most frequently asked questions We have the answers for you
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What testing do you conduct on formulations?
While our base formulations have already undergone all relevant testing, any newly formulated customer products (or changes made to our existing formulations that constitute a reformulation) will need to have stability and PET testing conducted on them to ensure that they are ready to market.
All of our sunscreen formulations have passed SPF, stability, and efficacy testing and are listed with TGA. No further testing (or associated costs) will need to be conducted.
Can you help with my branding?
When it comes to marketing, branding, and artwork, we’re happy to work with your team or recommend experts to see you get this aspect of your product development right.
This is best completed after your market research is conducted and in conjunction with the product formulation. This way, once the formulation is finalised and we are ready to order your packaging, the artwork is complete without delaying the manufacturing process.
Can you source packaging?
Concept Labs has existing relationships with many packaging suppliers and is happy to assist with sourcing packaging for our clients. While the design is your decision, we can provide guidance on the packaging type and materials required for your formulation. We have the ability to source biodegradable, recycled, and zero-waste packaging.
How many samples/changes can I make?
We outline a limit of two samples free of charge throughout the R&D process in our product development agreement.
We work hard to ensure that the formulations we make for our clients meet the requirements they give us, and we are confident in our ability to produce a high-quality product formulation with client feedback from two samples throughout the process.
COSMETIC & CLEANING PRODUCT FORMULATION
What are the certification and registration requirements?
All of our formulations are already listed with TGA, however you will need to have your particular brand TGA listed with the specific formulation you proceed with to be issued a unique AUST L number that must then be displayed on your packaging.
We can complete this on your behalf at no additional cost. TGA listing fees will be advised upon enquiry”
What are the development costs?
The cost of development depends on the complexity of the product formulation and is calculated once we receive your new product development brief. As an indication, most R&D costs are approximately $2,000-$5,000.
We are unable to advise the unit cost of the final product until the formulation, packaging and artwork are finalised. This is why it is important to include a target fill cost in your new product development brief to give our chemist a guideline while formulating.
What are the lead times?
Lead times vary depending on formulation complexity and the availability of ingredients. On average, it takes 4-6 months for our customers to have a finalised formulation.
Can you formulate products with Vegan, ACO, and other claims?
Upon request in your new product development brief, we can ensure that your product formulation is vegan, palm oil free, uses naturally derived ingredients etc. along with many other specifications. Simply outline the claims you wish to make on your product when you bring it to market and we can work with you to ensure your formulation meets these requirements.
Do you have minimum order requirements?
Non-TGA products (cosmetic and cleaning products) have very flexible MOQ’s. We can manufacture volumes as low as 20 litres for sampling, with more cost effective batches at 200-1000 litres.
SUN CARE FORMULATION
What are the certification and registration requirements?
All of our formulations are already listed with TGA, however you will need to have your particular brand TGA listed with the specific formulation you proceed with to be issued a unique AUST L number that must then be displayed on your packaging. We can complete this on your behalf at no additional cost. TGA listing fees will be advised upon enquiry”
Do you use physical or chemical UV filters in your formulations?”
We have dozens of sunscreen formulations in our library to suit a wide range of requirements and claims (vegan, oxybenzone free, water resistant, preservative free etc.) as well as physical filters including zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and ones that utilise traditional chemical filters.
Can I add additional ingredients?
All ingredients included in a sunscreen formulation must be TGA listed, along with the supplier themselves.
As the formulations have already undergone testing, stability, and registration, adding additional ingredients can be challenging.
We can work with customers in order to include signature extracts, oils, and/or fragrances to give them a point of difference in the market while still maintaining existing testing results and compliance.
What are the lead times?
Upon confirmation of formulation, packaging, artwork and TGA listing, we advise a 14-16 week production lead time.
Do you have minimum order requirements?
Sunscreens have higher MOQ’s than cosmetic products due to TGA costs, requirements, and validated batch sizes. MOQ’s will depend on the formulation, packaging type, and volume however will be approximately 10,000 to 20,000 units.
