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…
Category: Formulating
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9SItFK7Vp8′] A few things are noteworthy.…
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…