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The beauty and personal care industry continues to see a rise in independent (indie) formulators creating unique, high-quality products. Whether you are an artisan formulator, small-batch creator, or custom product innovator, understanding best practices is crucial to ensuring product safety, efficiency, and market success. Margaret Haven, CEO of Haven Research Center, shared invaluable insights during a recent ANHC PRO Business Mastery Series webinar. Here are the key takeaways to help indie formulators build a strong foundation for their businesses.
1. Start Simple
When developing a product, it’s tempting to add multiple ingredients to achieve a specific effect. However, it’s best to begin with a straightforward formulation and understand how each ingredient interacts with others. Think of it like cooking—before making a complex dish, you first master the basics. Simpler formulations make it easier to test and scale your products effectively.
2. Conduct Thorough Testing
Product testing ensures safety, stability, and performance. Testing should include:
Ingredient Quality Testing: Always request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Certificate of Analysis (COA) from suppliers to verify ingredient quality.
Stability Testing: Store formulations under different conditions to assess shelf life and ingredient separation.
Microbial Testing: Even natural products can develop bacteria and mold. Proper preservation methods are essential.
3. Maintain Proper Documentation
Good record-keeping is non-negotiable. To meet regulatory standards and track your product development, document:
Exact ingredient amounts and sources
Step-by-step formulation processes
Testing results and observations
Any product modifications and reasons for changes
A bound lab notebook with numbered pages is recommended over loose paper or digital notes, as it provides a legally recognized record in case of regulatory audits.
4. Source High-Quality Ingredients
The success of a product begins with the quality of its raw materials. When sourcing ingredients:
Choose reputable suppliers that provide COAs and SDSs.
Avoid buying ingredients from general retailers (e.g., Amazon or grocery stores) and instead use dedicated cosmetic suppliers.
Store raw materials properly to prevent degradation, such as keeping oils in cool, dark places to avoid oxidation.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool
Failure is an inevitable part of product development. Rather than seeing it as a setback, use it as a learning opportunity to refine your formulations. For instance, if a product spoils quickly or separates, analyze the root cause and adjust ingredient ratios, stabilizers, or preservation methods accordingly.
6. Stay Informed on Industry Regulations and Trends
Regulations for cosmetics and personal care products are evolving. Staying informed helps you remain compliant and competitive. Reliable resources include:
HAPPI Magazine (happi.com) for industry trends and research
FDA.gov for compliance guidelines on cosmetic regulations
Trade Shows & Networking Events to learn about new formulations, raw materials, and packaging solutions
7. Optimize Production with the Right Equipment
As your business grows, investing in the right equipment can streamline production. For example:
Piston Fillers are excellent for highly viscous products like shampoos and conditioners.
Mixing Tanks with Controlled Heating ensure uniformity in formulation.
Weighing Scales with Decimal Precision help maintain formulation accuracy.
For small-batch manufacturers, attending expos such as Pack Expo can provide valuable insights into available equipment and packaging solutions.
8. Protect Your Formulations
If you develop your own formulations, ensure you retain ownership. Some contract manufacturers may modify your formula and claim ownership. Always clarify terms before outsourcing production. If working with manufacturers, confirm that they can replicate your exact process without altering key components.
9. Join a Support Network
Navigating the formulation industry can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Joining groups like ANHC PRO’s The Makers Club provides access to industry professionals, educational resources, and peer support. Engaging with a network helps indie formulators stay ahead of trends and troubleshoot common challenges.
Final Thoughts
Indie formulators have the power to create innovative, high-quality products, but success requires a combination of knowledge, testing, and proper business practices. By implementing these best practices, indie beauty entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation for growth and compliance while maintaining product excellence.
Join The Makers Club
If you are a producer of hair products, tools, or accessories, become a member of ANHC PRO’s The Makers Club. Led by Club Chair Margaret Haven, this group offers valuable networking opportunities, resources, and industry insights.
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