A small skincare brand based in Ballarat, Victoria, had been producing a best-selling natural facial cream. However, customers began reporting inconsistent texture and a reduced moisturizing effect across different batches. The company, with fewer than 10 staff, lacked in-house lab testing capabilities and relied entirely on formulation notes from their original consultant.

They approached Labsure to help identify the issue. We conducted full qualitative and quantitative analysis of several batches and discovered that one key ingredient—shea butter—varied significantly in concentration, likely due to changes in suppliers and manual measuring errors.

Using precision component analysis (including GC-MS and HPLC), we were able to quantify the percentage ranges of each core component, including oils, emulsifiers, and preservatives. We then helped them establish a batch-specific reference formula sheet to guide future production.

We also flagged a previously undetected impurity in one plant extract ingredient, which, while not toxic, may have caused some of the customer-reported skin reactions. Labsure proposed a purified version of the extract and verified its improved consistency and purity through testing.

Within 2 months, the brand reported improved product uniformity, regained customer trust, and even received positive feedback for “improved skin feel.”