Formulation Library
Guides & answers for indie skincare founders
Honest, practical guidance on actives, preservation, formulation, and sourcing — the questions you'd ask a cosmetic chemist, answered plainly.
From Brief to Sample: How Indie Brands Source Cosmetic Ingredients
A step-by-step guide to the indie beauty sourcing journey: writing a marketing brief, translating it into an ingredient list, requesting samples from distributors, evaluating documentation, and moving to contract manufacturing.
Read the guideHow to Formulate a Barrier Repair Moisturizer
Barrier repair is the fastest-growing skincare claim. Learn the ceramide-cholesterol-fatty acid framework, which humectants and occlusives to combine, and how to brief a barrier moisturizer that indie customers can feel working.
Read the guidePreservative Systems for Water-Based Skincare, Explained
Every water-containing product needs broad-spectrum preservation. Learn how preservative systems work, what "clean beauty" options exist, why challenge testing is non-negotiable, and how to choose a system for serums, creams, and gels.
Read the guideHow to Choose a Vitamin C Derivative for Your Serum
L-ascorbic acid, ethyl ascorbic acid, SAP, MAP, or THD ascorbate? A practical guide for indie brands comparing vitamin C derivatives on stability, skin feel, pH requirements, and sensitive-skin tolerance.
Read the guide