Formulation is a mixture of ingredients prepared in a certain way and used for a specific purpose. A cosmetic formulation is the combination of ingredients that make up a cosmetic product. The formulation is responsible for the product's performance, appearance, and shelf life.

The ingredients in a cosmetic formulation can be divided into two main categories: active ingredients and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are the ingredients that provide the product with its desired effect, such as moisturizing, exfoliating, or protecting the skin. Inactive ingredients are the ingredients that help to improve the product's performance, appearance, or shelf life, such as thickeners, preservatives, and fragrances.

The goal of cosmetic formulation is to develop safe, effective, and appealing products that meet consumer needs while adhering to regulatory guidelines and quality standards in the cosmetics industry.