The production flow of cosmetics

The manufacturing process of cosmetics is not really complicated, but it is not a simple thing to do well. It must be done in strict accordance with standards, otherwise, it will produce defective products that will lead to recalls.
We can simply divide the production process into four key stages, each of which must be managed in strict accordance with safety protocols and procedures.

Step 1: Material preparation

Cosmetics are a mixture of raw materials, so familiar with the physical and chemical properties of various raw materials is the primary condition, to determine the appropriate material percentage and addition sequence is an important factor in production.

Normally, some raw materials are made up of some need to be pre-treated, such as some need to be warmed in the warming room, some need to be pre-soluble through the solvent in order to mix in the main ingredient filling, some need to be pre-mechanical impurities, the water should be deionized, etc. This complex process prolongs the production time. Failure to follow the production instructions document carefully can lead to production problems.

The measurement of all materials is also very important and the process should ensure its accuracy, and determine its measurement method and unit of measurement.

Step 2: Emulsifying and mixing

Cosmetics are usually homogeneous mixed solutions or emulsions, and we do this by stirring so that the materials can be mixed evenly.

Based on the characteristics of the raw materials and the efficiency of the production process, water-soluble and oil-soluble raw materials must be mixed separately, and finally, the two groups of mixtures are then mixed fully by emulsification, high temperature (usually 60-75°C), and stirring.

The mixer is important. Many cosmetic products will have surfactants, which are prone to air bubbles, so it is common to make the liquid level not exceed the stirring paddle and try to avoid over-mixing to prevent the mixing of air and the generation of excessive air bubbles.

Step 3: Post-mixing processing

Whether you want to make transparent solutions or emulsions, before packaging, go through post-processing to ensure product quality and improve product stability.

• Homogenization: After emulsification, the stability is not good enough, it is best to go through the homogenization process again so that the particles of the dispersed phase in the emulsion are smaller and more uniform, is to make the product stability improved.
• Exhaust: Under the action of stirring, various materials can be fully mixed, but inevitably produce a large number of tiny bubbles, the vacuum device comes in handy now, it can quickly discharge the gas.
• Filtration: In the emulsification or mixing process, it is inevitable that some solid impurities will be brought in or left behind, or flocculants will be produced, which will affect the appearance of the product, so the filtration before packaging is necessary.
• Stewing: or aging, let the mixture standing for a period(normally 12-24 hours) to make it stable, the excess bubbles will also be automatically discharged.

Step 4: Filling and Packaging

Filling and packaging is actually very important, if something goes wrong it is likely to have to give up your previous work. Should strictly control the filling volume, do a good job of capping, labeling, boxing and record work. Packaging quality is as important as product quality.

These are generalized steps, if you want to know more, the flow chart below, is more detailed and specific production operation.

Of course, there are many factors that determine the quality of the product in the production process, such as the cleanliness of the environment, the quality of the water, the stability of the formulation, etc., all of which are to avoid microbial interference.