TD Labs ยท Boutique cosmetic lab
How We Work With Brands
You have a formula, a product concept, or a problem, and you need expert chemistry support to move it forward. We scope the work, set a timeline, and get it done.
Path A
Project-Based Work
For brands with a specific project.
You have a formula, a product concept, or a problem, and you need expert chemistry support to move it forward. We scope the work, set a timeline, and get it done.
Start here
Formula Review | $699
A cosmetic chemist's on-paper review of your formula: structure, preservation approach, pH fit, ingredient compatibility, claims, readiness to scale, and ingredient use levels against regulatory and industry limits, such as preservative maximums, IFRA fragrance limits and ingredients that would make your product an OTC drug. Anything that raises a safety concern gets flagged. You get a written report and a proposed formula with prioritized next steps, ingredient sourcing with supplier links, and packaging recommendations with links. Turnaround is 7โ10 business days from when we receive your formula. Lab testing is separate.
One follow-up review: if you change the formula based on the report, send it back within 30 days and I'll review the updated version.
Best for: Brands with an existing formula that needs a professional second opinion before scaling or going to market.
Custom Formulation
Every formula is different. We'll scope yours on a free call.
Complete product development from concept to production-ready formula. Includes research, lab samples, iterations, stability guidance, and full documentation. You own the formula. Timeline is 4-6 months depending on complexity.
Best for: Brands ready to invest in a formula built specifically for their vision, ingredients, and target market.
Beauty Founder Strategy Call
30 minutes of real talk from someone who's been in your shoes.
You don't need a chemist right now, you need a founder who's done it. This is a focused 30-minute call where you bring your biggest questions about scaling, retail readiness, SKU strategy, pricing, vendor relationships, or whatever's keeping you stuck. I built and scaled my own brand into major retail. This call is that experience, distilled into direct answers for where you are right now. No fluff, no upsell, just honest guidance from someone who's navigated what you're navigating.
Book Your Founder Call โ
Path B
Ongoing Partnership
For brands that need a chemist on the team.
You're past the startup phase. You have products on shelves, a pipeline to manage, and decisions that need real chemistry behind them. Instead of hiring a full-time chemist, you get me, on retainer, on call, integrated into how your brand operates.
Essential Support 8 hours per month
Formula reviews and optimization Ingredient strategy and sourcing guidance Troubleshooting and stability support Implementation guidance Marketing claim and ingredient messaging support
Best for brands with active product lines that need consistent chemistry support without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Strategic Support 15+ hours per month
Everything in Essential plus: New product development and R&D Contract manufacturer coordination and liaison Product pipeline management Team training and SOP development Regulatory and compliance guidance
Best for brands with teams, multiple products in development, and a need for a true fractional R&D lead.
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A full-time cosmetic chemist typically costs $80,000โ$120,000 per year before benefits, management, and overhead. A fractional partnership with TD Labs gives you senior-level chemistry support at a fraction of that investment, scaled to exactly the hours your brand needs.
Both retainer paths start with a discovery call where we assess your brand's needs and recommend the right scope.
FAQ
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How do I know which path is right for me?
Do you offer payment plans?
Do I own the formulas you develop?
What's the turnaround on a Formula Review?
Can I start with a project and move to a retainer later?
What if I just have a quick question, do I need a full package?
Not sure which path fits? Let's figure it out together.
A 20-minute discovery call is the fastest way to get clarity on what your brand needs and how we can help. No pitch, just an honest conversation about where you are and what makes sense.
Book Your Discovery Call โ