Formulation Advisory Cosmetic Testing Service (F.A.C.T.S) was born from a desire to make the cosmetics and personal care industry safer, more transparent and more supportive of small, values-driven brands. Founded by Jacinta Meyers, a cosmetic chemist with a background in pharmaceutical manufacturing and a deep respect for nature’s healing potential, F.A.C.T.S helps ethical beauty businesses bring high-quality products to market with confidence. By combining rigorous scientific testing with a personalised, educational approach, the laboratory supports brands, particularly those creating products for families and children, to slow down, test thoroughly and prioritise safety, wellbeing and integrity at every stage of product development. Here, Jacinta talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
One of the primary challenges in the beauty industry is market saturation. With numerous brands competing for attention, standing out in a crowded marketplace is extremely difficult. With this in mind, rather than spending more time, effort and money growing my own brand, I decided to make a difference in this space by setting up a cosmetic formulation and testing laboratory to help other brands grow.
My personal mission is to encourage more cosmetic and personal care product brand owners to invest in cosmetic testing before launching their brand. This should be a priority, considering their obligation to ensure their cosmetics are safe for use as intended. Many brand owners skip things like stability and microbiological testing in order to sell their product quicker. Slowing down and taking the time to ensure you have a quality product before you launch is one of the best investments you can make in your product development journey. It is much easier to identify and fix any problems that arise before you launch than having to do a product recall and risk damaging your brand’s reputation.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Inspired by nature’s healing powers, my journey began in 2011 when I realised the lack of options for affordable, sustainable essential oils that were not sold by MLM companies. I started my first business, Essential Essence Aromatherapy Oils, by sourcing oils directly from distilleries, then rebottling and selling at wholesale prices.
Influenced by proven traditional methods to make herbal wellbeing products, and in order to have a point of difference to other essential oil retailers, I started sourcing aromatic plants from my own garden, friends, family and local community. I started distilling my own essential oils and hydrosols using old fashioned copper stills. I also started making tinctures, glycerites and other types of herbal extracts to utilise the power of whole herbs for healing. I use these materials as ingredients to create cosmetic and personal care products for myself and others, with a focus of supporting health, happiness and wellbeing.
When I started creating cosmetic products, I often outsourced my product testing. I found that the scientific services I interacted with lacked personalisation. No one seemed to have time for small businesses, their expectations or needs. Three years ago, when I expanded my business to include a cosmetic and personal care product formulation and testing service, my primary focus was to provide a high-quality, personalised service for my clients. I aim to empower my clients by not only testing their products, but giving them time and additional support to understand why particular testing is being conducted, what the results mean, and how to proceed with this new knowledge at hand.
Ying and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I am one of those people that loves being busy ALL of the time. I am also mindful that I can’t expect the same from others. Finding a balance between work and family can be tricky at times, especially when I have to adhere to strict testing timelines. What works best for me is good planning and clear communication. I always try to have a back-up plan so that when things don’t go to plan, there are other options.
I have had to set some clear boundaries with respect to my time management. I intentionally block out time to enjoy uninterrupted time with my family, and to focus on self-care. Between jobs I take our dog for a walk, play some soccer with him, or spend time giving him belly rubs. I also enjoy gardening and going for motorbike rides with my partner and our friends. Good food and a healthy sleep routine are important to me so I feel fresh, rejuvenated and ready to start each new day.
