Cosmetic Software: What Is It and How to Use It Well?

To the uninitiated, the connection between software and cosmetics may not be self-explanatory. Chemistry is not one of those areas most commonly associated with the use of computers. Yet, cosmetic software has become a central part of the modus operandi chemists have to abide by, for several reasons. To understand why cosmetic formulation software is now so ubiquitous, it is interesting to look at what it does and how it is used.

What Is Cosmetic Software?

Cosmetic software addresses the complexity of cosmetic product formulation in a number of different ways. Beyond the formulation itself, regulations, marketing, and various approval processes create a need for flawless coordination in the manufacturing procedure. Formulation software not only assists chemists at the actual formulation stage but provides a means of ensuring the end product will be compliant and ready to hit the shelves in a timely manner.

Using cosmetic formulation software well equates taking advantage of the many features it offers and integrating them at every phase, from research and development all the way to marketing.

Cosmetic Formulation Software as a Compliance Management Tool

One of the most prominent features of cosmetic software is compliance management. A product’s PIF, for instance, must include a series of highly detailed documents where every aspect of the product is referenced clearly. Cosmetic formulation software is designed to make establishing the INCI and filling out the PIF a matter of course. Whatever the country of commercialisation, the program is intended to make full use of an extensive database and to ensure all legal requirements are met, be it from a labelling perspective or for the formula itself.

Cosmetic Formulation Made Simple

Naturally, one of the main areas where cosmetic manufacturers can see cosmetic software become truly invaluable is actual formulation. Long gone are the days when creating a new formula was a process of trial and error where chemists had to mix in their ingredients countless times until they finally got the results they were hoping for. Instead, cosmetic formulation software facilitates this step by calculating quali/quanti values throughout the process, updating them as the operators tweak their formula.

The program puts a whole database of pre-approved combinations at their disposal and ensures they keep the concentration of every single ingredient they add within the legal thresholds. This allows chemists the freedom to experiment with their base formulas knowing that the software will not let them veer away from pre-defined standards. They can get as creative as they like and test out theories to create innovative products based on the requirements of their R&D team, playing with scents, textures, and effects as they see fit. If they inadvertently include too much of an allergenic ingredient or are unhappy with a new addition, their cosmetic software saves a formulation history they can use to trace back their steps. This means they can revert to a previous version of their work.

Flawless Workflow Organisation

Without a sound development strategy, a new cosmetic product may never see the light of day. Once again, cosmetic software has a part to play in coordinating the actions of everyone involved, from supply chain operatives to the marketing teams, all the way to the legal specialists who ensure the product gets approved by competent authorities.

In essence, the program plays the role of a hub all relevant actors can be connected to in order to access the information they require to carry out their respective tasks. No need for impractical exchanges between team members who may or may not have the latest version of an important document. Cosmetic software can centralise every aspect of the production process and guarantee new products are developed, formulated, and marketed as efficiently as possible.