A cosmetic science consultancy launched from its founder’s home is moving into its own laboratory in Burton upon Trent after outgrowing its start-up base within six months.
Dr Leanne King, a chemist and cosmetic scientist with more than 15 years of experience in skincare innovation and product development, launched Beauty Formulation at the start of 2026 – and has already worked with 12 beauty brands, including one of the world’s largest consumer goods groups.
Leanne, who previously worked for Boots on their No7 brand, develops skincare products, including serums and moisturisers built around active ingredients, for beauty brands, salons and spas that don’t have their own chemist or laboratory. It can take from six to 12 months to bring a product to market.
Beauty Formulation has now outgrown its home-based start-up setting and is set to move into its own laboratory facility in Burton. The business offers small-scale manufacturing as well as product development and compliance, while larger production runs are handled by a third-party manufacturer.
Leanne, who works with husband Graham on the technology side of the business, said: “When we launched Beauty Formulation, I thought it would take a bit of work to approach people but people started coming to us.
“We mainly work with indie brands, although I do also work with some big brands which cannot be named because of confidentiality agreements.
“They tell us what they are trying to achieve and I work with them to understand their brand and what they want to make, their volumes and who they want to appeal to.”
Leanne is planning to take on additional staff as a result of the expansion and hopes to work with a university to help students gain experience in the industry.
She said: “It can be very difficult to get into this industry without experience. I fell into it because I had researched antioxidants as part of my postgraduate studies.
“As I take on more staff I will give them brands to manage and build up in-house. There aren’t many other businesses in this field that can offer the full package like we do.”
Daily Focus previously reported that Leanne’s own Beauty Favours brand had won the Cosmetics Brand UK award in the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2024/25.
