Finding a Cosmetic Formulator
Finding a cosmetic formulator can be a daunting task…
If you are new to the beauty industry, identifying a cosmetic formulator that can fulfill your needs may feel almost impossible! A cosmetic formulator specializes in creating and developing new beauty products such as cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and personal care products.
A good cosmetic formulator will have a deep understanding of cosmetic ingredients, how they mix to create cosmetic products and a good understanding of the beauty industry as a whole.
But with so many formulators out there, how do you find the right one for your business? In this blog we will give you a few tips to help you find a cosmetic formulator that will be a good fit for your brand.
1. Figure out your needs
Before you start looking for a formulator, it's important to have a clear idea of what you need and what you expect from your formulator.
Do you want to create a new skincare line, or are you looking to develop a specific product?
Do you have a specific ingredient or formulation in mind, or are you open to suggestions?
Having a clear understanding of your needs will help you find a formulator who has the expertise and experience to bring your vision to life. Genie Supply, for example, specializes in innovate ideas and clean beauty.
2. Research formulators in your area of interest
Once you have determined your needs and expectations, do some research to identify formulators in your area of interest. Are you looking for formulate a clean product? A foundation?
You can use search the internet, beauty industry directories, or social media to find formulators that best meet your needs. Pay attention to company websites and mission statements. Do they align with your views?
It's a good idea to look for formulators who have experience in the type of product you are interested in developing. For example, if you are looking to create a natural skincare line, you might want to find a formulator who has experience working with natural ingredients (Like Genie Supply ;)).
You should also look for formulators who have experience working with small businesses or startups, as they may be more willing to work with you to bring your product ideas to life.
3. Read reviews and testimonials
Once you have a list of potential formulators, it’s a good idea to research their reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients. See if they have any certifications or accreditations. This will help you get a sense of their level of expertise and whether or not they are a good fit for your needs.
4. Consider the formulator's communication style
Heavily relating to the expectations you set out in the beginning, communication is key when working with a formulator. You will be working closely with them to bring your product ideas to life. It's important to find a formulator who is..
responsive
communicative
open to feedback
Consider reaching out to a few formulators to see how they respond to your inquiries and get a sense of their communication style. This will help you find a formulator who you can work well with and who is willing to listen to your ideas and concerns.
5. Set clear expectations
Before you starting work with a cosmetic formulator, you should set clear expectations and establish a working relationship.
You and your formulator should discuss…
Scope of the project
Timeline
Budget constraints
It's also a good idea to discuss the formulator's process and how they handle revisions and changes to the formulation. This will help you understand what to expect and ensure that you are both on the same page throughout the project.
6. Get everything in writing
We can’t stress this one enough! To protect your interests, it's important to get everything in writing. Read all contracts you sign thoroughly! This includes the scope of the project, the timeline, the budget, and any revisions or changes to the formulation.
Having a written agreement in place will help you avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the line and ensure that you are both working towards the same goals.
Are you ready to start formulating?
Consider custom formulating with Genie Supply!
We specialize in clean beauty and innovative ideas and we would love to help you bring your ideas to fruition. We’ve got a finger to the pulse of the growing clean beauty and indie beauty segments, and we focus all of our energy on bringing new formulation concepts to market. We take a wholistic team approach to formulating, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Check out our custom formulation page to get started.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to reach out to us at customerservice@geniesupply.com or give us a call at 812-329-1105.