I'm a first-time, self-funded founder developing a skincare line specifically targeted at fungal acne (Malassezia-related), starting with a facial wash and a facial cream — open to working with one consultant across both or separate specialists for each.
What I need:
- A custom formulation designed around antifungal active ingredient(s) effective against Malassezia, not a general acne or antibacterial formula
- Guidance on ingredient selection and concentration, since I don't have a chemistry background
- Documentation I can hand to a contract manufacturer later: full formula/INCI list, stability testing plan, preservative efficacy (challenge test) plan, and recommendations for third-party safety assessment before any human testing
- A formulator who can also advise on transferring the finished formula to a small-batch contract manufacturer (I'm targeting under 500 units for a first run)
What I don't need yet:
- Manufacturing/production — I'm sourcing that separately
- A regulatory opinion on OTC-drug vs. cosmetic classification — I'm handling that as a separate track
About me: no cosmetics industry background, self-funded, this is a first product launch. I'd value someone comfortable working with a first-time founder and willing to explain tradeoffs in plain terms, not just deliver a finished spec.
Please share: relevant experience with antifungal/antimicrobial actives or Malassezia-specific formulation if you have it, your typical process and timeline for a project like this, and how you structure pricing (flat project fee vs. hourly).
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