Raw Material Selection & Substitutions Guide

An informative practical guide for cosmetic formulators, dedicated to highlighting the specific criteria for selecting & substituting each of emulsifier, surfactants, thickeners, emollients, preservative & active ingredients.

In addition to a simple explanation of “Cost Efficiency” in cosmetic industries & how to implement smart practical strategies to reach it.

Chapter (1): Raw Materials Selection Guide:

• General factors controlling selection of raw materials.
• Main factors controlling selection of:
• Surfactants (Functionality, foaming capacity & irritation potential).
• Emulsifiers (Selection criteria).
• Emollients (Types, classification & selection Criteria).
• Thickeners:
• Key factors affecting thickener selection.
• Difference between “Water-based” & “Oil-based” thickeners.
• Comparing “Carbomer”, “Xanthan Gum”, “HEC” & “Acrylates”.
• Difference between “Carbopol 940”, “Ultrez 10, 20, 21 &30”.
• Preservatives (Selection criteria & Classifications).
• Chelating agents (Disodium EDTA vs Tetrasodium EDTA).
• Active ingredients.

Chapter (2): Raw Materials Substitution Guide:

• Why substitutions are needed. 
• Ingredients of same INCI name are the identical?!
• Alternatives Selection Guide.
• Alternatives Selection & substitution steps for:
• Active Ingredients.
• Emulsifiers.
• Thickeners.
• Emollients & oils.
• Preservatives.
• Fragrance.
• Packaging materials.

Chapter (3): Cost Efficiency Techniques:

• Definition of “Cost Efficiency”.
• Bill Of Materials (BOM).
• Operational Cost.
• Profit Margin, Cost of goods sold (COGS) definition.
• Manufacturing & scaling-up Cost.
• Implementing Cost-saving strategies:
• Formula-related strategies.
• Packaging-related strategies.
• Process-related strategies.

Assessment Sheet.