How a new skin care product is created – from idea to 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 & the concept of a new skin care product

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 & trend analysis

Based on the concept, we decide which active ingredients and texture components should go into the new skincare product. Not only do 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 of a new skin care product

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 delivers the desired effects. This involves consistency, fragrance, pH value, skin feel and, of course, stability. At Cosmacon, you will receive the first samples after just 2-3 weeks and can then start testing yourself.

We work quickly so that you can guide us in the right direction with your equally quick feedback.

4. Stability & microbiology tests

A new skin care 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 adequately preserved. We carry out all relevant tests and, 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 obtain a comprehensive picture of your products. If something does not turn out so well, we will optimise it at our expense until it is ready for production.

5. Safety assessment & 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 Euro per product, because only a good foundation can support a wide range of your branded products. This is not a time-consuming process, as it takes a maximum of 5 working days.

6. Scale-up & production of a new skin care product

From the laboratory scale, the product is scaled up. The new skincare product is now manufactured in larger quantities – first as a pilot batch, then in the final production quantity. Technical expertise is required here to reproduce the quality exactly. Every 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 for you a second or nth time.

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 care of this for you 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, all of which cost a one-time fee of 250 Euro per product and also take a maximum of five working days.

We are completely independent and scientifically oriented in the preparation of the certificates. For us, a dual-control principle is a matter of course and our framework conditions do not change annually. We do not charge any additional costs or even a share in the certified products. Everything is transparent and fair.

9. Large-scale production of a new skin care product

After optimisation, the new skin care product is produced in the desired quantity – whether it’s a small start-up batch or large-scale industrial production. Quality assurance accompanies the entire process. Here, too, further stability testing and monitoring of possible complaints are carried out.

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 3 months. The market is ‘always’ right, so you should take your customers’ feedback seriously and always pass it on to us, your R&D department. We can then implement this valuable feedback in subsequent production runs.

11. After launch: monitoring & further development

Even after launch, the new skincare 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 – one that is as impressive on the shelf as it is on the skin.

Cosmacon is an expert in this field and can develop a production-ready formula for you within three months.

Anyone can do it slowly and expensively!

👉 Arrange a no-obligation consultation now – together we will examine how your personal skincare brand can become a reality.