COSMOFACTORY

CosmoFactory is taking a break and will be back at the start of September. We are very excited to be bringing you a fresh format and all new episodes later this summer. In the new format you’ll continue to hear CosmoFactory host Deanna Utroske interview cosmetic industry experts and specialists from all along the supply chain. Tap ‘follow’ on your favorite podcast platform to be sure that new Cosm...

There is more to cosmetic product development than in-the-lab innovation. Teams that create and reformulate are responsible for not only the efficacy, experience, and safety of a product but also profitability, which depends upon cost of goods—from ingredients to packaging and beyond—as well as marketing, customer acquisition, and more. This episode is a selection from the archive, and a good conv...

Bringing novel ingredient science to the consumer market is an opportunity, a challenge, and a risk. Turning that innovation into a brand that changes beauty consumer expectations and impacts an entire product category is an even greater undertaking. This episode is a selection from the archive, and a good conversation to revisit while the CosmoFactory team works behind the scenes to refresh this...

Sourcing and designing cosmetic ingredients with biotechnology presents a tremendous opportunity to realize next-level efficacy, traceability, originality, etc. We are only at the beginning of biotech, but thanks to pioneering suppliers, our industry already has a practical history of learnings to draw on as we innovate for the future. This episode is a selection from the archive, and a good conve...

Investor dollars play an important role in the innovation economy. Yet finding and nurturing founders who can imagine and iterate on the tech platforms, business models, and product development strategies that will help the cosmetics industry advance is a skills unto itself. This episode is a selection from the archive, and a good conversation to revisit while the CosmoFactory team works behind th...

Education is the foundation of innovation. As cosmetic science becomes more sophisticated and industry regulations more rigorous, the schools where students learn about beauty, biology, chemistry, and material science are more vital to the future success of our industry than ever. This episode is a selection from the archive, and a good conversation to revisit while the CosmoFactory team works beh...

There are more mission-driven brands and suppliers in beauty now than ever before. And those that standout and succeed in our industry are not only determined to effect change for the greater good but also recognize that consumer connections, quality products, and profitable operations make the mission possible. This week on CosmoFactory, we hear from the founder of a mission-led skincare brand th...

The cosmetics and personal care industry is only just beginning to realize what is possible with beauty tech tools. Consumer, supply-side, and enterprise applications of AI technologies expand every day as innovative companies develop new capabilities and increase interconnectivity among stakeholders.   This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about next-gen skin analysis SaaS and how a sin...

Proprietary ingredients are more in-demand than ever as beauty makers look to distinguish their products with matchless benefits and memorable science stories. Accordingly, a select number of contract manufacturers are adding ingredient development to their portfolio of services, offering brands not only novel ingredients but an added layer of trust and traceability.    This week on CosmoFactory,...

Cosmetic industry regulations vary from region to region and are updated quite often. To keep pace with it all, many brands and manufacturers partner with third-party compliance management specialists that oversee regulated matters such as safety, labeling, claims, sustainability, ethics, and more.    This week on CosmoFactory, we consider the link between regulatory compliance and brand growth. O...

Courageous beauty startups are finding opportunity in mature markets, developing premium brands that compete with commodity goods.   This week on CosmoFactory, we hear from a challenger brand in the premium shave category. Our guest is Allegra Violante, CEO and Co-Founder of Fler, a design-forward shave brand intent on creating products and a narrative that help consumers “feel good” about body ha...

Beauty tech takes many forms. One of which is the digital teammate, an AI tool or platform that helps both customers and companies find time for the work that matters most.    This week on CosmoFactory, we hear about the role of AI in B2B brand experience. Our guest is Chiara Arborea, Export Manager at PDT Cosmetici. Founded in 1996, PDT Cosmetici is a contract manufacturing company specialized in...

Every personal care product format requires specialized manufacturing expertise—even those that might feel commonplace, like bar soap. And it’s these types of production capabilities and category know-how that keep our industry at once stable and set for progress.   This week on CosmoFactory, we explore the world of solid soap manufacturing. Our guest is Ian Moore, General Manger at The Soap Facto...

Today’s consumer is seeking an increasingly complex understanding of skin biology and active ingredient mechanisms of action. This new reality is changing how brands, manufacturers, and ingredient makers create and market the products they sell.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn how legacy cosmetic industry suppliers are using research, positioning, and innovation to better meet m...

Often today, the tangible brand experience happens post-purchase and, at least initially, relies largely on operational excellence. As a result, the 3PL teams that support beauty brands have unique and valuable cosmetic market insights.   This week on CosmoFactory, we consider the nuance and necessity of fulfillment. Our guest is Emily Di Fante, Business Develop Manager at International Logistics...

Companies in the B2B sector have tremendous potential to reach beyond transactional activities and economic metrics—to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing and success of the communities, colleagues, and customers around them.    This week on CosmoFactory, we explore the social dimensions of business along the cosmetic industry supply chain. Our guest is Francesco Faraoni, Junior Project Manag...

Online consumer behavior signals can provide the cosmetics industry with actionable information about trend diffusion and buying intent. Right now, brands, agencies, and suppliers are watching this presales data to better understand and capitalize on the longevity trend across skincare, hair care, body care, color cosmetics, and wellness.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we dive into the...

In the US market, consumer preferences correlate to a craving for self-expression and social belonging. This may be especially true in the fragrance category.    On this week’s episode of the CosmoFactory podcast, we find out what cultural anthropology can tell us about fragrance. Our guest is Miranda Gordon, Chief Creative Marketing Officer at Punk Champaign. Building on years of industry experie...

Lower-priced alternative cosmetic and fragrance products appeal to consumers like never before. The beauty dupe movement is thriving, thanks to social media, new consumer attitudes, and brands taking a creative-imitation approach to NPD.   This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider beauty dupes, what is driving the movement, how brands are responding, and what could derail the success of t...

There is more to cosmetic product development than in-the-lab innovation. Teams that create and reformulate are responsible for not only the efficacy, experience, and safety of a product but also profitability, which depends upon cost of goods—from ingredients to packaging and beyond—as well as marketing, customer acquisition, and more.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn about the...

Bringing novel ingredient science to the consumer market is an opportunity, a challenge, and a risk. Turning that innovation into a brand that changes beauty consumer expectations and impacts an entire product category is an even greater undertaking.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we consider how ground-breaking brands can grow even after the hero innovation is normalized in the marketp...

Cosmetic ingredient companies commonly develop starter formulas as inspiration for brand leaders and contract manufacturers. Some suppliers are taking product development a step further and partnering with brands to execute market-ready product briefs.     This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about cosmetic ingredient makers providing product formulation services to brands. Our guest is...

Successful niche beauty brands have a passionate consumer base with strong repurchase behavior. This is true because the business structure behind a cosmetics or personal care brand shows up on the shelf; and consumers are drawn to brands that match their own sensibilities.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast we hear how an indie beauty brand, expert in essential oils, structures its supply c...

An international network of scientific experts, academic and corporate partners, and cosmetic industry connectors are valuable assets for any brand with global aspirations.    This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we hear about the vision, strategy, and science behind one of today’s rapidly rising cosmetic companies. Our guest is Lieve Declercq, Chief Scientific Advisor and Vice President of the...

In the age of cosmetic industry transparency, ingredient sourcing and traceability are at least as compelling as brand story. This is true for leading-edge biotech innovations, time-tested naturals, and everything in between. This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we discover the past, present, and future of skincare made with donkey milk. Our guest is Yoon Tak Ok, Global Sales Manager at Woo &amp...