Manufacturing Partners / R&D Expectations
R&D and formulation expectations for DermisIQ projects.
IQ Labs LLC approaches R&D as a focused, collaborative engineering process rather than open-ended experimentation. Our intent is to provide manufacturers with clear parameters, defined targets, and structured decision points so that DermisIQ concepts can move from lab sample to validated architecture with minimal rework.
Defined targets, not vague directions
Each DermisIQ project is supported by a focused technical brief that outlines desired texture, finish, viscosity range, phase behavior, actives strategy, and packaging context. We aim to reduce guesswork by giving chemists a controlled problem set with clear success criteria.
- • Clear sensorial and finish targets (e.g., soft-matte, mid-weight)
- • Defined active systems and dosage bands (non-prescriptive)
- • Packaging, fill, and line considerations included upfront
- • Notes on known sensitivities, incompatibilities, or priorities
Concept-first, architecture-second
We distinguish between product concept and finalized production architecture. Early R&D explores how closely a manufacturer's preferred bases and processes can be shaped to match the DermisIQ concept before any highly customized pathways are considered.
- • Preference for modified house systems where suitable
- • Escalation to more custom pathways only when needed
- • Continuous alignment on feasibility and risk level
Sample rounds, feedback, and controlled iteration
We expect R&D to progress through a limited number of structured sample rounds rather than open-ended cycling. Each round should move the project meaningfully closer to target based on jointly reviewed feedback.
Round 1 — Feasibility & direction
Initial submissions should demonstrate core texture, structure, and stability direction using the manufacturer's preferred approach. The objective is to validate that the concept is achievable within realistic constraints.
Round 2 — Refinement & alignment
Subsequent batches focus on fine-tuning viscosity, slip, absorption profile, and finish while maintaining stability and processing practicality. We provide detailed written feedback against predefined criteria.
Round 3 — Validation candidate
A final candidate is selected as the architecture for scale-up and validation, pending stability, compatibility, and pilot-fill performance. Further rounds are reserved for exception cases where justified by clear data.
Stability, compatibility & evaluation windows
DermisIQ concepts are designed with long-term product integrity in mind. We look for partners who support reasonable stability and compatibility frameworks and are transparent about lead times and testing scope.
- • Baseline stability observations over practical timeframes at manufacturer-controlled temperature conditions.
- • Packaging compatibility checks for selected primary components when applicable.
- • Clear communication when early results indicate structural, separation, or texture deviations over time.
- • Documented evaluation notes that can be referenced during scale-up, pilot, and future reformulation work.
Documentation, transparency & communication cadence
We value concise, technically grounded communication over high-frequency, unstructured updates. Our goal is to make it straightforward for formulation and production teams to stay aligned without excessive administrative burden.
Technical review checkpoints
We prefer scheduled, milestone-based reviews tied to sample rounds, key findings, or stability updates, rather than ad-hoc check-ins. This keeps teams synchronized and decision-focused.
Structured summary documentation
Key decisions, selected architectures, and critical observations are summarized in concise technical notes, supporting future batches, reformulations, and adjacent product work while minimizing ambiguity over time.
These expectations are designed to protect both parties' time, resources, and long-term outcomes. We welcome discussion on how best to integrate them into each partner's existing R&D workflows.