The product encyclopedia.

Plain-language guides to formats, ingredients, packaging and compliance — written by the people who run the lines.

Technical guides Updated monthly No fluff

All guides Compliance Formats Formulation Ingredients Materials Packaging Quality Sourcing

Packaging 6 min read

A pack made of one polymer is recyclable in the existing stream. Every additional material reduces the chance it is actu…

Packaging 6 min read

Decoration is where the pack's perceived value is decided, and where the cost per unit quietly triples. Know the ladder.

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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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Send it over. If it is a common one, it becomes the next article — and you get the answer first.

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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