Your Cosmetic Chemist

What I Wish I Understood Sooner as a Formulator? When I first started formulating, I automatically assumed unrefined meant superior. Raw. Pure. Straight from nature. It felt like the better choice. But as I deepened my studies in cosmetic chemistry and began developing products for clients, I realized something important: Refined and unrefined ingredients are tools — and each tool has a purpose. Let’s break this down properly. What Does “Unrefined” Actually Mean? Unrefined oils and butters...

The growth of handmade beauty has sparked amazing curiosity and innovation. Watching people explore ingredients, ask questions, and build confidence in formulation is one of my favorite parts of this industry. But there is one area where excitement has to pause and serious caution needs to step in. Sun protection. I see creators online sharing recipes for “natural,” “chemical-free,” or “non-toxic” UV products almost daily. And I’ll be honest — every time I come across one, it makes my stomach...