It was 10 years ago when I fell in love with cosmetic formulating. Right before my junior year of college, I was given the opportunity to participate in a paid internship and placed at BASF's Tarrytown, New York location to intern in their Cosmetic Research & Development department under Dr. Amber O. Evans.

At BASF Tarrytown, I was exposed to the many layers of cosmetic science - hair care, skin care, oral care, food science, and color cosmetics. I learned so much about the diversity in the cosmetic world. However, the most impressionable part of this experience, was seeing Dr. Evans, a young black woman, spearhead and oversee the entire team.

Dr. Evans was the first person to invest in my cosmetic dreams. We spent our time discussing research, reviewing market analysis, performing experiments, formulating products, testing theories, and even sharing life stories. Dr. Evans also spoke to my future. She connected me with resources, encouraged me to join professional organizations, and gave me tips for my formulation journey that I implement to this day.

We exchanged a few emails about a year after my internship ended, but I plan to reconnect with Dr. Evans and thank her for being the example I needed to pursue becoming The Pretty Chemist. Reflecting on this, it's only right that I pay it forward by sharing some of my own tips with future cosmetic chemists like Dr. Evans invested into me.

So, heres 10 Tips for Formulating Cosmetics:

1. Understand Your Target Market - Identify your target audience, research the demographics, and gain understanding of their needs and preferences. Remain current with market trends that align with your target audience's values.

2. Prioritize Safety & Compliance - Ensure your formulations comply with the regulations of the region you plan to sell in. Conduct testing and provide potential allergy exposures to ensure your products are safe for all to use.

3. Choose High-Quality Ingredients - Source high-quality, sustainable, and ethically-produced ingredients and verify that ingredients work well together without jeopardizing product stability and efficacy.

4. Focus on Stability & Preservation - Use appropriate preservatives to prevent microbial growth and extends product shelf life. Perform stability testing under various conditions (temperature, light, humidity, etc.) to ensure the product remains effective and safe to use over time.

5. Optimize Texture & Sensory Appeal - Choose product textures, colors, fragrances and applications that are safe to use and most attractive to for target audience.

6. Maintain pH Balance - Formulate products with a pH compatible with the area of treatment and ensure that the product pH supports the stability and efficacy of its active ingredients.

7. Incorporate Active Ingredients - Select active ingredients that address specific concerns that are supported by scientific research. Use the appropriate concentrations that safely deliver the intended benefits.

8. Consider Packaging Early - Choose user-friendly packaging that properly protects the formulation from external/environmental factors while enhancing the customer experience.

9. Test for Sensory & Efficacy - Conduct consumer trials to gain feedback on your product's overall performance. Perform clinical testing to collect scientific data that supports products making specific claims.

10. Sustainability & Ethical Considerations - Consider the environmental impact of your products and select biodegradable and eco-friendly ingredients and packaging where possible. Be mindful of ethically-conscious consumers with an interest in cruelty-free and vegan products.

Becoming a Cosmetic Chemist or Formulator is no easy feat. I encourage every future formulator to obtain the proper knowledge and education to pursue cosmetic science, whether formal or informal. Trust your gut to create and innovate products that reflect your own creativity, but remember these tips as you embark on your cosmetic journey.

I hope this helps!

Much Love <3

-TPC