Working From Home? So do I.

Moving locations numerous times over the years has given me a fair bit of practice at getting various sizes and types of artisan labs set up and functioning. I have worked in my own home for many years.

To make matters even more challenging, my main interest is using botanicals, foods, and handcrafted extracts of all types in my cosmetics. This has given me years of experience in how to create and maintain a production-friendly level of sanitation - regardless of location.

It can be a real task if the only available ‘lab’ is a vintage room with chipped countertops and limited storage space that doubles as the family kitchen, but that was one of my ‘labs’ for almost 3 years. Every product I developed there passed assessment and was approved for sale in Europe – home of the world’s strictest cosmetics regulations.

This guide contains an overview of basic guidelines with a healthy portion of additional tips based on my own experience.

From Beginners to Practiced Artisans

Even if you are ‘only’ making products in small batches for yourself and your nearest ones, establishing a good working protocol is vital to creating consistent quality and enjoying a successful outcome.

GMP also helps you eliminate doubt about what to check and where to look for possible causes if a batch doesn’t turn out as expected (which happens to everyone at one time or another).

Creating and implementing GMP will also give you a solid foundation for getting your products to market should you decide to sell your creations at one point.

If you’re already making (and selling) from your artisan lab, you’ll find loads of helpful tips from my many years of experience of working with challenging ingredients.

You’ll also find inspiration on how to set up your own system of documentation for tracking your ingredients, suppliers, and batches.

Learn How to Make Your Own System

Although general GMP (good manufacturing practice) guidelines exist, it’s up to every maker/producer of cosmetics to design and implement their own GMP protocol.

Why?

Because no 2 cosmetics making facilities are the same.

This guide is full of tips on everything from what to look for when choosing tools and storing ingredients to working smart, clean, and keeping everything organized.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

So many people have asked me over the years what is necessary when it comes to preparing the workspace. It’s understandable that it can feel confusing.

This guide includes a section on cleaning and sanitizing your workspace and preparing tools and equipment for batch making.

There’s also a step by step instruction on making your own sanitizing solution that can be used on work surfaces, tools, and cosmetic containers.

And speaking of cosmetic containers, another popular question is about sanitizing them. When is it necessary? There are illustrated tips and examples to help you tackle this question included in the guide.

Documenting

Keeping accurate and detailed notes is a vital part of GMP - but there are only general guidelines available, so it’s up to each artisan to create their own system of documentation.

The section on documentation shows you how to record your batches, keep track of your stockroom, and includes lists of what to consider along with tips on how to create your own functional system. It’s also full of suggestions on what to be mindful of and how to get your system to work with you and for you.

Featured in this Guide

• What GMP (good manufacturing practice) is and how you can put it to use

• Basic guidelines and tips on tools

• Cleaning, sanitizing, and information on preparing the workspace

• Step by step how to make your own sanitizing (IPA) solution

• Handling and storing ingredients - tips on everything from food based to cosmetics ingredients

• Setting up your workspace - what to remember and what to consider

• How to organize your space - regardless of size

• Links to cosmetic ingredients suppliers around the globe

Scroll down for the complete Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 

• What is Good Manufacturing Practice

GMP BASICS

• Tools & Equipment

• Raw Materials

• Handling & Storing Raw Materials

• Sanitizing

• When to Sanitize New Containers

• How to Make & Use an IPA Solution

• Working Clean & Organized

• Documenting

• Creating Your Own System

RESOURCES

• Links to Ingredients Suppliers

• Links to More Information

• Find more by Lise Andersen

Please note: This is a non-refundable digital product.