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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Science demonstrations for a Saturday
Here’s a nice Saturday video shot. A couple fun science experiments on the Kelly and Guest show. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVr3REUTzPQ’] It’s not Helium its heavier than…
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.…
Episode 27: Steve Herman - Cosmetic Science
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…