IMCD opens a new Beauty & Personal Care lab in California, strengthening innovation, collaboration, and customer-focused formulation capabilities across the Americas.
IMCD Group, a globally recognised partner in the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has officially inaugurated a new Beauty & Personal Care laboratory at its recently established offices in Brea, California. This latest addition underscores the company’s continued investment in technical innovation and customer collaboration, while further expanding its extensive global infrastructure. The Brea laboratory becomes part of IMCD’s growing international network of more than 80 technical and application centres designed to support customers across diverse end markets.
The opening of the new facility was marked by a celebratory event that welcomed IMCD’s partners, customers, and employees. The gathering provided an opportunity for guests to explore the state-of-the-art laboratory, engage with IMCD experts, and gain first-hand insight into a purpose-built environment where scientific expertise and creative formulation intersect. Attendees experienced how the new space is intended to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of innovative beauty and personal care solutions.
Strategically designed as a centre for co-creation, the Brea laboratory features an expanded formulation area supported by modern equipment and dedicated spaces for development discussions. In addition to the laboratory itself, the facility includes meeting rooms tailored for formulation workshops, innovation sessions, and collaborative brainstorming. This integrated layout is intended to encourage closer interaction between IMCD teams, customers, and principal partners, enabling them to jointly explore new ideas and rapidly convert concepts into commercially viable prototypes.
By bringing technical resources, formulation expertise, and collaborative spaces together under one roof, IMCD aims to shorten development timelines and enhance efficiency throughout the product innovation process. Customers will benefit from hands-on support that allows them to respond more quickly to evolving consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and emerging market trends within the dynamic beauty and personal care sector.
Commenting on the opening, Ian Lawrence, Director of IMCD Beauty & Personal Care Americas, highlighted the strategic importance of the new laboratory. He explained that the facility reflects IMCD’s ambition to be the preferred formulation partner for customers, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. According to Lawrence, the Brea laboratory also reinforces IMCD’s commitment to strengthening its presence on the US West Coast while deepening long-term relationships with customers and partners.
Further emphasising the customer-centric approach behind the new facility, Danielle Wheeler, Technical Director of IMCD Beauty & Personal Care Americas, noted that the laboratory has been created to inspire creativity and support curiosity-driven development. She stated that the beauty and personal care industry is evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer expectations and trends. The new laboratory enables IMCD to work directly alongside customers to test, refine, and validate ideas, translating market insights into practical and differentiated formulations.
Overall, the opening of the Brea Beauty & Personal Care laboratory represents a significant milestone in IMCD’s ongoing strategy to enhance technical capabilities and collaborative innovation. By investing in advanced facilities and fostering closer partnerships, IMCD continues to position itself as a key enabler for brands seeking to stand out in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving beauty landscape.
