The Custom Formulation Process: From Idea to Product

by DAHLIA KELADA August 21, 2025

From a Vision to a Vial: The Journey of Custom Formulation

Every exceptional skincare product begins with a single idea—a desire to create something that doesn't yet exist. It could be a unique blend for sensitive skin, a specialized balm for athletes, or a luxurious face oil with a distinctive botanical signature. For aspiring brand owners, the journey from this initial spark to a finished product can seem daunting. At Salve Naturals & Native Earth, we believe this process should be a collaborative and transparent one.

Custom formulation is the art of translating your unique vision into a tangible, marketable product. It’s a journey that moves through three distinct phases, each crucial for bringing your brand to life.

Phase 1: The Concept & Discovery

Before we ever enter the lab, the most important work happens through conversation. This phase is all about defining your product's soul. We start by asking key questions:

What is the core purpose of this product? Is it to hydrate, soothe, cleanse, or treat a specific concern?
Who is your target audience? Is this for a professional spa, an athlete, or a brand for new parents?
What is your brand's philosophy? Do you want a product that is fragrance-free, vegan, or USDA Certified Organic?

This initial phase is about refining your vision into a clear, actionable blueprint. We discuss the desired feel, scent, color, and texture, which serves as our creative brief for the formulation.

Phase 2: Formulation and Prototyping

Once the blueprint is complete, the true artistry begins in the lab. This is where we bring your idea to life by selecting and blending ingredients. Unlike using a pre-made base, custom formulation allows us to choose every single component, from the base oils to the active botanical extracts and natural preservatives.

We begin with small batch prototyping, creating multiple versions of your product. Each version is meticulously tested for stability, efficacy, and consistency. This iterative process allows us to fine-tune the formula based on your feedback. We may adjust the ratios of oils for a lighter feel, tweak the botanical extracts for a more potent effect, or try a different emulsifier for a smoother texture. This back-and-forth ensures that the final product is exactly what you envisioned.

Phase 3: Scaling Up to Production

Once we have a finalized, approved formula, the final phase is scaling it up for production. This involves calculating precise quantities and ensuring a consistent result across larger batches. We manage all aspects of the manufacturing process, from sourcing high-quality, raw materials to the final pour and packaging. This a critical step that guarantees every single product maintains the same quality and integrity as the prototype you fell in love with.

By choosing custom formulation, you're not just buying a product; you’re investing in a unique identity for your brand. It’s a commitment to quality, originality, and a deep connection to your customers.

Citations

Draelos, Z. D. (2015). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures (2nd ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (2014). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2019). Cosmetics Labeling Guide. Retrieved from FDA Website.

Article by: Dahlia Kelada MSHS-INTM, SALVE Founder/CEO, Integrative Medicine Educator, Cosmetic Formulator