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.

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 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 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.

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 3: Scale Up Lab Trials

Once the formula is locked in, we brief our manufacturers with the magnificent new formulation (plus all specifications).
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).
Product artwork is finalised and once it’s sufficiently peach the samples are approved and locked in by the NPD executive team.

Once the formula is locked in, we brief our manufacturers with the magnificent new formulation (plus all specifications).
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).
Product artwork is finalised and once it’s sufficiently peach the samples are approved and locked in by the NPD executive team.

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.

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 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.

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.