A new skin care product is created – from idea to the store shelf
Developing a new skin care product is an exciting and demanding process. From the initial idea to the finished product on the shelf, it goes through numerous phases, each of which is crucial for quality, effectiveness and market success. In this article, you will learn step by step how a new skin care product is created in collaboration with Cosmacon.
1. The idea and concept
It all starts with a vision: a new skin care product that meets a specific skin need, picks up on a current trend or fills a gap in the market. A structured briefing defines the product type, target group, desired claims (e.g. ‘vegan’ or ‘clean beauty’) and application.
2. Active ingredient selection and trend analysis
Based on the concept, we decide which active ingredients and texture components should go into the new skincare product. Not only effectiveness and tolerability play a role here, but also sustainability, naturalness and current industry trends. We consult our active ingredient partners, with whom we enjoy working and who are also innovative, based on your concept and try to incorporate new developments.
However, we can also offer or even develop exclusive active ingredients for you and your brand through our partner, Cosactive GmbH.
3. Formula development in the laboratory
Now the actual formulation work begins. The new skin care product is developed, tested and repeatedly adjusted in the laboratory until it satisfies the senses and achieves the desired effects. Consistency, fragrance, pH value, skin feel and, of course, stability all play a role here. At Cosmacon, you will receive the first samples after just two to three weeks and can start testing them yourself.
We work quickly so that you can guide us in the right direction with your equally quick feedback.
4. Stability and microbiology tests
A new skincare product must be stable and safe. That is why it is tested under various storage conditions. How does it change when exposed to heat, cold or light? In addition, tests are carried out to ensure that it is microbiologically safe and has been sufficiently preserved. Based on the laboratory stability, the stability of the first scaling-up sample from a small batch of 10–30 kg and the stability results of the initial production, we gain a comprehensive picture of your products. If a result is not satisfactory, we optimise it at our expense until it is ready for post-production.
5. Safety assessment and legal compliance
Before a new skin care product can be launched on the market, it must undergo a safety assessment. All ingredients are evaluated, the product is documented and the legal requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation are met.
We do this for a fixed price of £750 per product, because only a good foundation can support a wide range of your branded products. The process takes a maximum of 5 working days.
6. Scale-up and production
From the laboratory scale, the product is scaled up. The new skin care product is first produced as a pilot batch and then in the final production quantity.
Technical expertise is required here to reproduce the quality exactly. Each laboratory development must be adapted to the respective mixer. This process is like a development in itself and is carried out entirely by us for you and your products. Even if we have to change or expand the contract manufacturer for your products, we will be happy to carry out this process a second or nth time for you.
7. Packaging & design
The appropriate packaging is defined in parallel with development. It must not only look good, but also provide optimum protection for the new skin care product. Design, choice of materials, labelling and legally relevant information are carefully planned. We are happy to take on this task and put you in touch with packaging suppliers with whom we have had very good experience. This is another free service included in our fixed price.
8. Certification & seals
If the new skin care product is to be certified as natural cosmetics or vegan, the relevant criteria are checked and fulfilled. Clean beauty standards or microplastic-free formulations are also possible, depending on the brand’s objectives. We have developed various certifications based on current market requirements. The cost is a one-off fee of £250 per product and the process takes a maximum of five working days.
We are completely independent and scientifically oriented in the creation of certificates. A dual-control principle is standard practice for us and our framework conditions do not change annually. There are no additional costs or participation fees for certified products. Everything is transparent and fair.
9. Large-scale production
After optimisation, the new skin care product is produced in the desired quantity – regardless of whether it is a small start-up batch or large-scale industrial production. Quality assurance accompanies the entire process. Here, too, a further stability test is carried out and monitoring of possible complaints is provided for.
10. Market launch
Now the time has come: the new skin care product is going on sale. Accompanied by marketing measures such as social media, PR, tester campaigns or events, it should generate attention and build trust. Pre-selling activities are ideal for better planning of initial orders, as reorders unfortunately take up to three months. The market is always right, so you should take your customers’ information seriously and always pass it on to us, your R&D department. We can then incorporate this valuable feedback into the post-production process.
11. After the launch: monitoring and further development
Even after its launch, the new skin care product is closely monitored. Feedback, market trends and new scientific findings are incorporated into updates or further developments of your brand – for lasting success.
Conclusion
A new skincare product does not happen overnight. It requires a sound idea, technical expertise, extensive experience and a keen sense of the market and consumer needs. Those who approach this process professionally have the best chance of bringing an innovative and effective product to market that is as impressive on the shelf as it is on the skin.
Cosmacon knows all about this and can develop a production-ready formula for you within three months.