The Lab Handoff Checklist

The decisions your chemist needs before sample one, collected in one place.

How to use this before you contact a lab

A laboratory cannot translate five references, six hero ingredients and “make it luxury” into one predictable sample. Complete this checklist first, then attach your answers to every development enquiry so partners quote and respond to the same product.

Do not worry if you cannot answer every technical point. Mark the unknowns. The point is to separate decisions you have made from decisions the chemist or strategist still needs to help you make.

1. Product job

The user, use moment and single primary job are written in one sentence. The benchmark and anti-benchmark are named by attribute, not as a request to copy. The things this product must never feel or do are explicit.

2. Formula direction

Hero ingredients have a role, specification and realistic use-level direction. pH, preservation, solubility and material compatibility risks are flagged. The laboratory knows where it has freedom and where it does not.

3. Sensory and pack

Pick-up, playtime, break, absorption, tack and finish are described. The pack type, fill size and dispensing assumptions are included. Compatibility under or over adjacent routine products is defined.

4. Commercial and proof

Target COGS, first-run volume, launch market and retailer constraints are visible. Desired claims are ranked and paired with an evidence or test route. Sample evaluation, ownership and revision responsibilities are agreed.

A useful starting point, not a safety sign-off.

Final formula, regulatory, claims, stability and safety decisions belong with the qualified partners responsible for your product and launch market.

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