What are private label cosmetics?
Creating Your Own Cosmetic Formula And Samples Testing
The topic may seem simple at first glance, but it hides many rarely-mentioned elements. Today, we'll reveal how to effectively test samples to obtain reliable and valuable feedback for the technologist and laboratory, resulting in a brilliant outcome for your brand.
Testing cosmetic samples is a key stage in the process of creating your ideal product. This is the moment when necessary modifications can be made to meet the expectations of both you and your consumers.
1. The Concept of Your Cosmetic Formula
After you provide us with the brief, the technologist will develop a concept based on which samples will be prepared. Typically, you will receive 2-3 small pieces because each round of sample creation requires the coordination of dozens of ingredients from several suppliers. This is a fairly complex process, and suppliers offer small quantities of trial raw materials. If you require a larger quantity of samples, individual arrangements and orders for raw materials may be necessary.
2. First Contact with the Samples
At the first contact with cosmetic samples, many factors can influence the perception of the product. The tester's knowledge, familiarity with the product category, product habits, and skin type are just a few of them. As a result, first impressions can be either very positive or completely off the mark.
Testers' opinions can significantly influence the final shape of the product. It is important to remember that the goal of the first round of tests is to obtain honest feedback. This allows us to improve its quality and ultimately create the perfect product for our target group.
According to our data, when creating an individual recipe, you will most often go through 3 to 5 rounds of samples with your modifications to achieve the desired product. This stage usually lasts about 8-14 weeks.
3. Key Elements to Assess
The tester should pay attention to several important aspects:
- Consistency of the Product: How does it feel on the skin? Is it too thick, too thin, or just right?
- Color: Is it appropriate and aesthetically pleasing?
- Absorption: Is it adequate? Maybe too quick or too long? Does the product leave an undesirable “film” on the skin?
- Ease of Application: How does the product spread? Is it easy to use?
- Skin Feel: What are the sensations after application? Is the skin moisturized, dry, sticky?
- Fragrance: Is the smell pleasant and not too intense?
- Short-term Effects: What are the visible results a few minutes after application?
- Long-term Effects: How does the product perform after a few hours? Does the skin remain moisturized, and for example, is the makeup long-lasting?
- Irritations: Does the product cause any irritation or allergies?
Remember to simulate natural usage of the product during tests. For example:
- Face Cream should be tested on a clean face.
- Scalp Treatment should be tested after washing the hair, unless otherwise indicated.
- Colored Products should be applied during specific makeup routines to simulate natural use at the right moment of the process.
It is important not to be influenced by the packaging in which the samples are delivered, as the choice of packaging comes later. Focus solely on the content and impressions during and after application.
4. Subjectivity of Tests & Multiple Testing
Remember, tests by one person are subjective and, therefore, insufficient! Each skin type reacts differently, so testing products on as many people as possible is recommended. A diversity of opinions will provide a fuller picture of the cosmetic's performance and better evaluate its quality.
Multiple tests should be conducted to check if the initial impressions are consistent. In some cases, it’s also worth testing products in different seasons and air temperatures to see how they perform under varying conditions.
5. Analysis & Next Sampling Rounds
Once you have gathered the feedback, analyze it thoroughly. Identify common points of criticism or praise. Use this information to make necessary adjustments to the formula. This step might require close collaboration with your technologist to ensure the modifications are feasible and maintain the integrity of the product.
After making the adjustments, another round of samples will be prepared. This round should reflect the changes made based on the initial feedback. Distribute these samples to the same group of testers to maintain consistency in feedback.
All 1-4 steps above should be repeated with every round of new samples.
6. Selection of Samples for Further Stages and Formula Approval
Starting the production of cosmetics for animals does not have to be difficult if you seek the help of an experienced manufacturer who, with their extensive knowledge and technological infrastructure, will facilitate the entire process from formulation to the production of the finished cosmetic.
Both contract manufacturing in a private label and white label production allow for fulfilling the dream of creating cosmetics for animals. Contract manufacturing in a private label model is suitable for people who want to create a cosmetic based on a unique formula. On the other hand, white label is often chosen by small companies that want to enter the market in a safe and fast manner.
7. Modifications After Sample Approval
Bear in mind that once we approve the formula and move it to the next stage of research and documentation, any product modifications will affect costs and timelines. Changes may require additional testing, documentation updates, and extend the product launch time. Therefore, conducting thorough tests, recording comments, and suggesting improvements are important. The path to the perfect product is not easy, but Cleansery will guide you through it :)
Remember, feedback from the market after the product launch is also important. If consumers have personal preferences, the formula can always be modified before the next production. This will typically require new tests and documentation updates.
Summary
Testing cosmetic samples is a process that demands attention and care. It is important to gather honest feedback and make necessary modifications to create the ideal product. Consider the subjectivity of opinions and the need for multiple tests. Only then can we be sure that the final product will meet the expectations of even the most demanding customers.
Cheers!
Cleansery® Team
What are private label cosmetics?
- You don’t have ownership of the formulation
- Your product line won’t be unique – there may be many brands selling the exact same product
- You can’t change the formulation or choose what it looks or feels like
- Customers can feel betrayed if they find out your product is not unique so you have to align this kind of product launch with your brand values and buyer personas
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