What Formulator Sample Shop does

Formulator Sample Shop is a privately held, direct-to-consumer e-commerce supplier of specialty ingredients for the cosmetic and personal care industries, headquartered at 125 Technology Drive in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The company was founded in 2010 and operates a Shopify-based storefront serving two primary customer segments: individual DIY cosmetic formulators developing products at home or in small labs, and small-to-medium cosmetic and personal care brands sourcing ingredients for product formulation, prototyping, and manufacturing. Its catalog spans more than 994 active SKUs across categories including butters, oils, botanical extracts, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, antioxidants, peptides, proteins, vitamins, clays, fragrances, humectants, hydrosols, liposomes, ready-to-use bases (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip balm, scrub), equipment, books, and curated kits, with packaging sizes ranging from small gram-level samples to bulk 25kg+ quantities.

Underlying the retail operation is a tiered unit-pricing model with no disclosed long-term contracts, supported by international shipping and customer shipping-account integration (UPS, FedEx, DHL). The company carries a proprietary FSS private-label line of functional ingredients (e.g., FSS Caprylyl Glycol, FSS Ashwagandha Root Extract SNO, FSS Vitamin E Natural, FSS Ceramide Complex) and specialized delivery systems such as liposome-encapsulated actives, suggesting some in-house formulation or private-label capability alongside third-party resale. Customer acquisition is driven by organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), an email newsletter offering a 10% first-purchase discount, and educational content assets such as the Learning Lab, Inspiration Lab, and the recurring 'Formulate with Kate' video series.

The business model is a pay-as-you-go DTC storefront with no disclosed revenue, no funding history, no parent company, no M&A activity, no patents, and no certifications in the source data. The company is privately held, independently owned to the extent disclosed, and operates as an 11–50-person team with global reach. Promotional mechanics (e.g., a 20% Independence Day discount code) and product diversification into adjacent verticals such as pet grooming indicate a focus on catalog breadth, community-led acquisition, and incremental vertical extension rather than large-account enterprise sales.

Name

Formulator Sample Shop

Legal name

Formulator Sample Shop

Website

https://formulatorsampleshop.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Formulator Sample Shop is a privately held e-commerce supplier of 994+ specialty cosmetic and personal care ingredients, serving DIY formulators and small-to-medium cosmetic brands worldwide through its Shopify storefront.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Ingredient Distribution

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (45612), Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)

akta.pro primary industry

Hand & Body Care (Lotions, Creams, Body Oils) (CRADANAC)

Keywords

• Cosmetic ingredient supply
• Personal care raw materials
• Specialty chemical distribution
• DIY formulation ingredients
• Natural cosmetic ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincolnton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ingredient Sales: Direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales of specialty cosmetic and personal care ingredients. Offers ingredients in various pack sizes from small grams to bulk 25kg+ quantities. Products span categories including butters, oils, extracts, emulsifiers, preservatives, peptides, and more.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Formulator Sample Shop operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront that distributes specialty raw materials and formulation supplies for cosmetic and personal care product development. Its catalog spans 994+ SKUs including botanical extracts, butters, oils, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, peptides, vitamins, liposomes, humectants, ready-to-use bases, equipment, books, and sample kits, sold in pack sizes from small grams to bulk 25 kg+ quantities.

Product overview

Formulator Sample Shop is an e-commerce platform and supplier of specialty ingredients for the personal care and cosmetic industries. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of cosmetic ingredients and formulations supplies through its Shopify-based online store. The product range includes botanical extracts (water soluble, oil soluble, butylene glycol, and glycerin-based), butters, oils, emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, antioxidants, peptides, proteins, vitamins, clays, fragrances, humectants, hydrosols, liposomes, bases (lotion, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm), exfoliants, cosmetic equipment, books, and kits. The FSS-branded ingredients include functional materials like moisturizers, anti-aging actives, conditioning agents, antimicrobial preservatives, film formers, and specialized delivery systems such as liposomes. The company also provides DIY formulation resources, learning materials, and sample kits for hobbyists and professionals in the cosmetic formulation industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FSS Caprylyl Glycol A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient that helps moisturize and condition both skin and hair while enhancing the effectiveness of preservative systems. Targeted at cosmetic and personal care formulators and brands.
• FSS Emerald Extract Distinguishes personal care formulations by incorporating the allure of precious gemstones into skin, hair, and scalp care concepts. Used by cosmetic and personal care formulators.
• FSS Ashwagandha Root Extract SNO Botanical extract used to help prevent aging and defend against environmental conditions detrimental to health in personal care formulations. For formulators and indie brands.
• FSS Pomegranate Extract PF Pomegranate extract rich in minerals and vitamins used to protect and repair hair and skin in cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Balm Mint Extract BG PF Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract that revitalizes and nourishes skin and hair in cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Jojoba Extract BG PET Jojoba extract for skin, scalp, and hair care formulations in personal care products.
• FSS Rooibos Tea Extract PF Rooibos tea extract used in a wide variety of cosmetic and personal care formulations.
• FSS Manuka Honey Extract OS Contains Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Honey Extract for skin and hair care formulations.
• FSS Algae Blend Algae-based ingredient blend popular in skin, scalp, and hair care formulations.
• FSS Songyi Mushroom Extract G PF Pine mushroom extract with anti-aging properties for skincare formulations.
• 1,3-Propanediol Humectant, emollient, skin penetration enhancer, and solvent that can replace petroleum-based glycols such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol, or glycerin in cosmetic formulations.
• Acetyl Octapeptide-3 Solution Synthetic peptide used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in cosmetic formulations.
• Geogard ECT A preservative combining benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbic acid for use in a wide range of personal care products.
• OLIVEM 1000 MB PEG-free self-emulsifying multifunctional emulsifier ingredient for cosmetic formulations.
• Xanthan Gum - Soft! Thickener, rheology modifier, and emulsion stabilizer used in cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Cocamidopropyl Betaine Mild surfactant for formulating cleansing products that remain mild to the skin in personal care applications.
• Caprylic Capric Triglycerides MCT Mixed ester composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids on a glycerin backbone, sometimes referred to as fractionated coconut oil, used as an emollient.
• Ritamulse SCG All-natural oil-in-water emulsifier that provides conditioning to both hair and skin due to acyl lactylates.
• PHYTOCIDE ELDERBERRY OS Multi-functional ingredient offering antioxidant and anti-aging skin conditioning benefits plus natural antimicrobial efficacy for cosmetic formulations.
• Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Natural, mild, solubilizing non-ionic surfactant ideal for foaming and cleansing products.
• Glycerin Clear, odorless liquid produced from plant oils for many personal care and cosmetic products.
• FSS Decyl Glucoside Non-ionic surfactant produced by reacting glucose from corn starch with capric alcohol from coconut and/or palm oil.
• FSS Vitamin E Natural Red to reddish-brown oil derived from soybean oil refining with high d-alpha-tocopherol content.
• FSS Ceramide Complex Multi-lamellar system of vegetable-derived semi-synthetic ceramides, cholesterol, free fatty acids, and phytosphingosine for personal care.
• Natural Wax Jelly Vegetable-derived replacement for petrolatum suitable for lip balms, creams, lotions, and pomades.
• Tropical Emollient Butter Blend Butter complex with tropical ingredients including Shea Butter, Tamanu Seed Oil, Monoi Flower Extract, Coconut Oil, Babassu Seed Oil, Cupuacu Butter, and Murumuru Butter.
• Exfoliating Scrub Base Versatile base for ready-to-use anhydrous scrub formulations that leave skin soft and healthy.
• Lip Balm Base for Sticks All-natural melt and pour lip balm base with natural antioxidant benefits and excellent emolliency for stick-form balms.
• Lip Balm Base for Pots All-natural melt and pour lip balm base formulated for pot-format balms.
• FSS Nano Emulsion Concentrate Whole non-ionic emulsion concentrate processed using techniques similar to liposome production.
• EZ Lotion Base Ready-to-use lotion base for beginners, handcrafters, and the DIY market to add unique ingredients or use as is.
• FSS Conditioner Base Ready-to-use conditioner base for personal care product development.
• FSS Shampoo Base Ready-to-use shampoo base for personal care product development.
• FSS Pro Performance Dog Shampoo Retail-ready or customizable pet shampoo base for pet care product manufacturers.
• FSS Caffeine Liposome PF Liposome containing 1% caffeine to enhance delivery and maximize efficacy in cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Vitamin C Liposome PF Liquid dispersion of Vitamin C into liposomes for enhanced delivery in cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Vitamin K Liposome PF Liposome of Vitamin K for cosmetic and personal care applications targeting the appearance of dark circles.
• FSS Ceramide Liposome PF Aqueous liposome containing ceramide 3 and milk lipids (Lacto-Ceramide) for personal care.
• FSS Biotin Liposome Preservative-free, paraben-free liquid liposome containing biotin for personal care applications.
• FSS Vitamin AB3B5CE Liposome PF Vitamin delivery system containing Vitamin A, B3, B5, C, and E in liposome form.
• FSS Panthenol Liposome PF Encapsulated analog of Vitamin B5 delivering humectant, emollient, and moisturizing benefits.
• FSS Retinol Liposome PF Liposome containing retinol for age-defying and antioxidant mechanisms, used in sun care and tanning products.
• FSS Alpha Bisabolol Liposome PF Liposome of alpha bisabolol used across moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging treatment, eye cream, and cleanser formulations.
• FSS Retinol Liposome OS (Oil Soluble) Oil-soluble liposome containing retinol for age-defying and antioxidant cosmetic applications.
• FSS MAP Liposome (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) Stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative liposome for cosmetic formulations.
• FSS Co-Enzyme Q10 Liposome PF Liposome designed to enhance delivery of Co-Enzyme Q10 in the skin for cosmetic benefits.
• Microbial Test Kit, 10 Pack Easy-to-use testing kit (10-pack) for quality control checking of cosmetic and personal care products.
• Plastic Beakers Plastic beakers for laboratory use by cosmetic formulators.
• Plastic Tightening Tool Wrench Tool for opening 5 kg pails with tamper-evident screw cap closures.
• Formulation Calculator Excel-format formulation calculator for cosmetic product development.
• Sterile Cotton Tip Wood Applicators/Swabs Sterile cotton-tip wood applicators/swabs used in cosmetic formulation and testing.
• GNAT MX2 Dipslide Incubator Easy-to-operate incubator that heats to preset temperature for microbial testing in cosmetic and personal care production.
• Fiberglass-Filled Nylon Container Wrench Container wrench for 70 mm caps and 3/4 inch slotted drum plugs used in cosmetic bulk handling.
• Soap & Cosmetic Labeling Book Book by Marie Gale covering soap and cosmetic labeling.
• Laboratory Notebook - Beginner Beginner laboratory notebook for formulation documentation.
• The Cozy Collection Sample kit of top fall fragrance options for formulators evaluating scent profiles.
• FSS Pampered Pet Kit Kit positioned for on-the-go pet grooming formulation projects.
• FSS Relax Friend Face Balm Kit Face balm kit created by Cindy J Cosmetic Labs positioned for restoration and refreshment.
• The Cool Mom Kit Retail-suitable kit with price breaks available for bulk purchases.
• Active.Lite Relaxer Created to supplement the relaxer process and protect hair fiber from excessive damage while delivering smoother, shinier, silkier, more conditioned hair.
• AMTICIDE Coconut Antimicrobial developed to be coupled with broad-spectrum antimicrobials for protection against yeast and mold.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bulk Apothecary: Retails bulk ingredients, oils, and cosmetic supplies to makers and small businesses, competing on catalog breadth and pack sizing like FSS.
• Lotioncrafter: Online supplier of cosmetic and skincare ingredients in sample-to-bulk sizes for DIY formulators and small brands, mirroring FSS's DTC ingredient model.
• MakingCosmetics: E-commerce retailer of raw cosmetic ingredients, actives, and bases with formulation education, directly overlapping FSS's catalog and customer base.
• The Herbarie: Supplies specialty cosmetic ingredients, emulsifiers, and actives to formulators and small manufacturers, competing in the same DIY-to-brand niche.
• Essential Wholesale & Labs: Provides bulk cosmetic ingredients and private-label bases for personal care brands, overlapping FSS's ingredient and ready-to-use base offerings.
• Bramble Berry: Retails soap and cosmetic-making ingredients, fragrances, and supplies to hobbyist and small-brand formulators, closely comparable to FSS's DIY audience.
• Wholesale Supplies Plus: Online supplier of soap and cosmetic ingredients, packaging, and bases with strong education content, competing directly with FSS's model.
• New Directions Aromatics: Sells natural cosmetic ingredients, carrier and essential oils, and bases to formulators and brands, overlapping FSS's botanical and oils categories.

Emerging players

• TKB Trading: Niche supplier of cosmetic pigments, micas, and DIY makeup ingredients serving indie formulators, overlapping a specific segment of FSS's catalog.

Broad incumbents

• Univar Solutions: Global specialty chemical and personal care ingredient distributor supplying the cosmetics industry at scale, a much larger incumbent overlapping FSS's ingredient sourcing role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@formulatorsampleshop
• Facebookfacebook.com/FSSshop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/formulator-sample-shop
• Instagraminstagram.com/FormulatorSampleShop
• Xx.com/FormulatorShop

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Formulator Sample Shop