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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lls27hu03yw’]…
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…
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…
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…
How sunless tanners work
Here is an instructive video put together by the good folks at the American Chemical Society. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP22ODuCip4′]
How your brain works - fast and slow thinking
Here is a fun video to watch this weekend. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiTz2i4VHFw#!’]
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Episode 29: Melody Bockleman - Cosmetic Science
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…
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…
