Picking A Product Line
Ask the Expert
By Melanie Vasseur
Originally published in Skin Deep, December/January 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Q: I recently attended a tradeshow and was overwhelmed by the multitude of product lines available. How do I choose a line to use in my practice and sell to my clients?
A: When choosing a quality product line, there are several factors to consider:
1. Check the ingredients. Play it safe and avoid potential irritants such as isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetyl
alcohol, and lanolin.
2. Determine the line's exclusivity. Does every salon have it, or will clients need to specifically get it from you? A unique or exclusive product is often more desirable.
3. Confirm the company's reputation. The best choices are often tried-and-true skin care lines that have been developed and proven for more than 20 years. There are exceptions, of course, but this is a guideline.
4. Verify that the products are always fresh. Products made infrequently may sit on the shelves for 10 years or more and lose their efficacy.
5. Establish how large the batches are. Larger batches require more preservatives, which can irritate the skin and clog pores.
6. Verify that the company provides education on the product line and new developments. Do they provide product manuals? Is the website educational and comprehensive? Do they offer classes for estheticians selling their line? Is there guidance on packaging?
Do the research, educate yourself, and ask plenty of questions and you will be well on your way to choosing a quality product line for your practice.
Melanie Vasseur is a leading cosmetic chemist, esthetician, and founder of Vasseur Skincare, a skin-focused spa with two locations in San Diego. For more information, visit www.vsskin.com.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Q: I recently attended a tradeshow and was overwhelmed by the multitude of product lines available. How do I choose a line to use in my practice and sell to my clients?
A: When choosing a quality product line, there are several factors to consider:
1. Check the ingredients. Play it safe and avoid potential irritants such as isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetyl
alcohol, and lanolin.
2. Determine the line's exclusivity. Does every salon have it, or will clients need to specifically get it from you? A unique or exclusive product is often more desirable.
3. Confirm the company's reputation. The best choices are often tried-and-true skin care lines that have been developed and proven for more than 20 years. There are exceptions, of course, but this is a guideline.
4. Verify that the products are always fresh. Products made infrequently may sit on the shelves for 10 years or more and lose their efficacy.
5. Establish how large the batches are. Larger batches require more preservatives, which can irritate the skin and clog pores.
6. Verify that the company provides education on the product line and new developments. Do they provide product manuals? Is the website educational and comprehensive? Do they offer classes for estheticians selling their line? Is there guidance on packaging?
Do the research, educate yourself, and ask plenty of questions and you will be well on your way to choosing a quality product line for your practice.
Melanie Vasseur is a leading cosmetic chemist, esthetician, and founder of Vasseur Skincare, a skin-focused spa with two locations in San Diego. For more information, visit www.vsskin.com.
