Finding success as a product developer takes a multi-faceted, tactical approach to formulating that allows you to develop a deep well of knowledge, skills and professional relationships. The following principles helped me become a successful formulator and develop many successful products. I hope you’ll use them to find a greater degree of success in your career as a formulator.
Become an innovator not an inventor. The difference? Innovations make money, while inventions often don’t. | |
Develop long-term relationships with suppliers and partner with them on your projects. | |
Develop world-class raw material science expertise. Raw materials are the tools you need to create formulation options and solve technical problems. Most formulators are option-limited due to lack of knowledge of materials. | |
Develop formulation breadth and depth. Learn how other industries solve similar formulation problems. Get experience formulating a broad variety of personal care products. | |
Managing risk is critical for any timeline driven project. Always develop multiple options as an insurance policy. | |
Kill poor technical approaches quickly. | |
Always benchmark your formulations against the best. | |
Quickly identify killer issues. These tend to be freedom to practice, safety, stability, or regulatory related issues. | |
Become a salesman for your ideas and be persistent. Influence with data and prototypes. | |
Understand the current state of the art. Learn from currently marketed products and ingredients. Study and monitor the patent art for newly issued and expired patents. | |
Knowledge is power. Archive what you learn in an easily accessible way. |
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