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[services]
moreFormulation
[inquire]We believe that inclusivity and efficacy are intertwined in cosmetic R&D. We develop science-forward, custom product formulations that include the unique needs of melanin-rich skin and textured hair. If you’re speeding to market, we recommend our clever, on-trend private label offerings.
Testing
[inquire]Substantiate product claims with consumer testing panels, or clinical testing panels led by our Harvard-trained dermatologist. Our clinical and consumer testing panels recruit from our community of diverse, beauty-loving testers for compelling product claims.
Consulting + Advisory
[inquire]Building a beauty product is non-linear, and all about problem solving. Lucky for you, problem solving is our jam. Our consulting sessions are designed to assist your brand in unraveling tough R&D obstacles so you can focus on the fun stuff.
SULA LABS CLOSES INCLUSIVITY GAPS IN BEAUTY THROUGH DEVELOPING HIGH-QUALITY FORMULATIONS, CONDUCTING DIVERSE HUMAN TESTING, AND DEVELOPING SCIENCE-FORWARD INGREDIENTS.
Meet The Founder
AJ Addae is a cosmetic scientist and clinical researcher. Her academic research background spans cosmetic chemistry principles, sunscreen photochemistry, melanin-rich skin & textured hair, and inclusivity outcomes in clinical testing. Her scientific work has earned national awards including from the National Science Foundation, has been published in peer-reviewed chemistry and dermatology journals, is profiled by platforms like BeautyMatter and TEDx. She's built products for brands in retailers across the country, for major retailers, physicians, and indie beauty brands. Inspired by her experience in writing and science communications, AJ is committed to building a beauty industry where inclusivity and efficacy are the same conversation.
FAQ'S
How does SULA LABS close inclusivity gaps in beauty?
Over the years, we’ve built a core research & product efficacy database that closely examines the painpoints, gaps, and needs of melanin-rich skin and textured hair. We allow brands to utilize diverse panel testing and textured hair testing wherever possible during the product development process. Additionally, unlike most testing companies, our consumer and clinical studies guarantee at least 50% of subjects with melanin-rich skin (skin testing) or textured hair (hair testing). Lastly, we believe in our core that inclusivity governs efficacy.
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How do we work with you?
If you’d like to develop products, fill out our intake form and we’ll let you know if your project is a good fit. If you’d like to do testing, reach out to us at testing@sula-labs.com. If you’d like to do consulting, please reach out to product-development@sula-labs.com.
Does SULA LABS sell skincare products?
No, we don’t. But we build really cool ones for other beauty brands.
How long does product development typically last?
On average, the product formulation process lasts about 3 months, and the compliance testing process lasts about 3 months. The compliance testing process includes a 12 week formal stability testing timeframe, and a concurrent 4 week preservative testing timeframe.
Do you develop products in line with Sephora Clean, Credo Clean, and Ulta Clean standards?
Yes. In addition to these, we can develop products within various global retailer compliance lists, thanks to our regulatory process powered by The Good Face Project.
How many iterations are included in product development?
We work on a retainer-basis, so you have unlimited iterations included in product development during the duration of the retainer.
Do you develop sunscreens & OTC products?
Yes, but we only take a few sunscreen& OTC projects a year due to how much effort we like to spend on these.
Does SULA LABS manufacture?
No, we’re an R&D and testing lab. The products we develop are tech transferred to your brand, and manufactured at either your manufacturer of choice, or at one of our highly-trusted partner manufacturers who care about your projects just as much as we do. The manufacturer of choice is tailored to your project’s needs.
What is the MOQ for manufacturing?
Our manufacturing partners can go as low as 2500 units.
What kind of products do you not develop?
We don’t usually do hair growth oils, self-tanners, depilatories, mascaras, nail products, and products that claim “all natural/organic”, “chemical-free”, or “preservative-free”.
What’s the difference between clinical testing & consumer testing?
Clinical testing requires dermatologist oversight, utilizes instrumentation for quantitative results, and has a longer lead time due to ethical approvals. Consumer testing can be done more rapidly, focuses on consumer insights, and includes language that resonates more directly with consumers.
What kind of things do you require to get started?
We require a strong product brief with an extremely clear vision of what you’re developing. If the vision is unclear, the product development process might reflect that. If you’re your brand is stuck on the vision or its unit economics, we strongly recommend scheduling consultation sessions with us.