Insights from an industry expert: Meeting efficacy needs in cosmetics manufacturing
Manufacturers strive to meet evolving consumer expectations in the highly competitive cosmetics and personal care industry while adhering to stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Utilizing advanced chemical management systems
Speaking with CosmeticsDesign, PLZ's Steve Dickstein explained that one of the main hurdles for cosmetics and personal care manufacturers is finding the optimal balance between product performance, safety standards, and economic viability.
"The key 'tension' that we aim to break through is to provide our customers with the highest performing product for their specific needs while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness," he said. This triad often presents conflicting demands, requiring innovative solutions to satisfy all criteria.
Therefore, companies are increasingly turning to advanced chemical management systems like PLZ Corp's ProductVision to remain competitive and compliant. These tools are essential for managing the ever-changing regulatory environment and integrating new ingredients.
"ProductVision allows us to pull in public lists and run queries against these and our portfolio of chemicals, set alerts on chemicals for various monitoring reasons, and collect all supplier documents in one place," explained Dickstein. Such systems support the creation of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and ingredient listings, ensuring products meet regulatory requirements and maintain safety standards.
Addressing environmental concerns & formulation conversion challenges
Environmental concerns, particularly regarding "forever chemicals" like PFAS, are significantly influencing formulation strategies in the industry. Many states have introduced specific reporting requirements for these substances.
Dickstein highlighted that "PFAS are a rapidly evolving topic, and companies are now approving new formulas that don't contain PFAS." This shift demonstrates a broader industry commitment to adapting to regulatory changes and reducing environmental impact.
Converting and re-releasing product formulations to become more sustainable also poses significant challenges, primarily in maintaining production continuity and supply chain stability. "Maintaining production without disrupting the supply chain or impacting our customers' bottom line is crucial when converting and re-releasing product formulations," Dickstein noted.
He concluded that having an agile team that stays abreast of industry trends is vital for successfully managing these transitions.
Successful innovation through customer-centric solutions
Innovation is a cornerstone for advancing in the cosmetics and personal care industry, Dickstein continued. Companies are investing in skilled chemists and regulatory experts to drive product development, and he explained that frequent "blue sky innovation sessions" with vendors are common practice, focusing on integrating up-and-coming ingredients into current formulas and staying ahead of market trends.
For example, leading-edge innovation, especially in aerosol products, involves navigating formulation tensions between environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, superior product performance, and material availability, he illustrated.
Further, he added, the industry's commitment to customer needs and regulatory compliance is unwavering. "We keep customer needs at the forefront of our decision-making and have dedicated resources towards innovation, fostering creativity in formulation, and providing products that meet current regulations and safety standards," said Dickstein.
This customer-centric approach ensures that products are effective, safe, and economically viable.
Future trends and considerations
The cosmetics and personal care industry is poised for continued innovation and adaptation. Key focus areas will likely include sustainable ingredients, increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable ingredients, staying ahead of regulatory changes, and ensuring compliance.
Adopting advanced technologies for formulation and chemical management will be crucial for efficiency and safety, and understanding and responding to evolving consumer preferences will be essential for maintaining market relevance.
