DEFORMULATION (REVERSE ENGINEERING) OF PRODUCTS

Analytical Methods Used For Deformulation of Consumer Products

Wet chemistry (titration, gravimetry, qualitative testing).
Distillation including vacuum
Rotary evaporator concentration under vacuum.
Column chromatography (CC) including preparation
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) including preparative
Gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID)
Gas chromatography/photometric ionization detection (GC/PID
Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS)
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS)
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
Electrophoresis.
Light microscopy.
Ion chromatography (IC) for cat ions, anions, sugars.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with ATR
Fourier transform raman spectroscopy
Ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/VIS),
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for H-1, C-13, F-19, P-31, etc.
Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
X-ray single crystal analysis/X-ray diffraction (XRD)
X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

All deformulation work is conducted on a best effort basis and additional analytical work is often required to complete the project. Based on the final results of the deformulation, we can make a small quantity of a trial formula for the client to evaluate. These trial formulas are also made on a best effort basis but sometimes several formulas are required to develop all the desired properties.
All formulas provided to the client are the sole property of the client. We will sign your or our non-disclosure agreement (NDA) form. We can also provide patent searches, feasibility determinations and patent application services.

Deformulation fees can be as low as $900.00 for very simple 3 component formulas and as high as $6000.00 for very complex formulas. Perfumes, paints, foods, and herbs are especially difficult to deformulate and duplicate. See other sections of our website for additional information regarding formulation, reformulation, performance testing, stability testing, challenge testing, etc.

REFORMULATION INFORMATION

(1) Reformulation refers to taking a formula (composition known) and making additions or subtractions to obtain desired properties. For example if a hair spray needs to be reformulated so that it is more viscous, we could add a suitable thickening agent to the existing product. However, this procedure may not succeed if the main ingredients are unknown.

(2) When an existing and known formula needs slight improvement or modification, we can often take the formula as is and add other ingredients. A few trial and error formulations may be necessary. Knowing the exact starting composition will help to reformulate the product.

(3) If the formula ingredients and levels are unknown, we must deformulate it before attempting to make a new formula or any reformulation.

(4) In some cases we can create a new formula using a published formula, evaluate it for properties, and modify the composition with the optimum ingredients.

(5) All reformulation work is done on a best effort basis. All formulas developed are the property of the client. We will sign your or our non-disclosure agreement (NDA) form.

(6) Reformulation of a very simple product can be as low as $200.00. Very complex mixtures may require a retainer of $1000.00 or more. A small trial batch of the reformulation can be prepared for evaluation. After the trial batch is evaluated and approved, we can recommend several local firms which can make large production batches (private label runs).

(7) We can also provide the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the product. Running the physical tests and obtaining safety information, and preparation of the MSDS is priced at $400.00

(8) If the reformulated product is very novel, we can conduct a USPTO patent search, make a patent feasibility study, and write up the patent application (generally costing $2500.00). The patent may be assigned to the client or to the client’s company.