Custom Formulate in 4 Steps or Less
Let’s say you want to create a cosmetics or skincare product completely new to market? Like a cream specifically designed to target neck wrinkles. Or maybe you want to invest in a beauty line that’s all things clean.
There are all sorts of reasons why people may want to customize, and there are many benefits! When you custom formulate, not only do you get exactly what you want, you also own the formula at the end of the process.
In this day and age, people want their results as soon as possible. Unfortunately, custom formulating has a lengthy timeline before manufacturing can even begin (think of 6 months to a year and a half). But think of this in a positive light!
All that time and patience you put into your product will make for a great result. As the tale goes, slow and steady wins the race!
With Genie Supply, it’s easy to start custom formulating in just four easy steps:
Call & Onboarding Form (~1-2 weeks)
First things first, we need to understand what you want to see in your custom formulation. So, you start by filling out our contact form. Once you send it off, we’ll set up an introductory call so that we can all meet and get an idea of how we can help you.
Then we ask that you fill out this onboarding document, so both parties will have a better understanding of what you specifically want. This form might even force you to think of factors that didn’t cross your mind before, like specific ingredients you want to include or exclude.
After you fill out the form, we’ll come back with an accurate estimate of the price and how long it will take. If you accept the offer, we’ll have our final onboarding call to make sure we understand all the details and everything you want.
Once the invoice for the retainer is paid, we move on to step 2.
2. Formulating (~2-6 months)
Here’s the fun part where we begin the formulating process! Did I mention we start formulating immediately after step one? As we figure out the formula, we’ll send samples your way to receive feedback and test out the potential product.
For that reason, we charge by the hour, like any other professional labor.
The first sample usually takes the longest (about 3-4 weeks). After that, samples will usually come in every 2 weeks. Delays may occur depending on if we’re waiting on an ingredient or waiting on feedback from you. Soon enough, we’ll have the perfect formula for you.
3. Testing (~2-6 months)
As mentioned in our testing article, this step is the slowest and typically the longest. If your product contains water, then it must go through PET (Preservative Efficacy Test) and stability testing.
If there’s no water, then you only have to go through stability testing. You can read more about the testing process here.
With Genie Supply, our in-house stability testing takes 12 weeks, and it’s free when you custom formulate with us! We usually use a high-temperature environment for accelerated stability results, so that we can see how your product will remain on the shelf.
We also do USP 61 and 62 testing during the manufacturing step to ensure the quality of your product.
4. Manufacturing (~2-4 months)
This step can be quick, slow, or skipped altogether! The time length depends on how much you’re manufacturing and what you’re manufacturing. If we do total turnkey (packaging, screenprinting, labeling), it could take a hot second.
If you provide your own packaging so we can just fill it, then it could take 6-8 weeks.
If you decide you want to manufacture with someone else, then go for it! You don’t have to manufacture with us (that’s why we price differently). By the end of step three, you own the formula and can take it anywhere you want.
Is Custom Formulating….Expensive?
Depending on the formula and project, it may cost you more than a few pennies. It all depends on the difficulty of your product. However, it could also be a low price, one that you couldn’t find anywhere else!
Here are some Genie Supply rough estimates for different custom formula beauty products:
$1000 - $2000
Face oil
Balm
Sugar scrub
$2000 - $4000
Face Serum
Lotion
Lipgloss
$5000 - $50, 000
Foundation
Lipstick
Mascara
Specialty Skincare
Turning dirty products “clean” with same performance
New-to-market products or concepts
Download the Custom Formulating Timeline Graphic for a cute, simplified version!
Excited to Start Custom Formulating with Genie Supply?
Contact us now!
