Cosmetic Development Labs: An important Decision

Choosing a cosmetic development lab can be a difficult task and one that should be undertaken with careful consideration. Although it may seem easy go with the lab that offers you the best price, there many factors other than price one should consider when choosing a cosmetic development lab. This is an important decision because the lab you choose will play a crucial role in the development, testing, and production of your cosmetic products, and it is important to select one that meets your specific needs and requirements.

In this blog post, we will discuss some key points to consider when choosing a cosmetic development lab, to help you make an informed decision.

6 Key Factors to Consider when selecting a cosmetic development Lab:

• Expertise and experience:

  The first and foremost thing to consider when choosing a cosmetic development lab is their expertise and experience in the field as well as the exact area of the beauty market you are looking to formulate for. Many labs specialize in particular areas of the cosmetic industry and each lab has its own area of beauty they are most experienced in formulating for.

• Genie Supply, for example, specializes in clean beauty and clean skincare specifically. We have over 5 years of experience in formulating clean clean skincare and can back up these claims with our full line of private label clean skincare.

  Other labs may have more expertise in formulating foundations and other types of beauty of products. All of this is to say that while choosing a cosmetic lab, it is important to consider what they have the most experience formulating for customers and how the lab is able to prove its expertise. If a lab tells you they can do a project, it may be a good idea to dive deeper and find evidence that the lab has the expertise and experience they claim by looking at other evidence such as:

  • Private label formulas

  • Google and other rating site reviews

  • Speaking with a chemist from the lab

  Doing this research will pay off in the long run and ensure you are partnering with a lab that can formulate the exact formula you are looking to create and market.

  
  

• Services offered

  Another important factor to consider is the range of services offered by the lab. Some labs specialize in certain areas of cosmetic product development, such as formulation, prototyping, or testing, while others offer a full range of services from concept to finished product. Some labs will allow you to formulate with them for a lower cost, but will own the formulation once it is complete leaving you with only one option for the actual manufacture of your product. At Genie Supply, you will always own the formulation you create with us, and this is included in the price of formulation so you are free to take the formulation to another facility once it is complete (although we hope you stay with us).

  If you plan to stay with the lab you formulate with for production, make sure you evaluate the other services offered and if the production will meet your standards once the formulation is complete. Consider the specific needs of your product and choose a lab that can provide the services you require.

  
  

• Equipment and facilities

  A good cosmetic development lab should have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their work. Look for a lab that has a range of advanced equipment, such as spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and pH meters, as well as cleanroom facilities for product manufacturing

  
  

• Quality control measures

  Quality control is of utmost importance in the cosmetic industry, as it ensures that the products are safe, effective, and of high quality. Look for a lab that has strict quality control measures in place, including testing protocols and safety assessments. Choose a lab that has a reputation for producing high-quality products that meet industry standards.

  If you are looking to create a product to be sold at a particular retailer, such as Sephora, make sure that the formulation you with create with the cosmetic development lab you choose will meet the standards set out by the retailer. Sephora and many other beauty retailers have regulations regarding which ingredients are allowed in the formulations sold. Before beginning the process formulation, ensure your cosmetic development lab is aware of these regulations and is able to meet or even exceed them.

  
  

• Cost

  While it is important not to base your entire decision of choosing a cosmetic development lab on cost, it is obviously important to consider it. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for. Cheap labs may offer lower prices, but they may also cut corners on quality and use cheaper, lower-quality ingredients.

  It is worth investing in a reputable lab that can deliver high-quality products, even if it comes at a higher price. It is also important to evaluate what is included with the upfront cost of formulation. Besides the actual formulation, there could be hidden costs associated with the actually creating a ready for market formulation. When reviewing costs, asks your cosmetic development lab if the following services are included with the price given:

  • Product testing (learn more about cosmetic testing and requirements here)

  • Formulation ownership

  • Sample rounds

  • Consultation

  • Cost of ingredients used when formulating

  While a quote may look great, the hidden costs can add up quick so it is important to determine what is included with the upfront price of formulation when choosing a cosmetic development lab.

  
  

• Communication and transparency

  Finally, you should consider the level and quality of communication offered by the lab you choose to partner with. It is a partnership afterall, and good communication is an important factor in any partnership. Ensure the lab you work with communicated well with you is able to address your communication needs. Look for a lab that is open and transparent about their processes, and that is willing to communicate openly and regularly with you about the progress of your product.

Partner with Genie Supply

As you may have guessed, Genie Supply offers cosmetic development. We strive to offer top tier service and good quality in all of the factor mentioned above. We always encourage you to shop around and find the best cosmetic lab for your business and your product. Take the time to check out our other resources or even schedule a consult on our custom formulation webpage.

In the meantime learn more about our custom formulation timelines and cost here.

Interested in custom formulating with us? Click here to fill out our onboarding form!

Email us with questions at customerservice@geniesupply.com or contact us at (812) 329-1105. We look forward to working with you.