How can software be used when tackling issues related to formulation and regulation?

Pere Adell Winkler, Kosmetikon, outlined the potential of software solutions for professionals working at the formulation and regulatory level at a recent industry event - the Cosmetics Consultants Europe group’s Open Academy in Barcelona.

Winkler suggests that there are some key elements that software should usefully incorporate to cater to the needs of formulators and wider cosmetics brands.

“IT tools have to progress as fast as the regulation and the market, to be able to give a service that does automatic work by itself and frees up the time usually spent on this routine work for doing the really valuable activities​,” he says.

Where can software step in?​

Winkler outlines the following areas across raw material management and formulation management where software can save time and free up formulators for more innovation.

These are:

Raw materials​

In terms of information on raw materials, software can include:

• A synopsis/brief overview of the material: what does it do, core properties

• Marketing presentation: how it is active on the skin/hair; a summary of marketing-relevant points related to the ingredient

• Specifications/batches/stock levels of the raw materials going to the lab

• How to use the material in formulations: heat required, minimum/maximum supplier recommends for formulation, etc

• MSDS information: any warnings available on the materials used

• Regulation requirements

• Black list restrictions: i.e. some products will have the requirement of a formula that can make free-from claims, like paraben-free, so some ingredients are restricted.

• Efficacy tests of raw materials

• Commercial documentation library

• Sample management: quantities/batches coming in, so the quantities of stock can be managed

Formulation​

In terms of information on raw materials, software can include:

• Project management

• Tests: stability, compatibility, etc

• Operating mode

• Regulation based on ingredients

• Reports - ingredients lists, qualitative formulas, labels

• Formula MSDS based on raw materials

• CPNP Communication: frame formulas, specific ingredients, etc

• Packaging management

• Document management

• Contacts management

What is the Open Academy?​

The CCE’S Open Academy first edition (16 October 2017) saw a series of eminent experts from across the industry Europe present on various hot topics.

Highlights include presentations on non-animal testing methods for next generation ingredients, software tools for formulation and regulatory affairs, and CPR, REACH and Brexit. Further information on the CCE can be found here​.​