5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your First Cosmetic Formula

Creating a cosmetic formula is an exciting process. Nonetheless, it is also filled with pitfalls that can cost you time, money, and your brand’s reputation if you’re not careful.

As cosmetic chemists, we’ve seen it all: rushed formulas, skipped tests, and corners cut in the wrong places. Let’s save you from those headaches.

Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid when creating your first cosmetic formula.

Not Defining Your Product’s Purpose Clearly

Before you start choosing ingredients or textures, ask yourself:

What is this product meant to do? Who is it for? And what problem is it solving?

Too many founders jump straight into trends without a clear product mission. A good formula starts with a clear problem it’s meant to fix — whether it’s calming sensitive skin, brightening dull complexions, or creating a flawless foundation for deeper skin tones.

Pro Tip: Write down your product’s promise in one sentence before you brief your chemist.

Choosing Ingredients Based on Hype, Not Function

We get it — everyone loves a trending ingredient. But just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it belongs in your formula.

Effective cosmetic formulas balance performance, safety, and sensory experience. Ingredients need to work together, stay stable, and deliver results for your target market.

Pro Tip: Focus on ingredients that serve your product’s core function first. Then, build supporting ingredients around that.

Skipping Stability and Safety Testing

This is one of the biggest mistakes we see.

Your formula might look and feel perfect today, but what about in six months? What about when it ships in the summer heat or sits on a store shelf?

Stability and safety testing ensure your product won’t separate, grow bacteria, or lose its benefits over time.

Without it, you risk product recalls, customer complaints, and serious brand damage.

Pro Tip: Always budget time and money for proper testing — it’s not optional.

Overcomplicating Your First Formula

Many new brand owners fall into the trap of trying to create something too advanced for their first launch. Multi-functional serums with 10 actives, hybrid textures, or highly regulated claims are expensive and risky for beginners.

Pro Tip: Start simple. Create a solid, stable product that performs well. Build complexity as your brand grows and you better understand your audience.

Trying to Save Money on Formulation Services

Cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to chemistry.

Founders often cut corners by working with underqualified formulators or skipping essential processes to save costs upfront, only to pay double later fixing issues.

Pro Tip: Invest in a professional cosmetic chemist from the start. It saves you money, stress, and your brand’s reputation in the long run.