CUSTOM FORMULATION
When standard products aren't the answer.
Standard products serve most formulation needs. When they don't, our R&D team works directly with your bench chemists to develop a silicone tailored to your specific brief — from initial specification through pilot batch to production scale. Confidentiality agreements available from the start.
HOW IT WORKS
From brief to production in four stages.
Brief
Specify the desired sensory properties, viscosity range, regulatory constraints, target application, and any known compatibility requirements. A confidentiality agreement is signed before the brief is shared if required.
The R&D team reviews the brief and confirms feasibility. If the specification aligns with an existing product — or a minor modification of one — that route is recommended first.
Lab development
Nishka's R&D team develops a silicone sample at laboratory scale, optimising the molecular architecture for the specified properties. Initial samples are shared with your bench chemist for formulation evaluation.
Multiple iterations are common at this stage. The team documents each development step and shares interim results with your team. Development timelines depend on the chemistry complexity — typically 4–12 weeks from brief to first sample.
Pilot batch
Once the sample is approved, a pilot batch (typically 10–50 kg) validates the formulation at manufacturing scale. Process parameters are locked and documented. The pilot batch is tested against the agreed specification, and a Certificate of Analysis is issued.
The pilot CoA establishes the reference standard for all subsequent production batches.
Production scaling
Full production batches are manufactured to the locked specification. The Technical Data Sheet is authored for the product. Subsequent production CoAs are compared against the pilot reference. Production quantities are aligned with your commercial forecast.
The R&D team remains available after production launch for any formulation support or specification queries.
SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT
What we can develop for you.
Custom viscosity grades
Dimethicone or dimethiconol blended to a specific viscosity not available in the standard portfolio. Useful when a precise sensory target or processing viscosity is needed.
Bespoke sensory blends
Silicone blends developed to a specific sensory brief — a named skin-feel descriptor, a target HPMC friction comparison, or a matched reference product. The R&D team uses sensory profiling alongside instrumental data.
Modified emulsifier systems
PEG-silicone emulsifiers with modified HLB or compatibility profiles for specific emulsion architectures — water-in-oil, oil-in-water, or anhydrous systems.
SPF-boosting carriers
Silicone carrier formulations developed to enhance UV filter compatibility and SPF boost value in sunscreen formulations. Performance characterised by in vitro SPF measurement.
Functional blends for specific actives
Silicone carrier systems optimised for compatibility with specific actives — retinoids, vitamin C derivatives, AHA/BHA, or peptides. Compatibility and stability tested before release.
Regulatory-compliant alternatives
Non-cyclic alternatives to D4/D5 for EU/UK restricted applications. REACH-compliant silicone systems for wash-off and leave-on formulations under the 2020/2024 EU restrictions.
WORKING TERMS
What to expect.
START A PROJECT
Send us the brief.
Every custom development project starts with a conversation. Send us your formulation target, application, and regulatory constraints — we'll confirm feasibility and proposed approach within 3 business days.