Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1531085
72 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2025 HOW WHITE LABEL PRODUCTS ARE DEVELOPED Rachel Brown, editor at Beauty Independent, recently published an article suggesting ways the industry can create customized products in shorter periods than the norm. 1 She interviewed 12 cosmetic contract manufacturers who offered suggestions they believe can streamline the challenge. They also helped outline the process of new product development from start to finish. Knowing this process will help you as you navigate your own product selection. Brown's experts agreed on the importance of being concise from the start. This requires a well-designed product development brief. Anthony Standifer, cofounder and CMO of mSEED Group, says the development process can take up to 18 months from ideation to launch in larger companies. 2 Over this period, product development, as well as all that is required to meet corporate compliance regulations, must be completed. It's similar in small companies. From his perspective, it's best to use private-label formulas if you want to go fast. If you want custom product development, allow 4–8 months for development when working with contract manufacturers. If you're working on never-before-seen technology inside a formulation, add six months to the previously mentioned timeline. Another standing agreement between the contract manufacturers is that ideally, they are all trying to get approvals within 1–3 rounds. Matt Stearn, president of Innovative Cosmetic Labs, says that all parties (including experienced brand product development executives, chemists, and a contract manufacturer) must work in sync. He says on the brand side, there are several pertinent reasons for excess renditions. 3 One is indecisiveness, where the brand founder lacks confidence and experience to make a decision. Leave the ingredients to the manufacturer and chemists and learn about what you should expect from the finished product you are selling.