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How We Make Go-To

A backstage pass to how your favourite skin stuff is made.

You trust us with your face. That's a big deal! And it's not something we take lightly. At Go-To, we have a very comprehensive 'new product development' (NPD) process (complete with an in-house lab called Labsolutely Fabulous) (obviousssly) to ensure every single Go-To product is useful, effective, and a total delight to use.

We think you deserve to know exactly how the products you use and love are formulated. So, here's a full behind-the-scenes breakdown below of our new product development process.

Go-To Skincare Founder Zoe Foster Blake
  • Go-To founder, Zoë, along with the rest of the NPD executive team provide a new product brief.
  • Our (very brilliant) formulations team complete a paper formula, begin gathering ingredient samples, and complete initial lab trials.
  • All ingredients are quadruple checked to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements (of course) as well as Go-To’s very strict requirements of best-in-class botanical ingredients that are both incredibly effective and gentle.
  • Initial research and development tests are undertaken including very science-y things like centrifuge testing (to test if separation will be an issue with the formula), pH checks, and initial in-vitro SPF testing if it’s needed.
  • The (equally brilliant) product team begins packaging research and sources a range of samples to begin testing with.

Stage 1: Concept Development.

  • Go-To founder, Zoë, along with the rest of the NPD executive team provide a new product brief.
  • Our (very brilliant) formulations team complete a paper formula, begin gathering ingredient samples, and complete initial lab trials.
  • All ingredients are quadruple checked to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements (of course) as well as Go-To’s very strict requirements of best-in-class botanical ingredients that are both incredibly effective and gentle.
  • Initial research and development tests are undertaken including very science-y things like centrifuge testing (to test if separation will be an issue with the formula), pH checks, and initial in-vitro SPF testing if it’s needed.
  • The (equally brilliant) product team begins packaging research and sources a range of samples to begin testing with.
Go-To Skincare product development
  • We attain a final certification for all ingredients in the new formula.
  • Full stability testing (RT, 30C, 45C & 4C for three months in clear jars plus Freeze/Thaw testing for 6 cycles).
  • Followed by PET (short for Preservative Efficacy Testing, if you don’t speak science) challenge testing if needed.
  • Packaging compatibility testing begins to ensure the formula and the soon-to-be-peachy packaging play nicely together.
  • The team then completes sensory testing including a mix of in-house and external HRIPT (short for human repeat insult patch test, if you still don’t speak science) testing and clinical/cosmetic testing.
  • Formulation and packaging samples are approved by the NPD executive team. Celebratory cocktails ensue.
  • Ingredient lists created for packaging artwork in-line with all market requirements. Of course.

Stage 2: Lab Development.

  • We attain a final certification for all ingredients in the new formula.
  • Full stability testing (RT, 30C, 45C & 4C for three months in clear jars plus Freeze/Thaw testing for 6 cycles).
  • Followed by PET (short for Preservative Efficacy Testing, if you don’t speak science) challenge testing if needed.
  • Packaging compatibility testing begins to ensure the formula and the soon-to-be-peachy packaging play nicely together.
  • The team then completes sensory testing including a mix of in-house and external HRIPT (short for human repeat insult patch test, if you still don’t speak science) testing and clinical/cosmetic testing.
  • Formulation and packaging samples are approved by the NPD executive team. Celebratory cocktails ensue.
  • Ingredient lists created for packaging artwork in-line with all market requirements. Of course.
Go-To Skincare product testing
  • Once the formula is locked in, we brief our manufacturers with the magnificent new formulations.
  • Lab trials begin at the manufacturer, starting with a small quantity at first.
  • Research and development and quality lab checks are undertaken including very science-y things like centrifuge testing (to test if separation will be an issue with the formula), pH checks, and initial in-vitro SPF testing if it’s needed.
  • Following the success of the small quantity lab trials, we scale up the manufacturer lab trial with a larger quantity of product.
  • Six weeks stability check in full packaging (RT, 30C, 40C, 4C). We rope in 20+ people for sensory testing which runs for at least two weeks.
  • Full stability testing for six months and all relevant tests signed off (on a TGA approved product only).

Stage 3: Scale Up Lab Trials.

  • Once the formula is locked in, we brief our manufacturers with the magnificent new formulations.
  • Lab trials begin at the manufacturer, starting with a small quantity at first.
  • Research and development and quality lab checks are undertaken including very science-y things like centrifuge testing (to test if separation will be an issue with the formula), pH checks, and initial in-vitro SPF testing if it’s needed.
  • Following the success of the small quantity lab trials, we scale up the manufacturer lab trial with a larger quantity of product.
  • Six weeks stability check in full packaging (RT, 30C, 40C, 4C). We rope in 20+ people for sensory testing which runs for at least two weeks.
  • Full stability testing for six months and all relevant tests signed off (on a TGA approved product only).
Go-To Skincare full production line
  • Manufacturer's Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR's) and Batch Production Records (BPR's) are checked and approved.
  • A few members of the Go-To team very excitedly attend the first bulk production and filling runs to ensure manufacturing everything runs perfectly.
  • The final research and development and quality lab checks are undertaken.
  • Ongoing stability testing commences. As do another round of celebratory cocktails.

Stage 4: Full Production.

  • Manufacturer's Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR's) and Batch Production Records (BPR's) are checked and approved.
  • A few members of the Go-To team very excitedly attend the first bulk production and filling runs to ensure manufacturing everything runs perfectly.
  • The final research and development and quality lab checks are undertaken.
  • Ongoing stability testing commences. As do another round of celebratory cocktails.
Go-To Skincare founder Zoe Foster Blake during product launch
  • The product is finished and ready to launch.
  • The newest member of the Go-To gang finally lands in our warehouse and the team gets to work sharing it with our community: Social media! Emails! In store! Press events! Gold-plated blimps! The lot!
  • You purchase 15 or so, and it earns a permanent spot in your routine, shelf, and heart.

Stage 5: Product Launch.

  • The product is finished and ready to launch.
  • The newest member of the Go-To gang finally lands in our warehouse and the team gets to work sharing it with our community: Social media! Emails! In store! Press events! Gold-plated blimps! The lot!
  • You purchase 15 or so, and it earns a permanent spot in your routine, shelf, and heart.