Massage Powder Product Deformulation & Competitor Analysis

Project Description

MULTIPLE TESTING

BUDGET APPROVED ($2,000-$5,000)

We need a comprehensive scientific analysis of a commercially available powder to inform our formulation and production processes for our novel scented massage powder product. Our formulation will be primarily based on Sodium Polyacrylate (SPA).

Important Considerations:

- We will be submitting a product sample in its original commercial packaging, consisting of individual 5-gram sachets made of OPP/ALU/PE. Please confirm if this format is suitable for the requested analyses and advise on any potential limitations.

- All work must be conducted under strict confidentiality. We are open to working under a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Please indicate in your quotation whether you have a standard NDA you prefer to use, or if you would like us to provide our template for your review and execution.

Services Requested for Quotation:

- Material Deconstruction & Composition Analysis:
Full qualitative and quantitative breakdown of the chemical and physical constituents.

Detailed analysis of:
SPA purity and polymer structure.
Additives, fillers, and surface treatments.
Residual monomer content, co-polymers, stabilisers, and moisture levels.
Determination of the material's grade classification (e.g., cosmetic, pharmaceutical, industrial).
Identification of potential commercially available equivalents or relevant material specification sheets.

- Physicochemical Properties:
Particle size distribution and morphology.
Bulk and tapped density.
Absorption and retention capacity for water, oil, and saline solutions.
Swelling index and solubility/dispersibility characteristics.
Thermal resistance and degradation points.
Tactile and rheological analysis, if applicable to product performance and sensory feel.

- Fragrance Compatibility Testing (Critical for Our Innovation):
Evaluation of oil-based fragrance (e.g., essential oils) incorporation and its interaction with SPA.
Assessment of non-oil-based perfuming technologies (e.g., dry aroma powders, microencapsulated agents) for compatibility.
Recommendations on optimal scenting techniques that preserve the functional and sensory properties of the base material and allow for effective fragrance integration in our novel product.

- Environmental Stability & Packaging Interaction:
Evaluation of product performance and stability under simulated storage stress conditions relevant to warm and humid climates (e.g., Singapore, Abu Dhabi) and ambient warehouse storage (3–6 months).

- Assessment of:
Potential for clumping, cohesion, or material degradation.
Likelihood of SPA adhering to the OPP/ALU/PE sachet material.
Influence of particle surface characteristics and moisture retention on powder flowability and tactile experience.
Recommendations for potential enhancements to improve the product's climate resilience and stability for export.

- Regulatory Alignment:
Guidance on applicable ISO, GMP, REACH, and cosmetic product regulations for the UK and EU markets.
Identification of further analytical work (e.g., microbiological testing, allergen screening, or skin compatibility testing) necessary to support UKCA/CE marking.
Confirmation of the analysed sample's apparent conformity to relevant safety databases and regulations.