formulation mistake I see time and time again in start-ups
Developing cosmetic products is an art – and a real challenge, especially for start-ups. Time and again, I see the same wording mistakes that jeopardise not only product quality but also brand image. In this article, I will show you three typical wording mistakes – and how you can avoid them from the outset.
1. formulation mistake: too much at once: the “wish list mistake”
Many start-ups begin with a huge vision: the product should do everything – moisturise, refine pores, combat pigmentation spots and still be a certified natural cosmetic. This almost inevitably leads to one of the most common formulation mistakes: too many active ingredients in an unstable, overloaded formulation.
Why this is problematic:
- Active ingredients can neutralise each other
- The skin becomes overwhelmed – irritation is possible
- The formula becomes unstable or too expensive for the market
How to avoid this formulation mistake:
Focus on a clear efficacy profile. It is better to have a product with one strong function that convinces than an all-rounder with no effect. Less is often more here – even in marketing.
In our view, there is no such thing as the one ‘golden’ product! A brand must offer its customers, who all have individual skin needs, several products.
Anything else is not credible.
2. formulation mistake: unsuitable preservation: the silent killer
Another classic formulation error concerns preservation. Start-ups often resort to ‘listed’ cheap preservatives or do without them altogether because they are afraid of supposedly bad ingredients. This leads to unstable products – in the worst case with microbial contamination.
Why this is dangerous:
- The product goes off after just a few weeks
- Mould or bacteria endanger users
- The brand’s reputation is immediately damaged
How to avoid this formulation mistake:
Let’s plan your preservation strategy professionally right from the start. Compatible, effective preservation systems can also be integrated into ‘green’ products. Together with our partner company Cosactive, we have developed several multifunctional preservative aid systems that always work, so often only one challenge test is required. This saves costs (only 295 Euro once) and time!
3. formulation mistake: lack of scalability: When the formula stays in the lab
The third major formulation error: Many start-ups develop a formula on a laboratory scale that cannot be transferred to production later, or only with great effort. Raw materials, emulsifiers and mixing processes work differently on a large scale – and this is often underestimated.
The consequences:
- Delays in launch
- High costs due to repeated adjustments
- Quality problems with the first batches
How to avoid this formulation mistake:
Work with a partner who thinks about scaling from the outset – someone who knows how to not only develop a beautiful product, but also bring it into series production. This way, your formulation mistake won’t slow down production.
We have a wealth of experience in this area and implement a well-established and proven process, all of which is included in our fixed-price offers.
Conclusion
Formulation errors can be expensive, time-consuming and frustrating – especially for young brands that rely on trust, quality and impact. Knowing and avoiding these three classic formulation errors gives you a decisive advantage in the development process.
Whether you are developing your first serum or sending your third product into the pipeline, contact Cosmacon now and don’t let formulation errors become a stumbling block for your brand launch.
👉 Arrange a no-obligation consultation now – together we will examine how your personal skincare brand can become a reality.
Literature:
https://www.bav-institut.de/en/testings/microbiology