A cosmetic product changes over time, but its historical documentation should not. Formulator Online connects the working formula, commercial product data, packaging, PIF drafts and production records through controlled versions that preserve what was used at each stage.
What the new workflow solves
A live formula is designed to evolve. You may adjust a preservative, change packaging, update a Responsible Person or add a new evaluation. Those edits should not silently rewrite the records behind an earlier PIF draft or completed batch.
- Formula Versions preserve a controlled snapshot of the composition and manufacturing information.
- Product Versions connect an exact Formula Version with commercial product data and packaging.
- PIF Assistant reuses available data, highlights gaps and generates an editable DOCX draft.
- Controlled supporting documents distinguish the current primary file from superseded, voided or archived versions.
- Batch compliance packages collect the exact version references, lot documents and missing-document manifest into one ZIP export.
- Changelog history keeps significant changes and status actions traceable.
A practical happy path
1. Save the formula you intend to control
Open the formula, save your working changes and use Formula versions → Save new version. Add an optional version note so colleagues can understand why the snapshot was created.
2. Create a Product and its first version
Create a Product manually from Products & PIF or use Create product from this version from a saved Formula Version. Complete the product identity, intended use, target market, Responsible Person and packaging. Then open Product versions and create Product Version 1.
3. Prepare an editable PIF draft
Open PIF Assistant, review product information, select or create reusable ingredient evaluations, examine the informational CosIng and IFRA references, choose a DOCX template and select Generate editable draft. Missing fields are recorded as gaps rather than hidden.
4. Control the evidence behind the record
Classify supporting files such as COA, SDS, TDS and packaging specifications. Mark the canonical document as Primary for this type and include relevant files in compliance packages. When a corrected file arrives, upload it as a new version instead of replacing historical evidence without a trail.
5. Link production to exact versions
Select the Product and Product Version on a Batch. When the batch is completed, its fixed version references remain connected to that production record. In Compliance documents, review included and missing files and use Export ZIP.
Read the detailed guides
- How to Create Product Versions and Generate an Editable PIF Draft
- How to Manage Controlled COA, SDS and TDS Document Versions
- How to Export a Batch Compliance Package and Preserve Audit History
Important limitation
Formulator Online helps organise source data, calculations, documents and traceability. It does not automatically approve product safety, certify GMP compliance or replace a qualified safety assessor. CosIng and IFRA matches are informational references; your team remains responsible for reviewing sources, resolving ambiguous matches and making final conclusions.
Open Formulator Online and start with a saved Formula Version.