Hey skincare enthusiasts! It’s Trina Renea, your go-to esthetician, and today, I’m thrilled to take you on a journey into the fascinating world of skincare product development. This episode, DEEP DIVE: What happens in Product Development was a real eye-opener, and whether you’re thinking about creating your own skincare line or just curious about what happens before that serum or moisturizer hits your bathroom shelf, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s dive in!
The DIY Skincare Craze: A Cautionary Tale
Rebecca Gadberry, our resident cosmetic scientist and marketing and regulatory expert is the perfect person to share information on this subject. One of the first things we tackled was the rise of DIY skincare. It’s tempting, right? Whipping up a “natural” cream in your kitchen sounds fun, but let me tell you, it’s a big no-no. My co-host, Rebecca, and I couldn’t stress enough how risky it is. Products made outside of a lab can be unsafe and unsanitary. Just think about it – would you eat a banana that’s been sitting out for days? Then why would you want to put something equally unstable on your skin?
We dove into why it’s crucial to let the professionals handle the product development. Ingredients need to be chemically processed in a lab to ensure they’re effective and safe. For instance, while both squalane and olive oil come from olives, they’re entirely different in how they work on your skin. Squalane is lab-treated to penetrate the skin deeply, whereas your kitchen olive oil? Not so much.
The Importance of Stability and Safety
Stability testing is another critical aspect we discuss. This ensures that the product stays effective and safe over time. Products need to be preserved to avoid bacteria growth, and as much as some brands tout "preservative-free" products as a selling point, it’s not necessarily a good thing. Proper preservatives are essential for keeping products safe.
Rebecca mentioned an intriguing alternative – a packaging method used in the ‘90s that sealed the product in a sanitized environment. It’s rare and expensive, but it just goes to show the lengths professionals go to in order to ensure product safety.
Want to Launch a Skincare Product? Here’s What You Need to Know
So, you have an idea for a skincare product – fantastic! But how do you go from idea to product on the shelves? It’s not as quick or easy as some might think. I work with Estheticians and Doctors on the regular helping them develop their lines; it is definitely a process. There are a few ways to do it. Rebecca walked us through the process, and let me tell you, patience is key.
Everything takes time, from developing the formula (which can take months or even years) to testing for stability. And if you’re hoping to have a product ready by Christmas, you might need to adjust your timeline. The process involves identifying the ingredients, ensuring they work well together, and then running multiple tests to make sure the final product is safe and effective.
We also touched on the costs involved. It’s not cheap! You need to budget for everything from product development to legal fees and marketing. Rebecca suggests setting aside at least $5,000 if you’re just looking to bring a product to market, but for a successful launch, $100,000 to $200,000 per product is more realistic.
Navigating the Manufacturing Maze
Choosing the right manufacturer is crucial. You need a team that understands your vision and can bring it to life. They’ll be responsible for compounding, filling, packaging, and sometimes even storing your product until it’s ready to ship.
One interesting point Rebecca made was about the importance of the container you choose. It’s not just about aesthetics – the material, size, and shape of the container can affect the product’s stability and usability. Plus, with today’s supply chain issues, some containers might take months to arrive, so you need to plan accordingly.
The Role of Private Labeling
If all this sounds overwhelming, there’s always the option of private labeling. This means you can purchase a pre-made product, slap your label on it, and sell it as your own. It’s a quicker and less expensive way to get started, but you might sacrifice some uniqueness. Still, it’s a viable option for those who want to dip their toes into the skincare industry without the hefty investment. I would say a pretty large majority of smaller product brands are done this way. In fact, when a brand is trying new things I often tell them to start this way so they can see if their product is popular and selling before investing a ton in a product you are unsure about. Then if the product is making money you can move it to development and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
Product development is a complex, time-consuming, and costly process, but it’s absolutely necessary to ensure the products we use are safe and effective. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or skincare lover, understanding what goes on behind the scenes gives you a deeper appreciation for the products you use daily.
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into product development. If you have any more questions or need more insights, feel free to reach out. And remember, please don’t mix up your own skincare concoctions at home – leave it to the professionals!
Until next time, stay glowing and stay informed.
Trina Renea, Esthetician Co-Host of the Facially Conscious Podcast
