You may have noticed that many pharmaceutical companies are now pushing themselves further into the cosmetics industry. There’s a very good reason for this and it is all to do with profit margins. Despite a global recession, the cosmetics industry saw continued expansion and growth. This is due to the industry’s excellent marketing and constant innovation, particularly when it comes to skincare products. There has been a new dawn when it comes to anti-aging products within th

Learn what counts as a cosmetic claim, what crosses into drug territory, and how to stay FDA compliant when launching beauty products. Get expert guidance from the chemists at Freelance Formulations. Book a discovery call for help with claims or formulation questions.

Getting your emulsion right can make or break a formula. CEO and cosmetic chemist Vanessa Thomas breaks down the most common oil/water ratio mistakes Indie Beauty Brands make and what to do instead.

Discover why temperature control is essential in custom skincare formulation for stability, texture, and long-term product quality

Hair growth products require more than marketing claims; they need FDA-approved active ingredients to ensure compliance, safety, and proven results. For formulators, this means relying solely on substances recognized by the FDA for efficacy in hair growth. Currently, only two ingredients are FDA-approved for hair growth: Minoxidil and Finasteride. Extensive clinical studies back both and remain the foundation of successful hair loss  treatments on the market. In this guide, w

Our chemist Vanessa Thomas explains why natural balms get grainy and shares proven techniques to keep your formulas smooth, stable, and shelf-ready.

The cost to manufacture a skincare product can range from $7,000 to over $30,000 depending on formulation, packaging, and testing. Here’s a full breakdown.

Launching a cosmetic product is exciting—until you realize you might not actually own  the formula behind it. If you're working with a...

Learn the difference between private label and custom formulation for skincare and hair care products, including cost, timeline, customization, and ownership.

Want to launch your skincare or haircare line faster? Learn how reverse engineering formulas can accelerate beauty product development and help you create high-performing products tailored to your brand.

Skincare trends move fast. One day your formula is everyone’s favorite, the next it’s being dragged on TikTok for outdated ingredients or...

Creating a cosmetic formula is an exciting process. Nonetheless, it is also filled with pitfalls that can cost you time, money, and your...

In 2025, the industry is shifting toward skin barrier support, bioengineered actives, and multitasking skincare ingredients catering to...

Learn how salon owners use custom beauty product formulation to create best-selling products and keep full ownership of their unique formulas.

Many aspiring beauty entrepreneurs assume they need tens of thousands of dollars upfront, but that’s not always true. Whether you’re...

In the competitive world of beauty and skincare, brand differentiation is key to standing out. While many companies opt for private label...

The beauty industry has turned entrepreneurs, entertainers, and even Hollywood’s biggest names into billionaires. If you’ve ever...

Learn the essentials of cosmetic formulation with Freelance Formulations, crafting custom skincare, hair care, and OTC products.

Beauty products can be made from vegan formulas, allowing you to promote natural ingredients for your brand.

Beauty trends for 2025 focus on personalized skincare, biotech, sustainability, and wellness, reshaping the industry with new solutions.