In this episode of Demystifying Cosmetics, host Jennifer sits down with Eva Sandnes, a seasoned natural product development consultant with over 20 years of experience in cosmetic formulation. They dive deep into the complex journey of transforming a beauty concept into a market-ready product, exploring the challenges of scale-up, regulatory compliance, and ingredient selection. Eva shares her extensive expertise in emulsion chemistry, product stability, and the critical considerations brands must navigate to successfully launch a cosmetic product.Key TakeawaysProduct Development is a Long Journey• Typical cosmetic product development takes 18-36 months• Requires extensive testing, regulatory compliance, and careful scalingScale-Up Challenges• Lab batches are not representative of final industrial products• Viscosity, stability, and color can dramatically change during manufacturing• Precision equipment and careful testing are crucialRegulatory Complexity• Different global markets have varying regulatory requirements• EU regulations are particularly stringent, especially for sunscreens• Comprehensive documentation is essentialIngredient Selection Matters • Choose ingredients from reliable sources • Conduct thorough safety and toxicity testing • Consider long-term availability and market trendsTechnical Expertise is Critical• Having technical knowledge in-house or through consultation can save time and reduce risks• Understanding material compatibility and formulation nuances is key