Who hasn't wondered about the creation of the cosmetics in their bathroom? After deciphering the INCI ingredient lists, today LAO reveals the behind-the-scenes process of formulating your favorite hair care products.

Whether it is conventional or natural cosmetics, the approach is very similar: formulation refers to the combination of active ingredients and elements to create a stable formula, for quality and effective products for our skin or hair.

Understanding the 3 Ways to Formulate Cosmetics

The white label

White labeling is a technical term for a business process whereby a brand sells products to its customers without being the manufacturer or even the supplier, without naming the latter, the originator of the formulation.

We speak of a white label when a commercialized cosmetic product is designed by a third party (laboratory, company, etc.) and the brand markets the product so that it appears as its own in the eyes of its customers.

The brand only buys a finished product from another company.
Customers are not necessarily aware of this approach when purchasing certain brands, but it is a very common practice!
And if we are aware of the origin of their products, we are talking about a grey brand or a free brand.

Internal laboratories

Some brands choose to work with an in-house laboratory, meaning the laboratory works exclusively with and for that brand in the development of its cosmetics. Unlike white label cosmetics, these are formulated with a specific focus and meet very specific specifications.

This allows for expertise and a real understanding of the brand's challenges because it is in direct communication with the laboratory.
This system is often used by well-known brands and large groups.

Custom made

Custom-made cosmetics are designed and adapted according to a desire, a problem...

Not necessarily having the means to invest in their own internal laboratory but not wanting to buy to market an already existing product, some brands call on a laboratory.

Together, the brand and the laboratory work on the product. This laboratory, unlike in-house laboratories, can also work with other brands, but will seek to formulate customized, even unique, products, unlike white labeling.

In some cases, a cosmetic brand is founded with a person with expertise in this field, also allowing for a more in-depth and personalized approach.

Discover LAO’s approach

From the very beginning, LAO's mission was to design cosmetics for the well-being of men and women while limiting their impact on our planet. This is how the desire to offer unique natural cosmetics was born.

Lisa, founder of LAO, no longer wishing to use conventional shampoos and disappointed with many natural shampoos, decided to reinvent naturalness.
Problems such as oily hair or an itchy scalp have guided the search for ingredients and active ingredients in the creation of cleansing treatments.

But not wanting to compromise, the foam and the appearance of the hair were also essential, which is why after a few years of research,

LAO has teamed up with a formulator to create the best possible formula for you.
What's more, each product is now co-created with you, the LAO community, based on your needs, your issues, your desires, your feedback, etc.

To learn more about Nathalie, our expert natural formulator, go right here .

What regulations apply to your cosmetics?

Your favorite cosmetics, whether natural or conventional, are subject to certain rules before they can be sold to you. We've already talked about the INCI list and labels , but there are many other standards and rules to follow.

Cosmetic products, that is to say products directly linked to the superficial parts of the human body, are regulated by European and French regulations.

But what is regulated by cosmetics?

Here are some examples:
- Substances, some are prohibited, others are subject to restrictions.
- Claims, you can't say anything and everything about your product, even if you want to highlight an active ingredient present, it is very important to be in compliance with the legislation and certain of the facts you put forward.
- During creation, rules also apply to materials, manufacturing premises, traceability, etc.

To find out more, the ANSM website lists the basic regulations on cosmetic products when setting up a business.

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