“If your product was a person, what would they be like?” is one of Raj’s favourite questions. Slightly out of the box, maybe, but he says it often gets to the heart of a client’s vision.  

Raj leads a team that produces high-quality, white label and bespoke health and wellness formulations from Orsus’ advanced lab in Perth, Scotland. Understanding a customer’s vision and sentiment are crucial aspects of being Head Formulator. 

Raj’s role is creating and tailoring products to a client’s precise requirements (whether oils, capsules, gummies, powders, topicals, or soft gels) that will speak to that client’s customers.  

Products encompass wellness, skin care, oral and hair care, the fascinating new area of nootropics – substances that may enhance cognitive functions – and more. 

 “It’s our job to identify and answer those needs. I start with the principle a product should be problem-solving,” he says. 

Sometimes, he admits, his work feels pleasantly like brewing up magic potions. “I love chemistry, playing with raw materials, understanding how they react with the cells of the body, all that motivates me.”  

Alchemical as it sounds, every step – even the packaging materials – is rooted in in-depth knowledge of bio-chemistry, 21st century technique, hard research, knowledge of trends, and of course, the highest international standards. 

The all-important starting point is – the client.  

To understand what a client needs, and help deliver them compelling products, entails, first, dialogues with a customer. This begins when Raj receives the initial brief from Sales. 

“Sometimes the client knows very precisely what they want and provides us with the benchmark. After discussions, I crack on developing the product/s. 

“Other times, a company is looking for a product – a gym, say, that might want something that helps its users develop muscles – but doesn’t know what. I begin researching in order to come back to them and suggest specific products.” 

Reaching the ideal formulation for each client requires awareness of trends and the market, as well as the science. Raj pin-points, defines and helps clients refine their concept. “You need to get to the heart of what a customer is thinking.”  

Hence, the questions. 

“A few think the question about ‘products as people’ are a bit weird, but the answers can be extremely illuminating in terms of what a customer wants,” Raj says.  

“One client described their ideal shower gel as ‘a happy person, bright clothes, lots of fruit necklaces…’. When a client feels connected in this way, the end result is likely to be very right for them.” 

Concept finalised, Raj sets about developing prototypes in the lab. This phase includes trials, iterative testing and adjustments based on feedback, until the client’s desired product is achieved. 

Testing and compliance come next, with safety and efficacy top priorities. Raj also guides clients through the compliance requirements for their particular products to ensure they meet regulatory standards. 

The National Origin Index (NOI) and ISO 16128 are among the key international standards. 

After successful testing, manufacture and full-scale production begin, also including quality control and ensuring consistency, whether for a small batch or a large-scale launch. 

Raj previously worked for global top 500 company Church & Dwight, on world-famous brands such as Nair and Batiste and as the Technical Project Leader for Curash. He has degrees in bio-chemistry and pharmacology and an MSc in Cosmetic Science. 

As resident alchemist, Raj has a fascinating range of ingredients at his fingertips. He only uses those that are backed by data and sourced from suppliers who comply with the highest standards of safety- and sustainability. 

Possible components include antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, microbiome supporters, brightening agents, and enzymes. Some may sound familiar (vitamin C, retinol). Others, possibly only chemists, biochemists and cosmeticians know of. 

As examples, Raj’s favourite skincare components include: 

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): “An NAD+ precursor, a molecule vital for cellular energy production and metabolism.” 

Argireline, “a peptide, often called ‘Botox-like’ because it helps relax the look of expression lines.”  

Astaxanthin is a highly potent antioxidant from micro-algae that helps skin’s radiance. 

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 supporting skin barrier, improving hydration and reducing uneven tone and pores. 

So what ingredients make a good formulator? 

“It begins with being a good listener. Then, obviously, chemistry is the backbone of a good formulation. Foundational strengths, including presence of mind if something goes wrong. Technical dexterity. It’s a mix,” he says.  

Raj was attracted to join Orsus by the growth possibilities it offered – and by what he believes makes the company stand out.  

“Orsus is adapted to the current times. We deliver through technical expertise. At every step of the process, we ask what the product will be like in ten years. We think long-term and really care about building clients’ businesses – which is rare in the industry.” 

Another reason to trust Orsus is its transparency, Raj says. 

“There’s complete liberty of communication, usually not the case elsewhere. Clients can speak directly to our experts or request the paperwork at any point, so they will always know what is happening.”  

Finally, he says, “Building a brand also involves creating a community and sense of belonging – alongside our technical expertise and transparency, this really sets us apart.”