End to end
Idea to finished product: all seven stages under one project manager and one timeline.
How we work
Seven stages, one team, concept to shelf.
Run the whole development with CSL, or join at the stage you need. Every stage hands straight into the next, so nothing is lost between suppliers.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
How Guires CSL takes you from brief to batch
How long does cosmetic product development take? A full project typically takes 21 to 36 weeks from brief to pilot batch, and less if you already have a formula. Here is every stage, with typical week ranges.
Start your project with Guires CSLThe stages
What happens at each stage.
- Brief & concept1–2 weeks (typical)Target consumer, benchmark, claims wish-list, markets, pack and target cost agreed in a written brief. More
- Formulation4–8 weeks (typical)Ingredients screened for each market, bench trials and a shortlist of formulas. More
- Prototype2–6 weeks (typical)Sample rounds, sensory refinement, fragrance, colour and packaging until you sign off a golden sample. More
- Testing12+ weeks (typical)Accelerated stability gives a first read at about 12 weeks; challenge, micro and safety work run alongside. More
- Claims & clinical support3–12 weeks (typical)Patch tests, use trials and efficacy studies, scoped to the claims. Usually runs in parallel with stability. More
- Regulatory2–8 weeks per market (typical)Safety reports, notifications and label review for each market on your list. More
- Pilot & scale-up3–6 weeks (typical)Micro-batches for launch, then tech transfer to full production. More
Launch timeline calculator
How long will my product take?
Tick the stages you need. Testing, claims and regulatory work overlap, so the total is shorter than the sum.
Typical total21–36 weeksTypical ranges only. Your proposal gives dates for your product.
Ways to work with us
Pick the engagement that fits.
Pick a service
Already have a formula? Book testing, claims support, a market file or a pilot batch on its own.
Retainer
A monthly plan for brands with a growing range: reformulations, label reviews and regulatory watch.
Before your first call
What to send us.
The more we know, the sharper the proposal. None of it is required to start.
- Product type and format
- Target consumer and skin or hair type
- A benchmark product, if you have one
- Claims you would like on pack
- Launch markets
- Pack type and size
- Target retail price or cost per unit
- Launch date
You own your formula. We sign an NDA before you share your brief, and the formula and its documentation are yours.
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.