TD Labs · Boutique cosmetic lab
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 beauty brands that are ready to stop guessing and start scaling with real science behind them.
FEATURED IN:
Most consultants give you advice. We give you formulas.
TD Labs is a working R&D lab where we develop, test and refine formulas for indie beauty brands, from first concept to ready for your manufacturer. 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 Reviews | A chemist's on-paper review of your existing formula: structure, preservation approach, pH fit, ingredient compatibility, claims and readiness to scale. Lab testing is separate.
Stability Testing | In-house stability checks, including freeze-thaw and temperature cycling, to surface issues early, before your manufacturer flags them or your customer finds them on the shelf. Extended stability testing goes to our accredited partner labs.
Third-Party Testing | We coordinate preservative efficacy, microbial and packaging compatibility testing through our network of accredited labs. We've vetted and used every one, and you choose the best fit for your timeline and location.
Lab note
A Formula Review is on paper. Lab testing, like preservative efficacy, is separate and goes to our accredited partner labs.
Three ways to work with TD Labs
Start with a review, bring us one product, or keep a chemist on your team.
Start here
Formula Review
I want a chemist to look at my formula.
Your product works and your customers like it, but no chemist has ever checked it. I review your formula on paper and send a written report: what's working, what's at risk, and what to do next. No call needed.
$699 · Written report in 7–10 business days
Path A
Project-Based
I need help with a specific product.
You have a concept to develop, a formula that needs fixing, or a problem to solve. We scope it together on a free call, then work to a clear plan and timeline.
Includes: Custom formulation · Reformulation · Troubleshooting
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 manufacturer coordination.
Includes: Monthly chemist hours · Ingredient strategy · Manufacturer coordination
From the bench
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?
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 →