Need help turning your product idea into a real formula? Speak to an experienced formulator and get expert guidance before you invest in manufacturing.

Whether you're launching a supplement, skincare product, cosmetic, beverage, pet product, or functional food, the formulation stage is where successful products are built. A good formulator can help you avoid costly mistakes, improve performance, ensure compliance, and prepare your product for manufacturing.

At Create Products, we connect founders and brands with experienced formulators who can help bring your idea to life.

What Does a Formulator Do?

A formulator is responsible for creating the recipe, composition, and technical specifications of your product.

Depending on the category, a formulator may:

• Develop a completely new formula
• Improve an existing formula
• Reformulate a current product
• Match a competitor product
• Source ingredients
• Review ingredient compatibility
• Improve flavour, texture, or performance
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Prepare products for manufacturing

A formulator acts as the bridge between your product idea and the final product your customers receive.

When Should You Speak to a Formulator?

Many founders wait too long before involving a formulator.

Ideally, you should speak with a formulator before:

• Purchasing packaging
• Designing labels
• Ordering ingredients
• Engaging manufacturers
• Making product claims

This helps ensure your product is commercially viable before significant money is spent.

Products That Typically Require Formulation

Supplements

Including:

• Protein powders
• Greens powders
• Hydration products
• Gummies
• Capsules
• Tablets
• Functional beverages

Skincare

Including:

• Moisturisers
• Serums
• Cleansers
• Sunscreens
• Masks
• Anti-aging products

Cosmetics

Including:

• Foundations
• Lip products
• Makeup
• Colour cosmetics

Food & Beverage

Including:

• Functional foods
• Nutritional products
• Drinks
• Ready-to-mix powders

Pet Products

Including:

• Pet supplements
• Functional treats
• Health products

Why Speaking to a Formulator Early Saves Money

One of the biggest mistakes founders make is spending money on branding, packaging, and marketing before confirming the product can actually be made.

A formulator can quickly identify:

• Ingredients that are incompatible
• Claims that may not be permitted
• Manufacturing challenges
• Stability concerns
• Cost issues
• Supply chain risks

Fixing these issues early is significantly cheaper than fixing them after packaging has already been printed.

Common Reasons Brands Hire a Formulator

Create a New Product

You have an idea but don't know where to start.

Improve an Existing Formula

You want better performance, taste, texture, or cost efficiency.

Change Manufacturers

You need a formula review before transferring production.

Reduce Manufacturing Costs

A formulator may be able to achieve similar outcomes with more cost-effective ingredients.

Expand Into New Markets

Different countries have different regulatory requirements.

A formulator can help adapt your formula for:

• Australia
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Europe
• UAE & GCC
• Asia-Pacific markets

Questions to Ask a Formulator

Before engaging a formulator, consider asking:

• Is my product idea technically possible?
• What ingredients would you recommend?
• What ingredients should be avoided?
• What manufacturing formats are available?
• What are realistic MOQs?
• What certifications are available?
• What testing will be required?
• How long will development take?
• Who owns the intellectual property?
• What is the estimated manufacturing cost?

The answers can save months of delays later.

What Information Should You Provide?

The more detail you provide, the better guidance you'll receive.

Helpful information includes:

Product Concept

What are you trying to create?

Target Customer

Who will buy the product?

Desired Benefits

What outcomes should the product deliver?

Preferred Format

Examples include:

• Powder
• Capsule
• Tablet
• Liquid
• Gummy
• Sachet
• Jar
• Tube

Target Markets

Where do you plan to sell?

Budget

Understanding your budget helps identify realistic pathways to market.

Formulation vs Manufacturing

A common misconception is that formulation and manufacturing are the same thing.

They are often separate services.

Formulation

Focuses on:

• Product development
• Ingredients
• Performance
• Stability
• Compliance

Manufacturing

Focuses on:

• Production
• Filling
• Packaging
• Quality control
• Logistics

Many manufacturers offer formulation services, but not all do.

Understanding this distinction helps you find the right partner.

How Long Does Product Formulation Take?

Development timelines vary depending on complexity.

Typical projects may involve:

• Initial consultation
• Research and ingredient selection
• First prototype
• Revision rounds
• Stability testing
• Manufacturing preparation

Simple products may be completed within weeks, while complex projects can take several months.

How Create Products Helps

Instead of spending weeks searching for formulators, Create Products allows you to submit one brief and get matched with qualified experts.

Find formulators across categories including:

• Supplements
• Skincare
• Cosmetics
• Food & beverage
• Pet products
• Functional ingredients
• Wellness products

Whether you're starting with an idea on a napkin or looking to improve an existing product, we can help connect you with the right experts.

Ready to Speak to a Formulator?

Submit your project brief today and get matched with formulators who can help turn your concept into a manufacturable product.

The earlier you involve a formulator, the faster and more efficiently you can bring your product to market.