How do you see the difference between skincare sold at markets, in salons, in stores, or online? Are they all the same? Why do some feel luxurious and trustworthy, while others seem like something “cooked up at home”?
If you’ve ever wondered where your cream really comes from, let’s start from the beginning.
The Making of a Cream – It’s Not Just Mixing Oils and Water
There are two key aspects that make a cosmetic product fit for sale. The first one is the formulation itself.
Creams and emulsions (those that combine water and oils) are far more complex than they look. You need an emulsifier to bind water and oil into a stable texture. And that’s only the start! Everyone also wants more: anti-aging benefits, brightening effects, even tone, and of course — a lovely scent.
Creating such a balanced and effective product isn’t simple. It takes formulation skills, ingredient knowledge, and stability testing to ensure the cream remains safe and pleasant over time.
Cosmetic Safety and Regulations – What Happens Behind the Scenes
The second aspect is regulatory compliance. If you plan to sell a cream, it must meet strict safety and legal requirements. For example:
- Product safety and ingredient regulations (some ingredients are restricted or banned in New Zealand and Australia).
- Stability and preservative testing.
- Correct and transparent labelling.
No matter where you buy your cream at a pharmacy, boutique store, or artisan market, the manufacturer must follow the standards of the country where it’s sold. That means, in theory, all creams on the market should be safe and regulated.
But then… why are some brands associated with prestige, while others are seen as “homemade”?
Why Some Creams Feel More “Luxurious”
It often comes down to the story behind the product. How it’s developed, what ingredients are used, and how it’s communicated. Sometimes, prestige reflects years of formulation work, unique actives, or proven skin results. But other times, it’s just marketing.
As I often remind my customers, price doesn’t always reflect quality or complexity. A $200 cream might share similar actives with a $50 one — the difference could be packaging, marketing budget, or celebrity endorsements.
The best way to decide? 👉 Learn to read ingredient lists and listen to your skin.
And Finally: Some Fun Facts From the Cosmetic World
Here are a few things most people don’t know about skincare production:
- Every product has its own dossier.
It’s called a Product Information File (PIF), containing everything from formulation details and safety assessments to packaging photos. Without a PIF, the product cannot legally be sold.
- “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe.
Many assume that if a cream is natural, it must be gentle, but here is the truth:
- Even plant-based ingredients (like essential oils or botanical extracts) can irritate the skin.
- Concentration, combination, familiarity and preparation matter just as much as the ingredient itself.
- “Dermatologically tested” means human-tested.
Yes, real volunteers apply the product to their skin, and experts observe reactions over a specific period.
- Not all ingredients get along.
Some can’t mix due to different pH levels or reactive properties. That’s why making a stable cream isn’t as simple as it seems.
Curious? I explain all this during my skincare workshop, where we make a simple cream together — and talk about skin types, ingredient roles, and how to choose what truly suits your skin. Learn more here: www.oblack.co.nz -> workshop.
- Every emulsion needs a preservative.
Absolutely true! Try making one without it — and in a few days, you’ll have a jar full of bacteria, mould, or yeast. When it comes to skin safety, there’s no room for shortcuts.
So while it may sound tempting to “cook” a cream at home and start selling it, the reality is that cosmetic formulation requires expertise, testing, and compliance.
And that’s a good thing! It protects you and ensures your skincare is safe, stable, and effective.
If you’d like to understand more about how creams are made (and even create your own safely!), join one of my workshops — or discover the carefully formulated O’Black skincare range online.
✨ Because your skin deserves knowledge, care, and quality — not just a mix of ingredients.
Warmly, Andreja