As brands plan for the year, it’s common to reassess what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus next, especially when evaluating wholesale skincare products that form the foundation of a scalable line. One question often sits at the center of those conversations: Which product categories truly anchor a strong, scalable skin care line? While trends come and go, most successful skin care collections are built on a familiar foundation. A small set of core categories consistently shapes everyday routines and defines how customers first experience a brand. Getting these right creates clarity for customers and flexibility for brands as they grow. The Role of Foundational Categories Across skin care lines, four categories tend to do the heavy lifting: cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. Together, they form a complete routine that feels intuitive, repeatable, and easy to return to. Rather than chasing novelty, many brands find long-term success by refining these essentials and ensuring they work well together. Cleansers: The Entry Point Cleansers are often the first product a customer tries, and the one they use most consistently. This category builds brand affinity and lays a foundation for the entire line. Straightforward, daily-use formulas help establish trust and create a reliable starting point for the rest of a routine. Because cleansers are used so frequently, texture, rinse-off feel, and overall experience tend to matter just as much as formulation choices. When done well, a cleanser quietly anchors the entire collection. Toners: Creating Continuity Toners play a supporting but important role. Positioned between cleansing and treatment steps, they help routines feel cohesive rather than disjointed. For many brands, toners are an opportunity to introduce lightweight formulas that prepare the skin for what comes next. Rosewater toners, in particular, remain popular for their gentle, conditioning feel and versatility across routines. They’re often easy for customers to understand and incorporate, making them a reliable part of a foundational lineup. Serums: Creating Room for Growth Serums create room for growth within a skin care line. By offering lightweight, routine-friendly formulas, brands can introduce a broader range of ingredients and add depth to their assortment without overwhelming customers. This flexibility allows customers to personalize routines while keeping the overall structure easy to follow. Moisturizers: Bringing It All Together Moisturizers complete the routine and often become daily staples. They can be formulated for use day or night and tailored to suit a wide range of skin types. Many brands offer moisturizers across a range of textures—from rich creams to lightweight lotions—allowing customers to choose what feels most comfortable for their preferences and environment. Options that can be customized with or without fragrance, including gentle formulations suited to sensitive skin preferences, add versatility while keeping the core lineup cohesive. Ingredients like CoQ10 are increasingly incorporated into this category for their vitamin-rich profiles and compatibility with lightweight textures. Cream-to-gel formats, in particular, offer flexibility across seasons and skin types, making them a strong choice for everyday use. Why These Categories Work Together Individually, each category serves a clear purpose. Together, they create a routine that feels complete without being overwhelming. Brands that prioritize these core products often benefit from: Clear entry points for new customers Repeatable routines that encourage ongoing use Lineups that scale thoughtfully without overextension By focusing on foundational categories first, brands can build credibility and consistency before expanding into more specialized offerings. Building With Intention Revisiting foundational categories isn’t about starting over. It’s about ensuring the core of your line continues to support where you’re headed. Thoughtful formulation decisions at this level often make future growth simpler. At NourishUs Naturals, we support brands across foundational skin care categories with wholesale skincare products, manufacturing guidance, and documentation support. Whether you’re refining an existing lineup or building from the ground up, we’re here as a resource as you plan what’s next.

Scaling up cosmetic formulations from the lab to full-scale production can be one of the most challenging stages in product development. What works flawlessly in small batches often behaves differently at scale due to variations in mixing, temperature, equipment, and ingredient behavior. This guide explores the key scientific, regulatory, and practical considerations that can help ensure consistency and quality at every stage.  The Frustration of Scale-Up Anyone who has scaled a cosmetic formula knows the frustration: a formulation that performed perfectly in the lab fails when moved to a larger batch. Even slight changes in equipment, mixing speed, or temperature distribution can lead to entirely different results. Historically, formulators had the time and budget to explore these variables through extensive testing, but modern R&D cycles are leaner and faster, making proactive planning more important than ever. Example: A facial cream that emulsified perfectly in a 1-pound batch began separating when scaled to 200 pounds. The issue was traced to the mixing speed and order of ingredient addition, which were slightly different in the larger vessel. Troubleshooting Failed Batches  When a batch fails, start with your records: confirm ingredient lot codes, supplier sources, and ensure that the correct versions of materials were used. If everything aligns, replicate the batch under controlled lab conditions. Comparing the new test with both the successful pilot and failed production batches can help show whether the issue lies in formulation or process execution. If the problem cannot be traced, you must destroy the batch. The FDA does have regulatory standards such as 21 CFR 211.115(b) in which it says that the batch be destroyed rather than reworked to protect consumer safety.  Example: A batch of shampoo turned cloudy during production. Lab recreation revealed that the preservative was added at a higher temperature than recommended, causing instability.  Why Scaling Up Is Not Linear  Scaling up is not as simple as multiplying ingredients. Factors such as surface area, vessel geometry, and fluid dynamics change dramatically with volume. As Paul Vogt, PhD, of Albany Molecular Research notes, 'Nothing ever scales linearly—you never get an easier process as you move up in size.' Understanding how shear rate, heat transfer, and residence time change is essential for consistent product quality. In short: scaling is a science of controlled adaptation, but truly we tend to think of it as a science and an art.   Example: A lotion that needed 10 minutes of mixing in the lab needed 45 minutes in a 500-gallon tank to achieve the same consistency due to slower shear rates.  Key Variables and Common Pitfalls Successful scale-up depends on finding and controlling the process variables that most affect product consistency. Among the most important are mixing speed and duration, heating and cooling rates, ingredient order of addition, and pH adjustment timing. Formulators should also account for changes in viscosity, ensure adequate mixing time between phase additions, and document every step for reproducibility.  Ingredient handling methods also change significantly with scale. For instance, incorporating a 50-pound block of shea butter requires different techniques than using small lab samples. Equipment setup, including pumps, pipes, and mixing blades, must be evaluated to prevent quality variations or mechanical stress on materials.  Example: A body butter did not whip properly because the cooling rate was too fast, causing premature solidification of butter before emulsification.  Mixing, Equipment, and Temperature Control Mixing and temperature control are central to scale-up success. Larger vessels change heat transfer dynamics (heating and cooling take longer), which can affect viscosity, color, and even preservative stability. Increasing temperature to compensate can lead to oxidation or degradation of sensitive ingredients. Pilot-scale testing helps fine-tune parameters before full production and prevents costly large-batch failures.  Example: A serum containing hyaluronic acid lost its viscosity when heated above 156°F during scale-up. Pilot testing helped find the best temperature range.  Scientific and Regulatory Considerations  Under FDA and EU GMP standards, every cosmetic batch must be traceable and reproducible. Maintaining Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs), Batch Production Records (BPRs), and detailed supplier information ensures compliance and helps root-cause analysis. ISO 22716 also requires documented validation for critical parameters such as temperature and mixing.  Example: Quality Control department was able to quickly trace a preservative issue to a specific batch thanks to detailed BPRs, avoiding a costly recall.  Economic and Market Realities Scale-up isn’t purely technical and as a business, you must always remind your formulator and compounders of this, as it is also financial. Ingredient minimum order quantities, packaging lead times, and equipment capacity directly affect batch economics. Many brands now rely on contract manufacturers that provide pilot facilities, automated controls, and digital batch traceability. Using small pilot reactors and data-driven process validation minimizes waste and reduces costs.  Example: A customer reduced production costs by 30% by switching to NourishUs Naturals that offers automated filling lines and bulk ingredient sourcing.  Sustainable Manufacturing The future of cosmetic scale-up is sustainability. As sustainability becomes integral to brand value, practices such as waterless formulation, biodegradable ingredients, and closed-loop systems are becoming industry standards.  Example: Some shampoo brands have reformulated their shampoo into solid bars, reducing water usage, cutting plastic packaging, and thusly earning praise from eco-conscious consumers.  Conclusion Scaling up a cosmetic formula is both a science and an art. It requires patience, precise documentation, and adaptability. By embracing modern tools, regulatory rigor, and data-informed decision-making, formulators can ensure that what works in the lab scales beautifully in production, helping in delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality products every time.  At NourishUs Naturals, we aim to make the manufacturing experience easier, smoother, and more transparent. Call or email our team today to chat with a live representative; our experienced team can help walk you through a large project. We focus on fostering real customer interactions and pride ourselves on transparency, clear communication, and integrity every step of the way. Specializing in small to medium businesses, we are ready to give customers the care and handling they deserve.

Caring about hair, makeup, and clothing isn’t a 21st century concept. While beauty standards have changed across time and cultures, our ancestors have always found ways to beautify themselves using their available resources and knowledge of the world to guide them. Historically, society has used their appearance to signify wealth, status, and personality—and for far longer than you may think. Continue reading to learn about the history of hair care products around the world, and how it has shaped the hair care industry we are used to today. Turning Back the Clock Across continents and centuries, two cultures in particular helped lay the foundation for the cleansing rituals we now recognize as modern hair care: the ancient communities of the Indian subcontinent and the traditional soapmakers of West Africa. Long before chemists bottled formulas or laboratories refined detergents, these societies relied on botanical knowledge, natural resources, and cultural practices to create some of the earliest documented forms of hair cleansing. In South Asia, the practice of chāmpo—a therapeutic massaging and cleansing ritual—emerged as early as the Indus Valley Civilization. People washed their hair with plant-based ingredients rich in natural saponins, such as shikakai, reetha (soapberries), amla, and fenugreek. These herbal blends didn’t just cleanse; they reflected a holistic approach to beauty rooted in Ayurveda, where caring for the hair was intertwined with wellness, ritual, and aromatherapy. This deep tradition is also what ultimately introduced the word shampoo into the English language in 1762, adapted from the Hindi word chāmpo (चाँपो). Meanwhile, in West Africa, generations of artisans developed what the world now knows as African Black Soap, or Ose Dudu. Crafted from plantain peel ash, cocoa pod ash, and nourishing oils like shea or palm, this soap became a versatile staple used for both skin and hair. Its unique composition offered gentle yet effective cleansing, and its production relied on craftsmanship passed down through oral tradition. Though African Black Soap emerged later than the earliest Indian herbal cleansers, it remains one of the oldest historically documented examples of naturally derived soap used for hair care — and represents a profound legacy of ingenuity within African communities. Together, these traditions tell a shared global story: that humans have always sought ways to cleanse, condition, and care for their hair using what nature provided. From saponin-rich botanicals to ash-based soaps, these early practices paved the way—directly and indirectly—for the modern formulations we rely on today, reminding us that the roots of hair care run far deeper than the shelves of any contemporary beauty aisle. Shampoo While the first version of liquid soap was credited to inventor Hans Schwarzkopf in 1927, the modern concept of “shampooing” took shape much earlier. In 1814, Sake Dean Mahomed introduced “Mahomed’s Steam and Vapor Sea Water Medicated Baths” to England, bringing therapeutic scalp massage and cleansing treatments to the Western world. His influence helped spark new interest in hair hygiene and laid the groundwork for commercial shampoo formulas to come. By 1900, Josef Wilhelm Rausch created one of the earliest liquid shampoo products, (Shampooing)Champooing, further modernizing hair cleansing. Schwarzkopf then helped mass-produce and popularize liquid shampoo in Europe, bringing it to the mainstream.But it doesn’t end there! What we know as shampoo today took a major leap in 1934 when Proctor & Gamble introduced the first synthetic, detergent-based liquid shampoo — shifting the industry toward the surfactant-rich formulations still used in most modern products. Conditioner Conditioners help moisturize the hair by adding moisturizing ingredients and locking in natural oils. For thousands of years, people from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and so on have been using hair oil to do just this, but this does not fit our modern definition of conditioner. What we know as conditioner today didn’t come around until the 20th century when Edouard Pinaud invented and presented it as a product called Brilliantine at the 1900 Parisian Exposition Universelle. It was a perfumed, greasy liquid made of fatty alcohols and silicone and was originally marketed for men’s hair, beards, and mustaches. 80 years later, Proctor and Gamble would once again make history by creating the first 2-in-1 shampoo in 1987. Dry Shampoo One of the earliest renditions of what we know as dry shampoo can be traced back throughout what we know as Asia during the 15th century. Women would apply a dried clay powder to their hair to remove oil, and the people of the Elizabethan era did the same. In the 18th century, men would use starches to freshen their wigs, which is why they were often referred to as “powdered wigs.” It wasn’t until the 1940s that the Stephanie Brooke Company of New Jersey City invented Minipoo, mainly consisting of talc and magnesium carbonate. In the 1970s, Klorane created the first sprayable dry shampoo, but it was marketed towards hospital patients or those who were bed-bound, mainly mothers! But this product took the world by storm, and it was Batiste that ran with it in 1975, making it the most popular dry shampoo brand on the market. Hair Oil As previously mentioned, hair oil has been used for an incredibly long time and is considered an ancient science. Because of how old the application of hair oil is, it is hard to give one period or region credit for its invention, but we can begin by looking at Africa. Africa is a vast continent consisting of 54 distinct countries, but we know that many have used castor oil for myriad applications.Because of the continent’s often sunny and dry conditions, castor oil was the popular choice for keeping hair moisturized. Some historians date it back to 1500 B.C. in ancient Egyptian medical texts, but at the time, it was used to treat eye irritations, so its first use as a hair product is uncertain. Pomade Stylists use pomade, or hair wax, to style the hair and keep it in place. In the past, animal fat was used as a pomade. Once again, we can credit this invention to the ancient Egyptians, who used it to style intricate braids, waves, and curls. Romans and other European tribes did something similar, still using animal fat as the main ingredient. It wasn’t until the 20th century that other ingredients started to replace animal fat. During this time, ingredients such as petroleum jelly and beeswax became more popular, although lard was still used. Even then, it wasn’t until the 2010s that water-based pomades were invented, which are much easier to remove. Hair Relaxers The first hair relaxers were credited to a man named Garret Augustus Morgan, Sr., in 1913, when he invented a product he called G.A. Morgan’s Hair Refiner. This relaxer was a mixture of alkaline chemicals and lye, but lye-based relaxers weren’t commercially processed and sold until the 1970s. As you may well know, lye is a dangerous chemical and would damage the hair if left on for long periods or not washed out completely. However, this does not negate the cultural significance of and the revolution caused by hair relaxers when they were introduced to the African American community. In 1981, Johnson Products Company (who also invented the first permanent hair relaxer in 1965) invented and sold the first non-lye-based hair relaxer known as Gentle Treatment. While it still used alkaline chemicals, it contained chemicals that were less harsh, such as potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide.     Ultimately, what we can take away from this history is that caring for your hair goes back generations, is different in each place in the world, and always takes inspiration from its natural surroundings. Looking for hair care products that prioritize these same ingredients utilized by our ancestors? NourishUs Naturals provides you with an entire hair care catalog to choose from, starting with wholesale shampoo and conditioners, to high end hair oils. With superstar ingredients like honey, aloe, chamomile, shea butter, jojoba oil, and much more, our dedication to formulating products that make you look and feel your best is incomparable.

NourishUs Naturals: Important Information for Cosmetic Resellers As of July 1, 2024, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) has been implemented. NourishUs Naturals is not liable for the legal obligations associated with their customers selling cosmetics, we are only liable for ours. However, we strongly advise our customers to obtain at least a basic liability insurance policy if they plan to resell products. We also recommend testing any products you purchase from us, especially if you’re adding other ingredients to them. While we stand by the quality of our products, once the container is opened, we cannot be held accountable for it, as we cannot truly verify how it has been handled or stored.   Facility Registration All U.S. cosmetic products must be produced in FDA-registered facilities. NourishUs Naturals' facility number (FEI) is 3003887109, located at 2245 NW Nicolai, Portland, OR 97210.   Small Business Exemptions Small businesses with annual sales under $1 million may be exempt from some requirements, except for products posing higher risks, such as those used near the eyes or intended for internal use. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) By the end of 2025, cosmetic products must be manufactured according to FDA-issued GMPs. NourishUs Naturals, is cGMP certified, and will ensure all products meet these standards. Registration and Listing Facilities that manufacture or process cosmetic products for U.S. distribution must register with the FDA and renew their registration every two years. Companies must also provide annual product listings. Adverse Event Reporting Companies must report serious adverse events to the FDA within 15 days and maintain records. Serious adverse events include those leading to death, hospitalization, significant disability, or disfigurement. Safety Substantiation Manufacturers must ensure the safety of their products through testing, research, or other evidence. NourishUs Naturals provides third-party testing results for newer products and evidence for older ones. Customer Compliance Responsibilities Our customers are responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local regulations throughout the entire lifecycle of the product. NourishUs Naturals can provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for products we manufacture and sell. We urge all customers to seek legal counsel to ensure their products meet all applicable regulatory requirements. Labeling and Packaging Cosmetic products must comply with FDA and state labeling requirements, including country-of-origin labeling. Packaging must be safe and compliant with regulations.   General Definitions Definition of Cosmetics According to the FD&C Act, cosmetics are defined as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” Cosmetics categories include: Baby products such as shampoos and lotions Bath preparations such as bath oils and bath soaks Eye makeup preparations such as eyeliner and mascara that doesn’t make claim to hair growth Fragrance preparations such as cologne and perfumes Hair preparations such as conditioners and styling products Makeup preparations such as foundations and blushes Manicuring preparations such as nail polishes and cuticle oils Oral products such as mouthwashes or toothpastes that don’t claim to whiten teeth Personal cleanliness products such as shower gels and deodorants Shaving preparations such as shaving cream and aftershave splash Skin care preparations such as creams and lotions Suntan preparations such as tanning lotions and oils Tattoo preparations Some traditional soap products fall outside the FD&C Act definition of cosmetics, but many are still regulated as cosmetics, especially if they claim to moisturize or deodorize. Products intended for animal use are not regulated by the FDA but by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Cosmetic Tools and Accessories Tools and accessories designed to enhance appearance, such as hair dryers, nail clippers, and makeup brushes, are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, not the FDA. NourishUs Naturals sells a few supplies and packaging options. Cosmetics as Drugs or Medical Devices Some cosmetic products may be treated as drugs or medical devices if they are intended to treat or cure diseases or affect the body's structure or function. Examples include: Skin Disease treatments such as Acne, Psoriasis, etc; Antiperspirants Sunscreen products even once that claim a protection without a qualifying SPF number. Dandruff and thinning hair treatments Hair removal device.   Regulations to Know About Legal Requirements for Cosmetics Cosmetics must meet various federal and state regulations, including manufacturing standards, safety reporting, and registration/listing with the FDA. Labels must include an identity statement, quantity of contents, manufacturer details, material facts, warnings, and ingredient lists FDA Approval for Cosmetics Cosmetics do not require FDA approval, but they must comply with all relevant regulations, including ingredient restrictions, manufacturing practices, and labeling requirements. Cosmetic Product Ingredient Statement FDA Form 2512 is frequently requested when selling in certain markets. This form is not a requirement by the FDA but can be helpful. The form should be filled out by the individual brands as the information requested is regarding the final retail product. Big Box Store Regulations Before selling to major retailers, ensure compliance with their specific regulations. State Requirements Some states have additional licensing and registration requirements beyond federal ones. Check with your local commerce department for specifics. Claim Verification All product claims must be truthful and substantiated. Claims about treating diseases or affecting the body's structure may classify a product as a drug. The FTC regulates cosmetic advertising and requires all claims to be supported by scientific evidence. References and Regulations FD&C Act and FDA regulations Cosmetic labeling and GMP guides FTC compliance guides ISO 22716 certification for GMP