Our Formulation Education Blog
A dedicated place for yapping about the science behind formulation.
Why Supplier Data Isn't Enough to Substantiate Your Efficacy Claims
Thinking about using supplier data to substantiate your product’s claims? This article breaks down how formulation factors like emollients, emulsifiers, and penetration enhancers impact active delivery and why using supplier data could be risky business.
A Primer on Micelle Formation and Packing Parameters of Surfactants
Discover how micelle formation and surfactant packing parameters shape the products you formulate every day. In this deep dive, we break down the critical micelle concentration, the packing parameter equation, and how molecular structure predicts the microstructure and why it matters for viscosity, foam, skin mildness, and oil loading.
Bricks, Mortar, and More: A Formulator's Guide to How the Skin Barrier Works
Discover the science behind the skin barrier and learn how to develop effective skincare products that support its health and resilience. This guide dives into the complexities of the skin barrier, key ingredients, and strategies to help brands create products that deliver real results.
Understanding Lipid Organization in the Stratum Corneum and Why It Matters for Formulation
The skin barrier is more than just a layer of dead cells, it's a highly organized lipid matrix that determines how well your skin holds moisture, responds to stress, and resists external aggressors. We break down the composition of the stratum corneum lipid mortar, how packing arrangements govern barrier function, and what shifting lipid ratios mean for formulating effective barrier products.
How Emollient Structure Affects Texture, Slip, and After-Feel in Formulations
Choosing the right emollient is one of the trickiest parts of formulation and defaulting to your go-to ingredient every time probably isn't serving your formula. Read on to explore how emollient chemical structure directly governs viscosity, spreadability, slip, and after-feel and how you can make smarter, more intentional selections from the start.
Fundamental Cosmetic Packaging Tests Your Brand Can't Afford to Overlook
Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and improve product quality with this comprehensive list of packaging testing. Dive into essential testing, expert tips for evaluating your packaging pre and post launch and some real life cosmetic packaging fails that any beauty brand can learn from.
How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse: What is Cellular Senescence
Senescent cells, or "zombie cells,” stop dividing but refuse to die, instead releasing a cocktail of inflammatory compounds that can accelerate aging. In this breakdown, we explore what drives cellular senescence and how you can address it in your formulation.