Formats

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Formats 6 min read

A stick trades water for structure. That makes it stable, portable and easy to reapply — and limits how much active it c…

Glossary

Ten terms
worth knowing.

The vocabulary that comes up in every formulation meeting, in one page. Save it before your next supplier call.

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AHA Alpha hydroxy acid — water-soluble exfoliant (glycolic, lactic).

Anhydrous Water-free formula; the base of most capsule serums.

COA Certificate of analysis issued per batch.

Emulsion Two immiscible phases stabilised by an emulsifier (O/W or W/O).

HPMC Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose — the vegan capsule shell material.

INCI International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.

MOQ Minimum order quantity.

PIF Product Information File, required for EU placement.

SPF Sun protection factor, measured in vivo under ISO 24444.

TEWL Transepidermal water loss — a barrier-function measure.

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