Shay Labs Pilot Program
A clear product. A smaller first production path.
For founders who already know what they want to make and need custom formulation plus a practical route toward a qualifying 500 unit production run.
The direct answer
What is the Pilot Program?
The Shay Labs Pilot Program is a focused product development path for founders who already have a clear cosmetic or personal care product direction. The $2,500 program fee covers custom formulation for one approved product, formula ownership with percentages and an INCI ingredient list, product development guidance, and access to a qualifying 500 unit production path. Finished inventory and physical production expenses are quoted separately because ingredients, packaging, testing, components, filling, and shipping vary by project. The Pilot does not include manufacturing instructions. If you still need help with positioning, pricing, packaging strategy, suppliers, or a complete launch roadmap, the Beauty Brand Accelerator is usually the better fit.
Start with the right fit
The Pilot works when the major brand decisions are already clear.
It is a focused formulation and first production path, not a substitute for the broader founder and launch work inside the Accelerator.
The Pilot is a strong fit if:
You can clearly explain the product you want, who it is for, and what makes it worth buying.
- Your product category and customer are defined
- Your positioning and brand direction are already clear
- You primarily need custom formulation and product development
- You want to own the completed formula
- You want a lower risk path before a larger production run
Choose the Accelerator if:
You have an idea, but important commercial decisions still need to be made before production.
- You need help refining the hero product
- Your positioning, pricing, or offer is unclear
- You need packaging and supplier direction
- You want 1-on-1 coaching and implementation support
- You need a complete manufacturing and launch operating plan
What the program includes
Focused support to turn a clear concept into a real formula.
The Pilot keeps the scope concentrated on one approved cosmetic product and the work required to prepare it for a potential first run.
Custom formulation
Custom formulation work for one approved cosmetic or personal care product.
Formula ownership
Receive the completed formula percentages and corresponding INCI ingredient list.
Product guidance
Practical development guidance based on your product direction and production goals.
Defined handoff
A clear separation between the owned formula, production planning, and separately quoted manufacturing.
Qualifying 500 unit path
Eligible products may move toward a smaller first run based on formula, packaging, components, and production requirements.
Experienced operator perspective
Guidance from a team that has built brands, launched products, and manufactured at scale.
Formula ownership, explained
You own the formula. Manufacturing remains a separate service.
After the formula is completed within the approved Pilot scope, you receive the percentages and INCI ingredient list. That gives you clear ownership of the formula itself.
How the Pilot works
A practical path from clear direction to production planning.
Timing depends on the formula, revision needs, testing requirements, packaging, and component availability.
Confirm fit
Review the product concept, target quantity, packaging direction, and whether the Pilot scope matches the project.
Develop the formula
Translate the approved concept into a custom cosmetic formula and work through the required development steps.
Finalize the handoff
Complete the formula scope and provide percentages plus the INCI ingredient list.
Quote production
If the project qualifies, define the separate costs and requirements for a 500 unit first production run.
Quoted separately
Physical production costs depend on your actual product.
Every formula, package, component, test, and batch has different requirements. These expenses are not included in the $2,500 Pilot fee.
Pilot or Accelerator?
Choose based on what is still missing.
Both can lead toward a qualifying 500 unit first run. The difference is how much business, launch, and implementation guidance you need before production.
| Decision point | Pilot Program | Beauty Brand Accelerator |
|---|---|---|
| Best starting point | Your product and brand direction are already clear | You have a product idea but need the full roadmap |
| Program fee | $2,500 | $3,999 |
| Main value | Custom formulation for one approved product and a defined handoff | Product development, positioning, pricing, packaging direction, launch planning, and implementation support |
| Formula | Formula ownership with percentages and INCI list | Initial formulation setup for one approved hero product |
| Support model | Focused product development guidance | 12 week program with personalized 1-on-1 coaching and implementation support |
| Production | Qualifying 500 unit path, quoted separately | Qualifying 500 unit path, quoted separately |
Common questions
Before you choose the Pilot.
Does the $2,500 Pilot fee include finished inventory?
No. The Pilot fee covers the defined product development scope. Ingredients, packaging, components, labels, filling, testing, certifications, freight, shipping, and finished inventory are quoted separately.
Do I own the formula?
Yes. Within the completed approved scope, you receive the formula percentages and INCI ingredient list. Formula ownership does not include manufacturing instructions, processing methods, or batch procedures.
Can every Pilot product start with 500 units?
No. A 500 unit first run is available to qualifying projects. Eligibility depends on product type, formula, packaging, components, testing needs, and production requirements.
What kinds of products does Shay Labs accept?
Shay Labs works with cosmetic and personal care products. We do not formulate or manufacture supplements, ingestibles, toothpaste, or oral care products.
When should I choose the Accelerator instead?
Choose the Accelerator if you still need help with the product concept, customer, positioning, pricing, packaging direction, suppliers, manufacturing plan, or launch strategy. It provides a broader 12 week roadmap with personalized 1-on-1 coaching and implementation support.
Have a clear product in mind? Let’s see whether it fits the Pilot.
Bring the product concept, target quantity, packaging direction, and whatever work you have already completed.