Frequently asked questions.
Cost, minimum order, timelines, formula ownership, testing and regulatory questions, answered.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
Your questions, answered by Guires CSL
Answers to the questions brands ask Guires CSL most often: what cosmetic development costs, minimum order quantities, timelines, who owns the formula, how NDAs work, which tests and clinical studies a product needs, and how we prepare files for MoCRA, the EU CPSR and other markets.
Start your project with Guires CSLGetting started
Getting started.
How much does it cost to formulate a cosmetic product?
It depends on the product type, the number of actives, the claims and the markets. After a short brief call we give a fixed quote for formulation, and separate quotes for testing and regulatory work so you only pay for what you need.
How long does cosmetic product development take?
A full project typically takes 21 to 36 weeks from brief to pilot batch. Stability testing and claims studies usually set the pace, and projects that start with an existing formula are shorter.
What do you need from me to start?
A short brief: product type, target consumer, a benchmark if you have one, the claims you want, your markets, pack and target price. See the checklist on How we work.
How quickly will you reply?
A scientist replies within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.
Do you sign an NDA?
Yes, before you share your brief or formula.
Do you work with startups?
Yes. Many first-time founders come to us with an idea and a price point. See the Startups page.
Cost & commercial terms
Cost & commercial terms.
How do you price projects?
Fixed fees per stage, agreed in a written proposal. No hidden costs for sample rounds included in the proposal.
What is the MOQ?
Micro-batches are sized to your requirement. There is no factory MOQ.
Who owns the formula?
You do.
Can I move production to another manufacturer?
Yes. We provide a full tech-transfer pack.
Timelines
Timelines.
How long does a new product take?
Typically 5–9 months from brief to launch-ready, depending on testing, claims and markets. Use the timeline calculator on How we work.
How long does stability testing take?
Accelerated stability gives a first read at about 12 weeks; real-time studies continue to confirm shelf life.
Can testing run in parallel?
Yes. Claims studies and regulatory preparation usually run alongside stability testing.
Testing & claims
Testing & claims.
What does “dermatologically tested” require?
At minimum a dermatologist-supervised patch test or in-use study on the final formula. See the claim finder.
Do you test on animals?
No. We use validated in vitro methods, ingredient safety data and supervised human studies.
What is a challenge test?
A preservative efficacy test to ISO 11930 showing the product resists contamination during use.
Regulatory
Regulatory.
Can you act as our EU or UK Responsible Person?
Yes, through an EU- or UK-established legal entity named in your agreement.
Do I need to register under MoCRA?
Most brands selling in the US must register facilities and list products. Some small businesses are exempt. Read our MoCRA guide.
Can one safety assessment cover several markets?
An EU-format CPSR is the strongest base; we add market-specific documents.
Do you provide Free Sale Certificates?
We prepare the documents needed to obtain Free Sale Certificates and other export papers.
Start a project
Create your next product with CSL.
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.