Silvia Fardilha

Limia Labs, cosmetic consultancy, offers a full spectrum of services designed to streamline and enhance the cosmetic manufacturing and development process. Discover how we can elevate your cosmetic brand today. Services: Cosmetics Development - Concept, Formulation & Scale-Up Regulatory Support Formula Testing Project Management

Lead Laboratory and R&D Team Management. Manage product development process, from concept to production scale. Drive R&D for new formulations and product enhancements. Optimize processes and troubleshoot production issues. Develop formulations for diverse product lines. Collaborate cross-functionally for seamless integration.

• Engineered the successful delivery of New Product Developments (NPDs) by collaborating closely with marketing teams, translating conceptual ideas into standout formulations. • Spearheaded and directed NPD initiatives, fostering strategic alignment with internal and external stakeholders, including Brand, Marketing, Product Development Managers (PDMs), Sourcing, and Vendors, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to product innovation. • Managed the end-to-end NPD process from Kick-off to finalized formula, encompassing the creation of backup formulations and comprehensive testing protocols (micro, patch test, compatibility, CPSR, UT, efficacy). • Instituted notable enhancements to existing formulations, consistently raising the bar for product performance and quality, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the brand's product portfolio • Oversaw the Scale-up process, coordinating with the internal pilot unit and collaborating with vendors to disseminate essential technical information, ensuring seamless and successful production scaling-up. • Worked closely with technical compliance team on the coding process of new raw materials, optimizing efficiency in the product development lifecycle • Distinguished as the Biodegradability Champion I manage to implement a pioneering system calculation process for biodegradability calculations utilizing OECD 301 testing protocols, covering 100% product portfolio and future formulations, exceeding industry benchmarks and reinforcing The Body Shop's commitment to proactive sustainability. • Played a crucial role in mentoring junior colleagues, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment within the team.

• Conducting in-depth research on sustainable and innovative ingredients. Focusing on increasing efficacy and fostering a perception of innovation in product development. • Planning and executing comprehensive testing plans for hero ingredients. Formulating and communicating efficacy claims for key products, such as the Edelweiss Range and Ginger Haircare. • Collaborating with the Consumer Insights (CMI) team, external partners, and testing houses. Benchmarking competition to define innovative claims for products. • Ensuring that formulated claims are globally viable and compliant on a global scale. • Leading initiatives within the regenerative program to enhance sustainability in raw material sourcing. • Identifying and substituting environmentally harmful ingredientes (main offenders) with sustainable alternatives. • Organizing events dedicated to exploring and promoting innovative ingredients that bring together cross-functional teams to explore and celebrate innovative raw materials.

• Entrepreneurial Consulting Role: Served as a consultant for SkinGreen Cosmetics, a start-up contract manufacturer in Portugal. • Project Initiation: Initiated and led the establishment of the company from conceptualization to successful implementation. • Funding Success: Successfully secured €300,000 in funding from a European-funded project, demonstrating adept grant application and fundraising skills. • Facility Design and Construction Oversight: Led the design phase of the laboratory and production facilities. Provided oversight for the construction of the facility, ensuring compliance with quality standards, production workflows and project timelines. • Equipment Acquisition Management: Conducted thorough market research and vendor evaluations to select equipment aligned with production needs and industry standards. – ex: mixing tanks, filling and packaging machinery, quality control instruments, Automated labeling and packaging systems. • Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) Development: Developed comprehensive standard operational procedures (SOPs) and production workfows to streamline and standardize operations. • Efficient Operations: Ensured the efficient and smooth day-to-day operations of the facility, optimizing processes for maximum productivity and quality. • Product Portfolio Formulation: Developed and formulated the initial product portfolio for SkinGreen Cosmetics, showcasing expertise in product development and formulation.

• Product Development Chemist Successfully launched a range of haircare solid cosmetics and body ranges at Castelbel. • Lab Establishment and Oversight: Established the R&D and Quality Control (QC) Laboratory facilities from inception. Oversaw the construction of the lab facility, ensuring compliance with industry standards. • Equipment Acquisition and Management: Managed the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment for R&D and QC purposes. Ensured the lab was equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for efficient product development and quality control. • Operational Procedures Development: Developed and implemented standard operational procedures (SOPs) for the R&D and QC Lab. Streamlined processes to enhance efficiency and maintain product quality.

• Product Development Chemist Worked with a small startup company specializing in natural and handmade products. • Portfolio Formulation: Developed and formulated a diverse product portfolio with a primary focus on Cold process soaps: Expertise in the saponification process, creating high-quality and unique soap products. Body Care Products: Formulated cosmetic products, handmade aligned with natural standards. House Care Products: Developed natural and eco-friendly formulations for household products.

• University Lab Research Assistant Team member in a research project focusing on the development of biosensors for detecting food allergens. • Research Project Assistance: Collaborated on various aspects of the research project, contributing to the development and optimization of biosensors. • Sample Preparation: Prepared samples for analysis, ensuring accuracy and reliability in experimental procedures. • Analytic and Optical Methods: Applied a range of analytic and optical methods including: UV/Vis Spectrometry, Infrared Spectrometry, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. • Separative Methods: Executed separative methods such as: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Gas Chromatography (GC). • Electroanalytical Methods: Conducted electroanalytical methods, specifically: Potentiometry and conductometry