What does KKT Labs do?
KKT Labs is an independent clean-beauty formulation lab founded in 2020 by cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline. We design custom skincare, haircare, bodycare, suncare, and hybrid makeup formulas for indie and mid-market beauty brands. Since launching, we've formulated more than 1,500 products, many of which are now bestsellers at Sephora and Ulta. Brands own their formulas from day one.
How is KKT Labs different from a contract manufacturer?
A contract manufacturer makes existing formulas at scale. KKT is an R&D lab. We invent the formula, then help you find the right manufacturer to produce it. That separation is deliberate. It means the brand owns the IP, not the factory, and you can move production without losing your product.
Does KKT Labs manufacture products?
We don't run our own factory. We formulate, then connect you with vetted contract manufacturers that match your volume, certifications, and budget. Our new Innovation Hub adds in-house fermentation, tissue culture, and bioactive development capacity for clients building proprietary technology.
What makes KKT Labs different from other beauty labs?
KKT Labs is a dedicated clean beauty and biotech lab. Unlike corporate R&D departments, we are independent and work only on product development. Our approach combines advanced science with white-glove client service.
Where is KKT Labs located? Do you work globally?
KKT Labs is based in Orlando, Florida, and we partner with beauty brands worldwide. We understand U.S. and international regulations and work with clients across markets.
What product categories does KKT Labs formulate?
KKT Labs formulates skincare, haircare, bodycare, suncare, and hybrid makeup (makeup with skincare actives built in).
Do you only develop formulas?
No. Beyond formulation, KKT Labs offers patentable ingredient development, raw material applications, stability testing, GMP audits, quality agreements, tech transfer, and product education to support brand growth.
Do I own the formula KKT develops for me?
Yes. Every brand owns its formula from the start. For brands that want to go further, we co-develop patentable actives, delivery systems, and preservation systems through our biotech program, with shared or brand-owned IP depending on the agreement.
How long does it take to develop a new beauty product with KKT?
A custom formulation typically takes 3–4 months from brief to final approved sample. Stability and compatibility testing add another 12 weeks. Complex actives or biotech-derived ingredients can extend the timeline, and we flag that in the brief stage so you can plan your launch calendar.
What does the KKT engagement process look like?
Most projects move through five stages: brief, concept and benchmarking, lab development, stability and compatibility testing, and manufacturer handoff. We assign a lead chemist to each project and run weekly working sessions with the brand team.
What stage does a brand need to be at before working with KKT?
We work with founders pre-launch, established indie brands building their next hero, and mid-market brands looking for innovation their current lab can't deliver. The common thread is that the founder or product lead is involved in the technical decisions, not outsourcing strategy entirely.
How do I start a project with KKT Labs?
Send a project brief through kktlabs.com/contact. We'll respond within 3–5 business days with either a scoping call or a referral if we're not the right fit.
Who is Krupa Koestline?
Krupa Koestline is the founder and chief chemist of KKT Labs. She holds a Master's in Biology and Biotechnology, was previously VP of Product Development at a major U.S. manufacturer, and is the 2024 recipient of the Florence Wall Women in Cosmetic Chemistry Award. She has been profiled by Business of Fashion, Beauty Independent, BeautyMatter, and Cosmetics & Toiletries.
What does “clean beauty” mean to KKT Labs?
Clean beauty at KKT means formulas that are evidence-based, non-toxic to skin and the environment, and free of green-washing, clean-washing, and science-washing. We publish our restricted-substance list and won't reformulate to chase a marketing claim that the underlying science doesn't support.
Can KKT Labs help with clean beauty standards and global compliance?
Yes. We guide brands through certifications like Sephora Clean, Credo Clean, USDA Organic, COSMOS, Ecocert, NSF ANSI, NPA, vegan, and cruelty-free. We also help with navigating global cosmetic regulations.
What is biotech in beauty, and why does KKT focus on it?
Beauty biotech uses living systems (fermentation, plant cell culture, tissue culture, precision enzymes) to produce ingredients with better efficacy and lower environmental cost than petrochemical or wild-harvested alternatives. KKT is opening an Innovation Hub in 2026/27 specifically to make these tools accessible to indie brands, who have historically been priced out of biotech R&D.
Do you work with startups or only established brands?
We work with both startups and established beauty brands. We also support investors and private equity firms with technical due diligence and product evaluations.
Can KKT help my brand get into Sephora or Ulta?
We don't pitch retailers for you, but our formulas are at both. We can advise on the technical and regulatory requirements those retailers expect, and many of our clients have used a KKT-developed hero product as their wedge into national retail.