are used in cosmetics as conditioning ingredients which improve the look and feel of skin and hair. Basically, humectants attract and retain water.
What are emollients in cosmetic formulas?
This month we are focusing on cosmetic raw materials and in this post we'll talk about emollients. In a previous post we talked about the three different kinds of cosmetic ingredients including functi...
Naming cosmetic ingredients - part 2
In the first part of this cosmetic ingredient naming series we covered how the ingredients got their official names and some of the regulatory framework in the US that set it up. In this next section,...
Guide to naming cosmetic raw materials - part 1
In the US and most places around the world, it is a requirement that you include a list of ingredients on any cosmetic product that is sold. On the FDA website you can even find the rules for listing...
Natural Cosmetics
12 articlesWhy natural cosmetics aren't better
Natural cosmetics are a popular & growing market segment. But there are many reasons why these beauty products are actually inferior to standard cosmetics
The challenges of formulating a natural cosmetic line
Natural cosmetic and beauty products are in vogue these days and cosmetic marketers around the world are looking to launch their own version that appeals to green-seeking consumers. However, making na...
Natural cosmetic preservative ingredients and strategies
One of the most common type of questions we get asked here on Chemists Corner is about natural preservatives. On the one hand this is great because it demonstrates that people understand they should b...
Natural surfactants for cosmetic products
Cosmetic surfactants are the most versatile and important ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Unfortunately, there are not many surfactants that naturally occur so trying to make natural formulas wi...
Natural cosmetics and Standard cosmetics - What's the difference?
In a previous article about natural cosmetic products , I wrote about the difficulty in producing actually natural cosmetics. This is particularly difficult for cleansing products like shampoo or body...
What is a natural cosmetic?
The term natural is thought to refer to something related to plants. But as applied to natural cosmetics it can be complicated. Here's how
Claims for your natural cosmetics
I spoke at the Twin Cities Holistic Seminar last month and then attended their companion trade show. That's where a number of cosmetic industry raw material suppliers were showing off their latest "al...
Three levels of Natural Formulating
While perusing the Twin Cities Holistic Cosmetic show last week I noticed lots of different types of cosmetic raw materials targeted towards the "natural" cosmetic formulating market. And it occurred...
Surfactant sources - Making detergents without using crude oil
Crude oil is pretty amazing stuff. It's a mixture of a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and can be used to create any number of organic molecules. In that sentence the term "organic" refers to organic...
Natural Cosmetic Preservative Questions Answered
On a number of occasions we get asked questions about formulating cosmetics and the best cosmetic preservatives . When there are enough questions on a theme we turn it into a blog post. So here you ar...
Is your cosmetic marketing misleading?
Entrepreneurs make me smile. They have such earnestness, optimism, and creativity. I encourage entrepreneurs whenever I can even when I think the idea is dumb. This is because I have no magic crystal...
Naturals Cosmetic Market hits $30 billion
According to the Kline Group , the world wide sales of natural cosmetics is about $30 billion. This is roughly 7 or 8 percent of the total global market which is estimated to be about $430 billion ann...
Technology
12 articlesIs Aloe Vera Effective in Cosmetics?
Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice. There are even more names here for this nearly ubiquitous ingredient found in both skin and hair care formulations. Many...
Have you formulated with dry water?
Here's a technology I had never heard about, dry water . It sounds fascinating and could result in the creation of truly surfactant free cosmetic products. What is dry water? Dry water is essentially...
Cosmetic colorants - the safest cosmetic ingredients
Recently we received a request from someone who wanted to make their own face paint for children. Specifically, they wanted to know how to make homemade face paints using natural ingredients that woul...
Cosmetic ingredients inspired by nature
Cosmetic formulators have long used ingredients from nature to make products. Some of the more common ingredients include Lanolin, Milk, Honey, and Musk. Then there are things like Gelatin, fish scale...
Can You Change Consumer Behavior?
Here's a story about a technological advance by P&G . According to the company, they have developed a spray technology that solves men's "overspray" problem. Their formulators are using some kind of c...
Spider Silk in Your Skin Lotion?
I had a spider that was living on my front porch this fall. She was a cool creature and made some excellent webs. I've always been a fan of spiders and also a fan of our efforts to create spider silk...
Is Anti Glycation the next hot trend in skin care?
As a formulator you should always be on the lookout for new technologies that could support interesting new stories for your products. This story about anti glycation technology used in skin care is a...
Snail Slime coming to a cosmetic near you soon
Sometime in the early 1990's when I first started in the cosmetic industry, I read a news story (I think it was in C&E News) about snail slime and how shiny it was when it dried. This got me thinking...
Will cosmetic chemists 'wake up' sleep hair follicles?
One of the top problems that consumers experience when it comes to hair is hair loss. This is particularly troubling for men but women also report hair loss or hair thinning as a significant problem....
Cosmetic surfactants of the future
I was always of the opinion that innovation in the surfactant field was pretty much finished. It seems there really isn't much more you can do. Perhaps you can make things create more bubbles or make...
Is artificial skin the answer to animal testing?
I saw some interesting development in the creation of artificial skin . According to scientists at Ohio State University, synthetic skin is getting good enough to mimic animal skins in test labs. This...
More progress to replace cosmetic animal testing
One of the most pervasive criticisms of the cosmetic industry is that it tests on animals. In fact, when people learn that I made cosmetics for a living a frequent question is, "do you test on animals...
Book Reviews
11 articlesColor Cosmetics - A Practical Guide to Formulation Review
The newest textbook to launch on the Allured Bookstore is Color Cosmetics: A Practical Guide to Formulation by Jane C. Hollenberg. Mrs. Hollenberg wrote this text because there is not a great deal of...
Harry's Cosmeticology Book Review - Edition 9
I’m a huge fan of the Harry’s Cosmetology book and have gotten a lot of use out of my copy of the 8th edition. That’s why I was excited to get a hard copy of the latest, 9th edition. It is 3 books ins...
Cosmetic Science book review - Sustainable Cosmetic Product Development
Allured has a new book out about Sustainable Cosmetic Product Development . If you are interested in formulating for the Natural, Organic or Green market, this is an extremely useful book. Cosmetic bo...
Memories of a Cosmetically Disturbed Mind - Book Review
I first became aware of Johann Wiechers, the author of Memories of a Cosmetically Disturbed Mind , through the pages of the IFSCC magazine. He was the president of the IFSCC at the time and he had an...
Organic Chemistry for Cosmetic Chemists - book review
I recently received the book Organic Chemistry for Cosmetic Chemists and am pleased to have it on my cosmetic science book shelf. It fills in a number of gaps that I realized peppered my scientific kn...
Cosmetics Made Absolutely Simple - Book Review
We received a new book from Allured called Cosmetics Made Absolutely Simple . It's a basic introduction to the field of cosmetics and is a translation from a Japanese version which was published in 20...
$100 Dollar Start Up - Book Review for cosmetic chemists
I learned about the $100 Startup book while listening to some podcast. I don't recall which one, but the author made the book sound interesting and the book's promise "Reinvent the Way You Make a Livi...
Beyond the Obvious - Book Review
Phil McKinney, the author of Beyond the Obvious , is also the creator and voice of one of my favorite podcasts, Killer Innovations . That's why I was excited to get this book. I've just finished readi...
Practical Modern Hair Science - Book Review
Allured sent us a review copy of their latest release Practical Modern Hair Science . It's a great addition to any cosmetic science book shelf and a must-read for someone focused on hair care product...
Chemistry Connections Book Review
Recently I picked up a few chemistry books. It's very interesting to go back and read about basic chemistry because I haven't done that since college. As a cosmetic chemist, you spend more time learni...
Coloring the Cosmetic World - Book Review
Faulkner's new book Coloring the Cosmetic World: Using Pigments in Decorative Cosmetic Formulations is the latest color cosmetic technology book from Allured Publishing. The book promises to provide a...
Cosmetic Regulations
10 articlesFragrance Loophole Fears Are Unfounded
A common claim I see about cosmetics and fragrances in particular is that there is a "fragrance loophole" that allows cosmetic companies to fill their formulas with toxic chemicals without listing the...
SDS Guide for Cosmetic Chemists
There are a few standardization organizations that you’ll come across in the personal care industry; two that you may see are referred to as ISO and GHS. ISO stands for International Organization for...
Misconceptions about cosmetic animal testing
I read this heartfelt article in the Edmonton Journal encouraging the Canadian government to ban animal testing of cosmetics. It’s a laudable goal and something that I think will eventually happen but...
Cosmetic formula VOC restrictions - are your products legal?
VOC restrictions are real and they are something to consider when formulating cosmetic & personal care products. Here are the allowed levels.
Don't turn your cosmetic into a drug
Contrary to what you read on the Internet, the cosmetics industry in the US is regulated. It is regulated by the FDA and they do a fairly decent job of it given their limited resources. Cosmetics are...
Cosmetic Warning Labels that Make Sense
I read this article about French lavender farmers who are outraged by EU regulations that will require manufacturers who use lavender oil to put a warning label on their product. Some of them are even...
How to Label Cosmetic Products
My first experience with cosmetic labeling came in college when I turned over the bottle of a shampoo and looked at the ingredient list. It was right around the time when I was learning how to name ch...
Why you need to substantiate your cosmetic claims
Often, the cosmetic industry is accused of lying to consumers. About half of the time the people making the accusations are wrong. No, the cosmetic industry is not trying to poison people with carcino...
China Regulators lower Pb/As levels in cosmetics
This is a press release out of China from the Chemical Inspection and Regulation Service (CIRS). Should be helpful for cosmetic formulators who are creating products for that market. The Hygienic Stan...
New EU Cosmetics Regulations - A Quick Guide for Busy Formulators
This is a guest post by UK cosmetic chemist Colin Sanders. You can read more from Colin on his excellent blog at Colins Beauty Pages . The latest iteration of the EU cosmetic regulations come into for...
Cosmetic Claims
7 articlesResearch and the cosmetic industry
In my recent post about cosmetic chemists and marketing I made some assertive claims about the effectiveness of Green Tea extract. Basically, I said it doesn't do much in a formula and is added just f...
Are sunscreen claims and other beauty claims accurate?
The recent "scandals" related to sunscreen testing of brands like Purito , Krave and other sunscreen brands , made me think about cosmetic claims in general and how consumers (and chemists) should thi...
Do cosmetic products really work?
Cosmetics are often said to not work and be a waste of money. This isn't necessarily true. In fact, most do work just not the way you imagine
Cosmetic brand transparency - More marketing fluff?
The other day a reporter contacted me about a story related to a new brand that was highlighting their clinical results right on the front of their packaging. The reporter was impressed with this bold...
Testing Your Products on Hair Tresses – Types Of Tests And Tresses
This is a guest post by Preeti Gupta. There are a number of cosmetic formulators, hair shampoo manufacturers, as well as manufacturers of hair dye and hair care products of various brands, would no do...
Cosmetic Product Marketing and Weasel Words
I received the following question from a reader which I thought would make a good jumping off point to talk about cosmetic product marketing. I read some experts saying in a UK magazine that shampoos...
7 Cosmetic claims that sound good but don't mean much
It's a common misconception that cosmetic companies lie to sell products. This is generally not true. In fact, in the US it is illegal to lie in advertising to sell products, even cosmetics. So you mi...