Your brand deserves its own R&D lab.
You just don't need to build one.
I'm Talima Davis, cosmetic chemist, former beauty founder, and the formulation partner behind indie brands that are ready to stop DIY-ing their product development and start scaling with real science behind them.
FEATURED IN:
Most consultants give you advice. We give you formulas. Talima Davis Lab is a fully operational R&D lab where we develop, test, and refine cosmetic formulations for indie beauty brands, from concept through production-ready.
Think of us as your fractional R&D department. When you need a chemist, we're here. When you don't, you're not paying for one.
Bench Samples & Prototyping | We develop and produce bench samples in-house so you can touch, test, and evaluate your product before committing to full-scale production runs.
Formula Audits | Independent technical review of your existing formulations, assessing safety, stability, regulatory compliance, and readiness to scale to manufacturing.
Stability Testing | In-house accelerated stability protocols designed to surface issues early, before your manufacturer flags them or your customer finds them on shelf.
Third-Party Testing | We manage and coordinate preservative efficacy testing, microbial testing, and packaging compatibility through our network of certified testing labs.
Two ways to work together
Whether you need help with a specific product or a chemist on retainer, there's a path that fits.
PATH A | Project-Based
I need help with a specific product.
You have a formula that needs reviewing, a concept that needs developing, or a specific problem to solve. We work on a defined project with a clear scope and timeline.
Includes: Formula Audits | Custom Formulation | Project Packages
Path B | Ongoing Partnership
I need a chemist on my team.
You're running an active product line and need a formulation partner month to month. I become your fractional R&D lead for reviews, development, troubleshooting, and liaison.
Includes: Monthly Retainers | Ingredient Strategy | Manufacturer Coordination
I built a beauty brand from my kitchen to retail shelves. Now I help you skip the mistakes I made.
I founded Brooklyn Limegreen, a natural beauty brand that I formulated, manufactured, and scaled into TJ Maxx, Walgreens, and Walmart. I know what it takes to go from bench sample to purchase order, because I've done it.
Now I run an independent formulation lab focused entirely on indie beauty brands. My clients don't need a contract manufacturer who treats them like a number. They need a chemist who understands their business, knows what retailers and consumers actually care about, and can formulate products that hold up on a shelf, not just in a lab.
100+ Formulas Developed 10+ Years in Cosmetic R&D Products in retailers nationwide
From Sephora and Whole Foods to independent boutiques and beauty supply, our formulations are on shelves across every retail channel.
What Clients Say:Real Results from beauty founder and product development teams
"Talima joined our team as a cosmetic formulator to assist in developing new products for our clients, and her impact was nothing short of extraordinary. Her deep understanding of US and international cosmetics manufacturing, along with her knowledge of business strategy, sourcing, regulation, and sales, was invaluable in guiding our projects to success."
Verified Client
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0
Product Development & Supply Chain Management Company
Project: Multi-client cosmetic product development
Scope: 173 hours over 9 months
"Talima was a pleasure to work with. She delivered ahead of schedule. I'll definitely work with her in the future."
Verified Client
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0
Project: Custom cosmetic formulation
Delivered ahead of schedule
"Amazing freelancer! Gets the job done! Even jumped on a call with me to walk through her work. Highly recommend!!"
Verified Client
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0
Project: Lip balm formula review and improvement
Client background: First-time founder, no chemistry background
All reviews verified on Upwork [View My Full Upwork Profile →]
Ready to get a real chemist behind your brand?
Body: Whether you need a one-time formula review or a formulation partner on call, it starts with a conversation. Tell me about your brand and I'll tell you exactly how I can help.
Book a Discovery Call →