How a Skincare Product is Made: From Lab to Shelf

When you wake up in the morning and wash your face, you’re probably not thinking about how your skincare got to you. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes before your cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens land on store shelves. Understanding that process is not only fun and interesting, but it can also help you understand the skincare choices you are making.

The Creative Process

Step one is deciding what the skincare is going to do, and the problems it will solve. Some products are aimed specifically at sensitive skin, while others are meant for oily or dry skin. This step is more of the creative process, which includes identifying problems and gaps in the skincare industry that need to be solved. For example, Girlyish Skincare’s Glowing Girly Routine was created by sisters Macy and Madison to provide teens and tweens with a simple and age-appropriate routine. They saw the harmful skincare trends targeting youth and wanted to create a safe skincare brand that still felt fun and trendy. 

The Work Begins

Once the goal has been established, it’s time to start formulating. This is a careful process, where cosmetic chemists test ingredients and combinations to make sure that the products will do what they’re intended to do and won’t cause any issues. They check that the tester versions feel good on the skin and that they are shelf-stable. This means that the skincare won’t separate or go bad too quickly, and will stay in its original condition long term. The formulation process is one of the longest, but also most important, steps of the lifecycle. It’s crucial to make sure that the products use safe ingredients and work as intended.

Test Time

The next step is also one of the most important parts of the process. Once a good formula has been found, it has to undergo extensive testing to make sure that it is safe and won’t cause any irritation. These tests ensure that only proper ingredients have been used, and that no foreign contaminants have been introduced. The FDA does not generally test most cosmetic products, however, it does regulate the creation of cosmetics and will step in if a product has been found to be unsafe, adulterated, or mislabeled. For sunscreens, this is the time when the formula will be SPF-tested and approved by the FDA as an "over-the-counter drug." This is why your favorite sunscreen has a drug label on the packaging, while your cleanser and moisturizer might not.

Let’s Get Cooking

Once the formula has been perfected, your skincare moves on to the manufacturing stage. The products are made in large batches in a carefully controlled factory. These factories follow strict guidelines and regulations to make sure that the skincare remains pure and uncontaminated. Equipment is meticulously cleaned and sanitized, and workers wear protective clothing. This is to prevent physical contamination and the transfer of harmful pathogens. You can rest assured that your skincare is coming to you clean and safe!

Make It Cute

They say appearances don’t matter, but with skincare, they sure do! Especially for teens, with so many choices in skincare, decisions on which products to buy are made based on looks and vibes. Skincare companies design their bottles and packaging based on what types of consumers they are aiming for. Skincare geared to older adults tends to be more simple and muted, while teen skincare products are often unique and bold. The way that each item is designed creates a personality for the brand, and can become instantly recognizable to shoppers. Even an excellent product that offers great results often times won’t make it into the hands of buyers unless there is an aesthetic appeal. Product design is a huge part of the skincare manufacturing process. 

Beyond the cute packaging, labels must include certain information. Ingredient lists, instructions, manufacturing information, and even warnings if the product requires them, such as those with active ingredients. 

End Of The Journey

Now that the skincare has been created, tested, and designed, it’s time for it to make its way to store shelves and shipping boxes. However, just because the products have been distributed, it doesn’t mean the company’s journey has ended. Now it’s time for them to advertise, run social media accounts, and continue to monitor customer satisfaction and reactions. Even with all the testing and regulations, things aren’t always perfect, and companies are always ready to address any concerns. The journey never ends!

Knowledge Is Power

Why is it important for you to know the lifecycle your skincare products go through? For one, understanding the process can help you feel more confident about the personal care choices that you’re making. It also helps you make more educated decisions when choosing skincare for you and your teen. Your skin will be with you forever, and making the best selection can help your skin glow and thrive long term!