Comments by a Chemist

The TikTok Effect – How Homecare Went Viral

Short videos, catchy sound bites, and DIY cleaning hacks: TikTok has turned homecare from a mundane chore into an entertainment phenomenon. Brands are now harnessing the platform’s viral power to launch new products, build communities, and rewrite traditional marketing rules. But behind the sparkle of trending hashtags, a more sophisticated brand-builder is emerging.         Quick Fix = Quick Fame In 2024, TikTok had over 3.5 billion views for the hashtag #cleaningtips, and over 1.2 billion for #laundryhacks. Simple, visually appealing hacks, like capsule dropping and stain erasers, can catapult into trending challenges overnight. The short-video format makes it easy

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Kills 99.99% of Germs…: The Fine Print Behind Big Claims

From supermarket shelves to social media ads, claims like “Kills 99.99% of germs” and “Antibacterial surface cleaner” dominate the homecare space.  Let us unpack the regulations governing germ-killing claims in the Australian homecare market, how they compare globally, and what formulators and marketers must consider to stay compliant. Understanding the Claims: What Do They Really Mean? These claims are based on log reduction testing, a logarithmic scale used to quantify the reduction of microorganisms during disinfectant efficacy tests. In household products, these claims relate to the antimicrobial efficacy, with each representing different levels of germ-killing power. “Kills 99% of germs”

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Airless Packaging

As clinics demand high-performance formulations with minimal compromise, airless packaging is becoming the go-to for brands seeking stability, safety, and sophistication. Whether it’s for hyaluronic acid-based injectables or barrier-repairing post-procedure serums, the airless format ensures that what’s inside stays as potent as the day it was made. In today’s skincare landscape, particularly within the clinical, dermatological, and cosmeceutical sectors airless packaging is no longer just a luxury; it’s a necessity. As formulas become increasingly sophisticated, so too must the delivery systems that house them. From retinol-rich night creams to preservative-leaning probiotic serums, maintaining product integrity from the first pump to

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Social Media Ready – A New Non-Negotiable for Retail Success

In today’s beauty landscape, your first sale often happens online visually.  Before your product hits the shelf or a consumer’s skincare routine, it must pass the scroll test. That’s why being Social Media Ready is no longer optional, it’s a retail essential. According to VistaPrint, businesses investing in social media advertising are seeing greater returns than ever, with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok becoming powerful revenue drivers. WordStream further emphasizes that social media advertising is a cost-effective strategy, yielding an average 200% ROI, and is the second-largest market in digital ads, following search advertising. But what makes a personal

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Australian Extracts in Skincare

Australia’s diverse and unique flora has become a treasure trove for the skincare industry, offering a wealth of natural extracts that are celebrated for their potent benefits. From the arid outback to lush rainforests, Australian plants are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making them ideal for skincare formulations. Here’s a look at some of the most popular Australian extracts in skincare and their benefits:  Kakadu Plum Kakadu Plum, native to northern Australia, is renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content—up to 100 times that of oranges. This powerful antioxidant helps brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and boost

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Teenager boy holding sheet of pimple patches in left hand whilst applying one patch to his face with his right hand. He has dark curly hair and is wearing a pink collared shirt.

Pimple Patches are trending, but do they live up to the hype?

Pimple patches are trending, but do they live up to the hype? Our Director and Cosmetic Chemist Rita Sellars weighs in, featured in the latest article by Body + Soul. As seen in Body + Soul – Rita Sellars shares the science behind pimple patches Pimple patches have officially hit the mainstream, and Australia’s trusted wellness source, Body + Soul, just released a feature breaking down the best on the market, and the science behind them. We’re proud to share that our very own Rita Sellars, Director and Cosmetic Chemist at pH Factor, was quoted in the article to explain

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