5 Common Mistakes Cosmetic Startups Make When Choosing Raw Materials

Launching a cosmetic brand is an exciting but challenging journey. One of the most crucial steps in developing high-quality products is selecting the right raw materials. However, many startups make costly mistakes in this process. Below, we highlight five common errors and how to avoid them.

1. Prioritizing Cost Over Quality

While staying within budget is essential for startups, choosing the cheapest ingredients can compromise product performance and safety.

  • Issue: Low-cost ingredients may contain impurities or lack potency.
  • Solution: Invest in high-quality, well-tested ingredients to ensure efficacy and consumer trust.

2. Ignoring Regulatory Compliance

Each region has strict cosmetic regulations, and failing to comply can result in product recalls or legal issues.

  • Issue: Ingredients that do not meet FDA, EU, or other regulatory standards can lead to bans or customer safety risks.
  • Solution: Work with suppliers that provide compliance documentation, such as SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and COAs (Certificates of Analysis).

3. Overlooking Ingredient Stability

Raw materials must remain stable throughout a product’s shelf life to maintain effectiveness and safety.

  • Issue: Some natural extracts degrade quickly when exposed to light, air, or heat.
  • Solution: Choose stabilized versions of ingredients and test formulations under different conditions.

4. Failing to Consider Supplier Reliability

Not all suppliers are created equal, and choosing an unreliable source can lead to inconsistent product quality and supply chain disruptions.

  • Issue: Some suppliers may provide inconsistent ingredient quality or fail to deliver on time.
  • Solution: Work with reputable suppliers who have a track record of reliability and transparency.

5. Not Testing Ingredient Compatibility

Different raw materials interact in unique ways, and failing to test compatibility can result in unstable formulations.

  • Issue: Certain combinations may cause separation, irritation, or ineffectiveness.
  • Solution: Conduct thorough formulation testing before launching products.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes can help cosmetic startups create high-quality, compliant, and stable products. By prioritizing quality, compliance, stability, supplier reliability, and ingredient compatibility, brands can build a strong foundation for success.

If you’re looking for high-quality, compliant raw materials, NST Chemicals offers a wide range of premium ingredients to support your cosmetic formulations. Contact us today to explore our selection!