Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What does Cosmetic Science Australia do?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic Science Australia provides cosmetic formulation, product development, testing and technical advice for businesses developing or improving personal care products. We can assist with the development of new products, improvement of existing formulations, troubleshooting, ingredient selection, testing and the technical considerations involved in taking a product from concept through to manufacture.

Question 2

Do you manufacture the products yourselves?

Accepted Answer

No. Cosmetic Science Australia is an independent formulation and product development business rather than a cosmetic manufacturer. This means we are not tied to a particular manufacturing facility or production line. Our focus is on developing the right product for your requirements and, where required, helping you identify an appropriate manufacturing partner.

Question 3

Can you help me find a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with a range of cosmetic manufacturers and can help identify manufacturers that are appropriate for your particular product and requirements. Factors such as the type of product, formulation, ingredients, production volume, equipment, packaging and commercial objectives can all influence which manufacturer is most suitable. Because we are independent of individual manufacturers, we can recommend a manufacturing pathway based on your requirements rather than being limited to the capabilities of one facility.

Question 4

Why use Cosmetic Science Australia rather than going directly to a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

A manufacturer will generally be focused on producing your product within its own facilities and capabilities. Our role is different. As an independent formulation and development business, we can focus first on developing the product and formulation that meets your requirements. We can then help identify a manufacturer suited to that particular product. This can be particularly useful where you are unsure which manufacturing process, production scale or manufacturer is appropriate for your product.

Question 5

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Accepted Answer

There is no single MOQ that applies to all projects. Minimum production quantities are determined by the individual manufacturer and can vary depending on the product, manufacturing process, ingredients, packaging, batch size and production equipment. We can help you understand the likely production requirements and identify manufacturers whose capabilities are appropriate for your intended production volume.

Question 6

Why don't you have a fixed MOQ?

Accepted Answer

Because Cosmetic Science Australia is not a manufacturer, we are not restricted by the minimum production quantity of a particular manufacturing facility. We work with a range of manufacturers, allowing us to consider different production options depending on the requirements of your product and your expected volumes. As a general rule, manufacturing costs per unit tend to decrease as production quantities increase. We can help you understand how production volume may affect the cost of your finished product.

Question 7

How much does formulation development cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of formulation development depends on the nature and complexity of the product. Factors can include the type of formulation, number and complexity of ingredients, technical requirements, the extent of development required and the amount of testing involved. We work on a time-based basis, with a minimum charge applying to each formulation development session or sample preparation. Before commencing a project, we can discuss your requirements and provide an indication of the likely development costs.

Question 8

Can you help me develop a product to a specific target cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Establishing a target cost at the beginning of a project can be very useful. We can take the intended retail position and target manufacturing cost into consideration when developing the formulation. Ingredient selection, formulation complexity, packaging, manufacturing volumes and production processes can all influence the final cost of a product.

Question 9

How many samples will I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed number of samples required for formulation development. Some products may be relatively straightforward to develop, while others may require several rounds of adjustment and testing. The number of samples can depend on the complexity of the formulation, how closely the initial formulation meets your brief, your feedback, required modifications and the testing required to establish an acceptable final formulation.

Question 10

Can you work with an existing formulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can work with existing formulations where you want to improve, modify, troubleshoot or update a product. This may include an existing formulation developed by another chemist, a formulation supplied by a manufacturer, an older formulation that requires updating, or a product that is not performing as expected. We can assess the formulation and discuss the most appropriate approach for achieving your objectives.

Question 11

Can you troubleshoot an existing cosmetic product?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Troubleshooting is an important part of cosmetic formulation. We can assist with issues such as separation, viscosity changes, stability problems, preservation concerns, undesirable texture or sensory characteristics, fragrance issues, colour changes and poor product performance. The appropriate approach depends on the nature of the problem, so we generally begin by understanding the formulation, manufacturing process, raw materials and conditions under which the problem occurs.

Question 12

Can you develop a completely new product?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can develop formulations from an initial product concept or brief, including products where you do not yet have an existing formulation. We can work with you to establish the desired product characteristics, ingredients, performance, sensory properties and other technical requirements before developing and refining the formulation.

Question 13

What types of cosmetic products can you formulate?

Accepted Answer

We work across a broad range of cosmetic and personal care products, including skincare, haircare, body care, cleansing products, shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, serums, deodorants and specialty personal care products. If you have a product concept that is not listed here, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Question 14

Can I specify particular ingredients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can provide preferred ingredients or ingredients that you would like to avoid, and we can consider these as part of the formulation process. We will assess ingredients in the context of the complete formulation, including their suitability, compatibility, concentration, performance, stability and relevant regulatory considerations. Where a specified ingredient is not technically suitable for the intended product, we can discuss alternative options.

Question 15

Can you formulate natural or organic products?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can develop formulations around specific natural, organic or ingredient-selection requirements. However, terms such as "natural" and "organic" can have specific requirements depending on the intended market and any certification being sought. We can take these requirements into account during formulation development and advise where additional certification or specialist regulatory input may be required.

Question 16

What testing is required for a cosmetic product?

Accepted Answer

The testing required depends on the product and its intended use. Depending on the formulation, testing may include stability testing, microbiological testing, preservative efficacy testing, packaging compatibility testing and other testing appropriate to the product. We can discuss the testing requirements for your particular formulation and help determine what testing is appropriate before commercial manufacture.

Question 17

Can you help with cosmetic regulatory requirements?

Accepted Answer

We can assist with the technical and formulation aspects of cosmetic regulatory requirements, including consideration of ingredients, formulation restrictions, labelling and supporting technical documentation. Where specialist regulatory, safety assessment or certification services are required, we can work with or refer you to appropriate specialists. Regulatory requirements can vary between countries, so requirements for the Australian market may differ from those applying to products intended for export.

Question 18

Do you provide safety assessments and Product Information Files (PIFs)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide Safety Assessments as part of the PIFs that we provide. We can assist with further technical information required for any subsequent cosmetic product documentation also. The requirements depend on the intended market and the type of product being developed.

Question 19

Who owns the formulation and intellectual property?

Accepted Answer

Once the agreed intellectual property fee has been paid, you own the formulation and the associated intellectual property developed for your product. This means that once the project is completed and the IP fee has been paid, you are free to provide the formulation to the manufacturer of your choice and have the product commercially manufactured. Because Cosmetic Science Australia is independent of individual manufacturers, you are not locked into using a particular manufacturer. You retain ownership of your formulation and can take it to the manufacturer that best suits your production requirements.

Question 20

Is my project confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand that product concepts, formulations, ingredient selections and development information can be commercially sensitive. Confidentiality arrangements can be discussed and agreed before development work commences where required.

Question 21

Can you help with packaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can provide technical input into packaging selection and consider factors such as the nature of the formulation, dispensing requirements, compatibility and intended use. Packaging can be sourced through appropriate suppliers or manufacturers depending on the requirements of the project.

Question 22

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to discuss your product concept and requirements with us. It is helpful to provide as much information as possible about the product you want to develop, including its intended use, desired characteristics, preferred ingredients, target market, expected production volume and any target cost. From there, we can discuss the formulation and development process, likely testing requirements and the most appropriate pathway for taking your product towards commercial manufacture.

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