Custom formula development means designing your product's ingredients, texture, scent and performance from scratch around your target audience and product claims. The goal is a formula that stands out from competitors and is stable, safe and aligned with your target cost.
How does formula development work?
- Technical brief: We define the product type (cream, serum, gel, mask), hero ingredients, texture, scent, colour and target price.
- Raw material selection: Compliant raw materials are selected from traceable suppliers.
- Lab samples: Samples are prepared in several variations.
- Revisions: Texture, scent and skin feel are fine-tuned based on your feedback.
- Stability and packaging compatibility: We assess how the formula behaves over time, at different temperatures and in the chosen packaging.
- Scale-up: The approved formula is scaled to batch production conditions.
What matters when developing a formula?
- Product claims: Claims such as "moisturising" or "soothing" must be substantiated. The claims guidance listed on the TİTCK cosmetics legislation page is a useful reference.
- Target skin type: Sensitive, dry, oily and combination skin need different approaches.
- Preservation system: The product must stay microbiologically safe throughout its period of use.
- Cost: Active ingredient levels and packaging choice directly affect unit cost.
Who is it for?
Custom formulation is ideal for brands targeting a niche position, highlighting a specific ingredient or improving an existing product. Brands that want a fast start can launch with a ready-made formula first and move to a custom formula later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does custom formula development take?
It depends on the complexity of the formula, the number of revisions and the stability assessment. You receive a step-by-step timeline at the start of the project and updates at every stage.
Who owns the formula?
Formula ownership and exclusivity terms are clearly defined in the project contract.