Cosmetic formulation software: the key to picking the right one

As best practices and regulations in cosmetic manufacturing continue to evolve, formulation software is becoming increasingly relevant. With compliance and transparency at the heart of today’s issues, ensuring processes are as streamlines and as automated as possible is key when it comes to launching successful products. The many restrictions, labeling requirements and official documents – such as the non-negotiable PIF – can be complicated to keep track of, and the more products one wishes to commercialize, the more time-consuming it can get. This is where cosmetic formulation software comes in, allowing manufacturers to address every aspect of production efficiently and in accordance with current standards.

What are the Uses for Cosmetic Formulation Software?

As the name indicates, cosmetic formulation software was originally intended to be an aid in the creation of new cosmetic formulas. This invaluable tool speeds up the process by keeping an extensive database of existing formulas as well as a comprehensive list of all ingredients used in the cosmetic industry. What makes this feature so special is the fact that formulation software solutions are updated on a constant basis to reflect any changes in the guidelines surrounding these ingredients. This allows users to create perfectly compliant formulas.

Complete with an ingredient calculator capable of indicating the quantity of allergenic ingredients in the finished product, the program can detect any formulation issues and advise the technician, offering alternative suggestions. Any modification made to a formula is also saved for future reference.

Cosmetic formulation software centralizes every process associated with product development and manufacturing, from cost analysis to international launch, packaging, INCI, PIF and more. Depending on the version, it can even become a real-time hub to connect staff and other actors involved at any step of the process, from suppliers to the marketing team. Anyone with access to the software can log in and locate the information they require or update documents to ensure those who need them will find what they are looking for.

Formulation software makes every piece of relevant information dynamically available to automatize PIF generation, create compliant labels, etc.

How to Select the Best Features for your Formulation Software?

As you now know, cosmetic formulation software can be so much more than a set of functionalities made to facilitate product development. Cosmetic laboratories and manufacturers should therefore base their decision on their own specific needs. Looking at current procedures and assessing their level of automation constitutes a logical first step.

Some companies will find that their distribution process is well optimized but observe that product development does not flow ideally. From R&D communication to data availability, a good approach could be to opt for a cloud-based version of formulation software with an emphasis on real-time data management.

Other businesses only have a small team where communication is excellent but struggle to keep up with the constant changes in regulations and demanding administrative procedures. For them, cosmetic formulation software can bridge the gap between small-scale production and highly demanding compliance requirements.

On the other hand, large manufacturers wanting to put out new products on a very regular basis may benefit more from a dynamic database of ingredients and existing formulas. They can rely on these to develop new iterations of their best-sellers.

Based on the company’s foreseeable expansion, it may also be relevant to invest in a comprehensive solution which will facilitate growth by streamlining every aspect of product development, manufacturing, and distribution.

The best way to figure out what kind of cosmetic formulation software is right for your company is to request an online demonstration from a reputable provider. From formula development to regulations, quality control, test management, raw materials, packaging, risk control and more, you will be sure to find the perfect set of modules to fit your needs.