How We Work With Brands
You have a formula, a product concept, or a problem, and you need expert chemistry support to move it forward. We scope the work, set a timeline, and get it done.
Project-Based Work
For brands with a specific project.
You have a formula, a product concept, or a problem, and you need expert chemistry support to move it forward. We scope the work, set a timeline, and get it done.
Formula Audit | $699+
Independent technical review of your existing formula. We assess safety, stability, preservative efficacy, regulatory compliance, and scalability. You receive a detailed written report with prioritized recommendations. Turnaround is 7-10 business days.
Best for: Brands with an existing formula that needs a professional second opinion before scaling or going to market.
Custom Formulation | Starting at $1750+
Custom Formulation | $4,500 Complete product development from concept to production-ready formula. Includes research, bench samples, iterations, stability guidance, and full documentation. You own the formula. Timeline is 4-6 months depending on complexity.
Best for: Brands ready to invest in a formula built specifically for their vision, ingredients, and target market.
Project Packages | Starting at $980+
Flexible hour banks for defined initiatives. Use for reformulation, regulatory prep, troubleshooting, or scaling support. Packages range from 4 hours over 2 months to 12 hours over 3 months depending on scope.
Best for: Brands that need more than an audit but aren't ready for a retainer.
Beauty Founder Strategy Call
30 minutes of real talk from someone who's been in your shoes.
You don't need a chemist right now, you need a founder who's done it. This is a focused 30-minute call where you bring your biggest questions about scaling, retail readiness, SKU strategy, pricing, vendor relationships, or whatever's keeping you stuck. I built and scaled my own brand into major retail. This call is that experience, distilled into direct answers for where you are right now. No fluff, no upsell, just honest guidance from someone who's navigated what you're navigating.
Book Your Founder Call →
Ongoing Partnership
For brands that need a chemist on the team.
You're past the startup phase. You have products on shelves, a pipeline to manage, and decisions that need real chemistry behind them. Instead of hiring a full-time chemist, you get me, on retainer, on call, integrated into how your brand operates.
Essential Support 8 hours per month
Formula reviews and optimization Ingredient strategy and sourcing guidance Troubleshooting and stability support Implementation guidance Marketing claim and ingredient messaging support
Best for brands with active product lines that need consistent chemistry support without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Strategic Support 15+ hours per month
Everything in Essential plus: New product development and R&D Contract manufacturer coordination and liaison Product pipeline management Team training and SOP development Regulatory and compliance guidance
Best for brands with teams, multiple products in development, and a need for a true fractional R&D lead.
A full-time cosmetic chemist typically costs $80,000–$120,000 per year before benefits, management, and overhead. A fractional partnership with TD Labs gives you senior-level chemistry support at a fraction of that investment, scaled to exactly the hours your brand needs.
Both retainer paths start with a discovery call where we assess your brand's needs and recommend the right scope.
FAQ
How do I know which path is right for me?
Do you offer payment plans?
Do I own the formulas you develop?
What's the turnaround on a formula audit?
Can I start with a project and move to a retainer later?
What if I just have a quick question, do I need a full package?
Not sure which path fits? Let's figure it out together.
A 20-minute discovery call is the fastest way to get clarity on what your brand needs and how we can help. No pitch, just an honest conversation about where you are and what makes sense.
Book Your Discovery Call →