It is easy to imagine chemists testing out different ingredient combinations and stumbling upon amazing innovations by building onto what has been made before and on their extensive knowledge.
The reality of the market, however, is that new products need to come out on a very regular basis and, though the products themselves are expected to be creative and original, the cosmetic formulation process is much more organised than that.
In addition to the fast pace that they need to sustain, manufacturers also have to observe very strict rules. Finally, the process involves many different actors and countless documents to centralise. Cosmetic software offers one convenient solution to address all these issues.
Cosmetic Software: A convenient Solution for Cosmetic Formulation
Thanks to cosmetic formulation software solutions such as the one provided by Coptis, cosmetic formulation is both a simpler and a quicker process.
Right from the development stage, an extensive project library gives the R&D team an excellent starting point from which to imagine creative new iterations based on whatever raw material they wish to showcase.
Cosmetic software grants them access to functionalities they can use to establish comparisons and adjust their marketing submissions.
Another very important aspect of cosmetic formulation is the constant state of change of regulatory restrictions. Raw materials may be considered safe for years, until they suddenly end up on a blacklist, either in one country or worldwide.
It is impossible for chemists to keep track of these changes in real time. This is where computer programs come in as they feature a dynamic database that is not only maintained up to date at all times but works hand-in-hand with the product development functionalities.
This means that, as technicians design their new formula, the software will automatically let them know them if they are misusing raw ingredients or if their concentration in the final product is not compliant.
These alerts can even be customised depending on which standards should be met (organic, nanoparticle-free, etc.).
Compliance with Regulations Made Easy
Another time-consuming part of a cosmetic formulation project is the administrative constraints. Each new product needs to be registered and undergoes a series of verifications prior to being approved for distribution.
Cosmetic software instantaneously performs regulatory analyses of the formula at every stage of its development, ensuring the product’s compliance with the standards enforced in the country or countries where it is to be sold.
It also automates the creation of ingredient lists, formula registration forms, INCI, PIF, etc. Readying a formula for exportation becomes a simple matter of clicking a button. Even packaging and labelling requirements are covered.
Centralisation of the Development and Manufacturing Processes
Cosmetic software can also be used to centralise the activities of the various actors involved in the development and manufacturing processes. A cloud-based solution – such as the one provided by Coptis – allows everyone to have access to the latest version of every document.
Information sharing between cosmetic laboratories and their suppliers is ideally streamlined.
With compatibility at the heart of these cosmetic formulation solutions, professionals can rest assured that the program will be integrated within their existing system seamlessly.
Of course, access should be customisable to guarantee the security of the data. Traceability is ensured and the availability of the information allows for optimal reactivity.
Using cosmetic software is an excellent way to keep track of every aspect of the cosmetic formulation process as it allows for extensive records to be kept.
These records make all relevant information available in real time, solving any reactivity issues that could otherwise exist. As soon as an actor requires a document, they can find its updated version with no effort.
This data is produced as the project moves forward and can be used to generate administrative documents such as the Product Information File, ingredients list, formula registration form, etc.
The cosmetic industry is characterised by how strict every aspect of the cosmetic formulation process needs to be. From administrative requirements to safety obligations and supply chain constraints, efficient centralisation is of the essence.
This is exactly what cosmetic software offers professionals in the sector who, instead of wasting time and effort with tedious tasks, can focus on their core activities.