If Launching A Skincare Range Is On Your 2026 Bingo Card; This Is A Must Read.

Every founder starts with an idea. It could be a product, a market need, a gap they're seeing that is begging to be filled. But something I see all too often? Founders jumping into formulation before really understanding the process. Here are some ideas of what you need clarity on before pulling the trigger on your formulation idea.

Who are you serving?

This could also be phrased what problem are you solving? Knowing your audience through and through. Where do they buy? What is their budget? What brands are they currently using? What are their skin needs? Having clarity on who you want to appeal to gives a formulator a stronger understanding of where to begin.

Where are you selling?

Are you exclusively e-commerce or are you looking to have stockists? Maybe both. Having a plan of where you are going be showing up helps set your target purchase price and gets us thinking about your MOQ needs. This influences ingredient selection in a big way! Some raw materials are only available in huge drums. If you're doing small runs, the financial burden of these materials may lie on you. Having cash tied up in raw materials is not helpful when you're trying to build momentum.

Have you set a realistic timeline?

I have heard time and again "I'm hoping to launch by the end of this year" .... In November. Some specialty ingredients can have lead times of 6 weeks. There goes your goal! Whatever you think your launch date is, add a year! There are other ways to fast launch, however. If this is something you're interested in let's chat about it.

Have you planned for future growth?

You may have your core few SKUs thought out, but, where does the innovation go from there? Range cohesion and a well designed range. Ultimately, your range needs to be user friendly. If your consumers are confused, they won't buy.

If you're considering launching a brand but haven't got a clue what it takes to even get started. A Discovery Call is your place to start. If you have made some progress already but are feeling a bit stuck through the process, a Strategy Call will be where you'll have one on one tailored advise on how to take the next action step. If finally launching your skin care brand is on your 2026 bingo card. Start now!

-The Clinics Formulator