Bringing a cosmetic product from initial concept to finished product on the shelf is a complex process. It requires input from a range of people each with their own roles and responsibilities. One crucially important person in the cosmetic manufacturing process is the Beauty Product Developer.
Want to know more about the role of a Beauty Product Developer? Here’s a quick overview of what you might find them doing to help get your cosmetic product to market…
What does a Beauty Product Developer do?
A Beauty Product Developer is responsible for developing product formulations in line with the customers brief or “wish list”.
While most customers approach a cosmetic manufacturer with a general idea of what they want to produce, it’s largely up to the product developer to translate those requirements into a product formulation. They will need to encompass the required attributes (e.g. anti-aging, hypoallergenic etc.) while utilising or avoiding desirable or undesirable ingredients.
In most cases, the customer will rely heavily on the product developer to recommend any ‘hero’ ingredients to support their all-important unique selling proposition.
What specialist knowledge does a Beauty Product Developer need to have?
Formulating health and beauty products can be a complex and scientific process. Budding formulators know just how difficult it can be to get even the simplest formulations right the first time.
There are a few things every successful product develop will need to be very well-versed in…
Chemistry
An in-depth knowledge of chemistry and the paradigms that apply to complex chemical mixtures is essential.
Knowledge of emulsion chemistry and the effects of rheology and viscosity are a must, as is an understanding of how certain ingredients affect product preservation and stability. In addition a knowledge of what is allowable and in what concentrations to ensure a product will meet regulatory requirements to be placed on the market.
Product marketability
Cost of production and scalability for mass production is always a primary consideration for customers. Product developers also need to be able to develop formulations with these factors in mind.
Some formulations, while cosmetically elegant, are almost impossible to manufacture on a large-scale basis. Mixing speed, shear rate and cooling rate all play a critical role in product manufacturing on an industrial scale. Some top-tier formulations simply can’t be produced rapidly enough to be sold in mass, discount markets.
For this reason, a skilled product developer also needs to be able to understand the intention of the marketer to produce a highly saleable product.
Cutting-edge innovations
Product developers also need to stay at the forefront of the latest industry trends and cutting-edge innovations.
As the desire for “all natural” and “organic” cosmetic products continues to increase, even seasoned chemists struggle with the challenge of being able to produce good quality, chemical-free products. Recent developments such as blue light filters and melanin boosters are also becoming quite common. Australian indigenous fruit and nut extracts are becoming increasingly desirable novel ingredients.
A good product developer needs to be across all the latest trends and agile enough to know how to select the most appropriate combination of ingredients. It is important to create product formulations that deliver the customer what they want without jeopardising product quality.
At Wild Child, we are beauty product developers and manufacturers of a wide range of high quality skin care, personal care products, as well as private label manufacturing. We try to create our products with natural ingredients and avoid using preservatives. Contact us today to see how we can help you.