Custom Cream Formulation for Personal Use: Feasibility, Process, and Cost
Question
I'm thinking about ordering a custom cream for personal use, based on my own formula.
My skin type is oily, with clogged pores, acne redness, and dullness.
I have the following questions:
1. If I want to order a custom cream, do I need to order a large quantity, or can I order just one or two jars?
2. If I want to order a custom cream, how should I start? Do I need to create the formula myself?
3. What would be the approximate price per jar if I could order a custom cream in a small quantity?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
Answer
Subject: Regarding custom cream formulation for personal use
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in creating your own cream formulation. Based on your questions about making a custom cream for your oily skin with acne, redness, and dullness, here is some information:
- Minimum Order Quantity: Unfortunately, ordering just one or two jars of a custom-formulated cream is generally not feasible. Cosmetic manufacturers typically require very high minimum order quantities, often in the thousands of units, because of the setup costs involved in research and development, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, testing, and packaging. Small-batch custom formulation for personal use is usually not offered by standard manufacturers.
- How to Start: Creating a cosmetic formula requires specialized knowledge in chemistry, ingredient properties, stability, preservation, safety testing, and regulatory compliance. It's a complex process that goes beyond simply mixing ingredients. For personal use, it's usually more practical to find existing products that match your skin type and concerns or explore simpler DIY methods if you are interested in hands-on creation (though be aware that DIY requires careful research regarding ingredient safety and preservation). Developing a unique formula for manufacturing requires expertise and significant investment.
- Estimated Cost: Because custom formulation and manufacturing involve significant fixed costs (R&D, testing, setup), the cost per jar would be extremely high if you were to order only a few units. These costs are spread across thousands of units in mass production, making individual jars affordable. For a very small custom batch, the cost per jar would likely be many times more expensive than even high-end commercial products, making it impractical for personal use.
In summary, while the idea of a personalized cream is appealing, the process of custom manufacturing is designed for mass production and is not suitable for ordering just a few jars for personal use due to the high minimum quantities and associated costs. You might find it more effective to explore the wide range of existing products available for oily, acne-prone skin or look into reputable DIY resources if you are interested in making products at home (with caution regarding safety).
I hope this clarifies the process for you.