Technology search and workshop
Innovative cosmetic raw ingredients
Client overview
A cosmetics company asked Strategic Allies Ltd (SAL) to carry out a search for new raw materials. The client intended to develop novel products with new functionalities, so had specific technical criteria that the ingredients needed to meet that included both physical and chemical properties. They were particularly interested in understanding whether chemicals used or being developed in adjacent industries could be applicable, and especially those that were bio-based and biodegradable. SAL was asked to search broadly and collect a range of technical data on each candidate ingredient, including human and environmental toxicity and solubility. The client wanted to prioritise a short-list of raw materials for internal R&D and product prototyping.
The search
SAL engaged their partner network and reviewed scientific and patent literature and industry websites, exploring individual compounds and molecule classes used in the food and beverage, pharma, medical, textile, electronics and agricultural industries. SAL examined scientific publications, technical data sheets and specialist websites to find the technical data the client needed. As the product was for human use, SAL collected toxicity data and cross-checked the materials against lists of substances that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics. Interviews with experts and suppliers were used to validate SAL’s research. SAL discussed the findings in weekly meetings with the client to prioritise promising candidates, conducting a deep dive on 5 molecule classes. SAL and the client agreed evaluation criteria for prioritising the best solutions and co-created a slide deck presenting the most suitable materials for an in-person workshop with the SAL team, where the client invited senior members of their R&D groups to review the search findings. SAL facilitated the workshop, presenting their research to the client team and capturing the outcome of the discussions to enable the client to decide the next steps.
“great toolkit (deep dive)”
…”perceived the workshop as very productive”…
Outcome
SAL identified 78 candidate materials from which 24 were shortlisted and presented in the workshop for the client team to review.
The client decided to progress 14 ingredients and review 2 more. The next steps were to assemble an internal R&D team to work on product formulation and prototyping.