Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating How to go about developing my idea?

  • How to go about developing my idea?

    Posted by Anonymous on October 2, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Hi everyone,

    I have a cosmetic idea that I would like to work on. I do not have a prototype or a formula. I am not a chemist and have no chemistry background. I came up with this because I was in need of this type of product which I could not find one suitable for me. I have found a similar product which I may think of using for a formulation and maybe making it better. 
    My question is, where should I start? I want to make sure it is safe, tested etc. to avoid legal problems. I have contacted local laboratories where I reside but no one is interested in working with me. I have no idea why. I have not even told them my plans and even so, I am prepared to pay them so I’m not sure why they aren’t interested. 
    Can I take the product that’s already on the market and provide it to a laboratory or chemist to reproduce it for me or even make it better?
    How much would this process cost me? ie: formulating and manufacturing a small amount. The product will be 15 mls bottle with an applicator brush.
    How should I go about getting it manufactured and making sure it’s safe for the North American market?
    Any ideas of how I can get it on the shelves of department stores?
    Forgive me for being naive, I am new to this thing but I have always been passionate about being an entrepreneur. 
    Thanks so much!
    Angela
    hishine1 replied 10 years, 2 months ago 4 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • DavidW

    Member
    October 2, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Angela,

    There is a section on the board here with people who can help.  Formulating services or something like that.  Not sure who is on there but you can get in touch with http://www.microformulation.com/  who is on this board and very good or see if BobZchemist from here is interested.  I’m sure they will at least talk to you to get a better idea of what you want and let you know how much it will cost.

    If you need anything else feel free to message me.

  • Bobzchemist

    Member
    October 2, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    @Perry has a class…

  • Microformulation

    Member
    October 2, 2014 at 11:50 pm

    I would not even begin developing the product until I took Perry’s class or one of many others on starting a cosmetic line. Learning the proper way to develop a product first is critical.

     

  • Anonymous

    Guest
    October 3, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    I’m not looking to start a cosmetic line, per say. I need a product that will be useful for my business. Therefore, I am in need of this product, for my own business. That is why I need it developed. Though it wouldn’t hurt to make it available to others.

    I’m not a chemist (and not looking to start a cosmetic line) so I don’t think his class will be useful for me.
  • hishine1

    Member
    October 3, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    Is the product you need or something similar already manufactured?  Maybe start with contacting the manufacturer that makes a similar type of product and see if they will work on it with you. 

    Reverse engineering is what you are after if you contact a formulator or chemist to get a basic idea of what is in the similar product, and then you will have to employ a formulator in that field to produce a formulation that may be better or more suited to your needs.  Big $$$.  Its important to be realistic and weigh up the cost of producing a novel product versus what you may actually make from it. 99% of the time it is a money pit unless you are literally revolutionising (sp?) something.
    I’m not a chemist either…. but there are some extremely knowledgeable and qualified people on this forum (and the owner!) so read carefully their advice.  I have read nearly every thread and post here to increase my knowledge… and knowledge will enable you to further you goals :-)
    good luck with your search :-)

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