Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Custom Formulation over Private Label?

Custom Formulation means that each formula that is created is one of a kind and exclusive to each client. Private label, on the other hand, is where the only difference between two bottles of product is the label. Inside the bottle, the formulas are the same. At B&R Products, Inc., all we do is custom formulation. Each and every product is created by our chemists to meet the desires of our clients in every way.

We believe the better choice is custom formulation. Not only will your product be exactly the way you want, you will also be in a much better position to market and sell your product because you know exactly what is in each bottle and you know it is the best.

Is Custom Formulation More Expensive?

Custom Formulation can be more expensive than private label in the short term, but can be much more rewarding over the long term. The answer to which way you should go depends on your long term goals for your product.

If you need to solve a short term problem, then private label might be your best bet. If you have a dream of creating a line of remarkable products that are a reflection of you and your customers' needs, then custom formulation is the best choice.

What Type of Testing is Done?

We do several tests to make sure your product is safe and effective. We do compatibility testing which ensures your product will not react negatively with the packaging component you have chosen. We also do stability testing to make sure your product's preservative system remains intact and that the product will be shelf stable for at least two years. Finally, we send out a sample of each batch of product we produce for you to a third party laboratory to make sure there is no microbial contamination (fungus and bacteria).

The biggest thing we do to prevent issues in the first place is follow the Food and Drug Administration's cGMP guidelines. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and it basically means we have systems in place to guide how we maintain sanitation and how we manage raw materials and production (the little c stands for cosmetics).

How Much Will My Product Cost?

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions and unfortunately one that is impossible to answer until a formula has been created and approved. Here's why:

Our chemists have over 10,000 ingredients to choose from when creating your formula. Some of these ingredients are really inexpensive (e.g. deionized water)...and some, like exotic oils from mysterious places, are extraordinarily expensive. So the final cost depends on what goes into your formulation.

The best way to handle the cost issue is to let us know how you plan to market your product and what your budget is. We can offer you some guidance on what your target cost should be depending on the market you are going after.

Simplified, we will match your formulation to meet your price and profit objectives.

I Don't Know Anything About Cosmetic Chemistry. How Can I Create Something Remarkable?

You know more about cosmetic chemistry than you think. You know if you like the feel of something on your skin or in your hair. You know what smells you like and dislike. You know if something feels too thick or too thin. You know what properties you are looking for. Plus, you know about a wide range of products you like and dislike.

Taking all of this information into consideration, our chemists can custom formulate a product that will knock your socks off. Best of all, it is reflection of you. And that is what your clients are really buying, isn't it?

How Long Does It Take?

Initial formulation generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how busy the lab is. Subsequent changes to a formula take less time.

Once the formula has been approved, we can start the stability and compatibility tests we mentioned earlier. This "accelerated" testing takes 4 weeks to complete. Once we have the test results, you can place your order for your product to go into production. Production can take 6 to 8 weeks and is dependent on how quickly your product's ingredients come in. Some ingredients are harder to source than others, and will take longer to get to us.

What Is My Minimum Order Run?

Our minimum run is usually around 300 gallons, but is handled on a case-by case basis. Because of minimums for certain ingredients, you may find that is makes more sense financially to run more than the minimum order. The more you order, the less cost you will see per unit. We will discuss all of this in more detail with you once your custom formula has been approved.

What Other Services Do You Offer?

In addition to custom formulation and production, B&R can help you out in the following ways:

Branding and Packaging - As part of our service, we will help you create a brand for your product, assist you with label and packaging design, assist you with choosing your components, and discuss sales and marketing strategies with you. We even offer turnkey if you do not wish to handle the ordering of your packaging components and labels on your own.

Warehousing - We maintain your product in our warehouse and ship it out to you or your clients as needed.

I Have a Question Not Answered Here...Now What?

Just give us a call, or email us and ask! You can reach our Sales Department at (800) 944-5846 Ext. 152, via email at info@brpro.com or by filling out the contact form on the Contact Us page.