When the Right Formula Is the Wrong Product: hyaluronic acid (HA) Matrix Shot Case Study
Not Every Project Should Move Forward
At BF‑EssE, we’re known for finding solutions — but we’re also honest when something isn’t commercially viable. A client recently came to us with a complete formulation and documentation for a hyaluronic acid (HA) liquid shot, including collagen and additional actives.
Everything looked good on paper:
This formula was not scalable — at least not profitably.
Here’s what happened.
- Clear tech documentation
- Existing formulation
- Lab-scale proof of concept
This formula was not scalable — at least not profitably.
Here’s what happened.
The lab method for creating the HA shot involved:
- Pre-weighing and dissolving each ingredient (including collagen and HA)
- Controlled mixing in a jacketed reactor
- Building a protective matrix for HA inside the liquid phase
- Precision cooling before filling
A Lab-Perfect Process… That Took 12 Hours
A Lab-Perfect Process…
The lab method for creating the HA shot involved:
- Pre-weighing and dissolving each ingredient (including collagen and HA)
- Controlled mixing in a jacketed reactor
- Building a protective matrix for HA inside the liquid phase
- Precision cooling before filling
What Is a Matrix in HA Shot Formulation?
To keep hyaluronic acid stable in a liquid solution, especially alongside ingredients like collagen or amino acids, a protective matrix must be formed. This matrix:
Without this matrix, HA degrades rapidly, and the product fails before it reaches the shelf.
- Controls ionic interactions and pH drift
- Physically stabilizes HA chains in solution
- Prevents early hydrolysis or microbial growth
- Requires preservatives, buffers, viscosity modifiers, and chelators
Without this matrix, HA degrades rapidly, and the product fails before it reaches the shelf.
Scaling This Would Be… a Nightmare
After sitting down with our technical team and the client, we mapped out what it would take to scale this to production:
After sitting down with our technical team and the client, we mapped out what it would take to scale this to production:
- Heat-controlled jacketed tanks at multiple stages
- Ingredient staging, weighing, and dissolving across three sub-processes
- Controlled temperature curves (hot → cool) while preventing air exposure
- HA matrix formation as a timed, temperature-specific stage
- Cold filling in sterile conditions
Client Reaction: Expectations vs. Reality
When we presented the full technical breakdown and cost forecast, the client was taken aback:
“I didn’t expect it to be that expensive. It’s just a shot.”
We understood the surprise — but this was no ordinary product. Our response was clear and respectful:
“This isn’t just a flavored liquid. You’re asking us to develop a stabilized, multi-phase biochemical matrix — one that requires precision, equipment, and time.”
“We work to deliver quality — not shortcuts. And this level of complexity comes with real cost.”
After an open discussion, both sides agreed: while technically feasible, the product wasn’t commercially viable at scale. It was better to stop now than to move forward into an unprofitable outcome.
When we presented the full technical breakdown and cost forecast, the client was taken aback:
“I didn’t expect it to be that expensive. It’s just a shot.”
We understood the surprise — but this was no ordinary product. Our response was clear and respectful:
“This isn’t just a flavored liquid. You’re asking us to develop a stabilized, multi-phase biochemical matrix — one that requires precision, equipment, and time.”
“We work to deliver quality — not shortcuts. And this level of complexity comes with real cost.”
After an open discussion, both sides agreed: while technically feasible, the product wasn’t commercially viable at scale. It was better to stop now than to move forward into an unprofitable outcome.
Final Outcome: Letting Go Is Also R&D
We often talk about problem-solving in R&D — but sometimes saying no is the most professional decision. This wasn’t a failure. It was a well-reasoned stop.
The formulation may still be viable for luxury-tier brands or clinical trials — but not for high-volume commercial shots at marketable price points.
We often talk about problem-solving in R&D — but sometimes saying no is the most professional decision. This wasn’t a failure. It was a well-reasoned stop.
The formulation may still be viable for luxury-tier brands or clinical trials — but not for high-volume commercial shots at marketable price points.
Real R&D Is Also Real Business
Formulation isn’t just about science — it’s about process, scale, and price. In this case, we did everything right:
- Analyzed the process
- Modeled the cost
- Advised the client based on facts
- Because real R&D isn’t just about launching products — it’s about launching the right ones.
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