Soft Matte Foundation

Root Cause

Poor pigment grinding/dispersion; unstable formula; no master color standard.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Provide physical master standard or CIELAB values for each shade. Require anti-oxidation complex. Mandate batch-to-batch color consistency (ΔE < 1.0).

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Use a spectrophotometer to compare production to the master standard. Visually check under a D65 light box. Apply on a card and check for color change after 4-8 hours.

Root Cause

Imbalance of mattifying powders and hydrating agents; low-quality ingredients.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Define target texture ('second-skin', 'non-drying'). Specify type and % of hydrators (e.g., Hyaluronic Acid). Request results from user panel testing.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Apply on skin and evaluate feel and finish after 1 hour and 8 hours. Check for settling into fine lines or clinging to dry patches.

Root Cause

Poor emulsification; formula instability; ingredient incompatibility.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Specify target viscosity range (e.g., 15,000-25,000 cps). Require full stability test results (freeze-thaw, 45°C for 3 months).

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Visually inspect for oil/water separation. Measure viscosity of bulk batch. Compare texture and flow against the approved pre-production sample.

Root Cause

Poor component quality; incompatibility between formula and packaging material (e.g., plastic swelling/cracking).

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Mandate formula-in-packaging compatibility testing for 8 weeks. Specify pump supplier or performance standard (e.g., actuation force, dosage consistency).

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Perform a vacuum leak test on a sample of filled units. Cycle test pumps (e.g., 50 actuations) to check for clogs or failure. Invert and store units to check for leaks.

Root Cause

Ineffective preservative system; non-GMP compliant manufacturing environment.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Require manufacturer to be ISO 22716 (Cosmetics GMP) certified. Request Preservative Efficacy Test (PET) data for the formula.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Send samples from bulk production and finished goods to a 3rd-party lab for microbial testing (Total Viable Count, Yeast & Mold, Pathogens).

Root Cause

Low-purity raw materials; residual solvents from manufacturing process.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Specify 'fragrance-free' and 'low odor' profile. Request a list of raw material suppliers.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Conduct an olfactory (smell) test comparing the production sample to the approved standard. Note any 'off' or chemical odors.

Root Cause

Poor handling on the assembly line; inadequate quality control for incoming components.

What to Specify / Ask Supplier

Provide an AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) for cosmetic defects on primary packaging. Specify print method and durability requirements.

QC Check (What "Good" Looks Like)

Visually inspect a sample of units for scratches, smudges, and print alignment. Perform a rub test on the printing to check for adhesion.