Scent tech company launches AI software for fragrance reformulation
Earlier this year, scent technology company Moodify announced the launch of its (Re)formulation Artificial Intelligence (AI) software Moodify (Re)formulation. This technological innovation offers fragrance manufacturers a streamlined option for “formulation and reformulation at scale, the software enables a quick, highly effective, and component-flexible process, allowing perfumers to substitute components while maintaining the same odor profile as in the original formula,” shared the company in a recent press release.
The algorithm-based software works by enabling a system of automatic replacement, giving formulators the ability to select replacement fragrance molecules in a formulation “based on their level of similarity to the original molecule while optimizing for different constraints,” continued the press release. The app-enabled software accounts for “regulatory requirements, inventory, and pricing considerations before suggesting the best substitutions,” and is a simple solution for what can be a time-consuming or costly process for fragrance formulators and manufacturers.
To learn more about the potential impact of this software development and launch on manufacturers to the cosmetics and personal care industries, some background on the software’s development process, and the potential industry pain points this software can solve, CosmeticsDesign interviewed Eyal Maor, CEO of Moodify for his insights.
CDU: What is the potential impact of this AI technology launch on manufacturers and suppliers to the cosmetics and personal care product industries?
Eyal Maor (EM): The launch of AI technology can have several positive impacts on the cosmetics and personal care product industries.
Product development and (re)formulation: AI can enhance the product development process by analyzing vast amounts of data, including consumer preferences, ingredient availability and effectiveness, market trends, costs and more. This can help manufacturers and suppliers create innovative (re)formulations and identify new product opportunities based on consumer demands.
Customization and personalization: AI technologies can enable personalized product recommendations and customization options for consumers. Manufacturers and suppliers can leverage AI algorithms to analyze individual preferences, skin types, and other factors to create personalized products. This trend can lead to increased demand for customized ingredients and packaging solutions from suppliers.
Quality control and safety: AI-powered systems can assist in quality control processes by detecting defects, contaminants, or inconsistencies in products. This can help manufacturers maintain high product standards and ensure consumer safety. Suppliers may need to adapt by providing AI-compatible quality control solutions or integrating AI into their own processes.
CDU: Can you share some background information about the technology’s development process?
EM: The development process of Moodify's technology is made of three key layers. The first is data engineering, which is the creation of reliable high quality perceptual data sets that correspond to Moodify's Scent Language Standard. It's a practice that embodies a high level of understanding in perfumery, neurobiology, psychology, chemistry, and statistics.
The second is AI programming, which is the practice of creating and running machine learning and deep learning models. This practice requires deep expertise in computer science, mathematics, and bioinformatics. This layer of algorithms is coined as Scent AI.
The third is software engineering, which is the ability to build a robust application that integrates the engineered database together with Scent AI and a usable user interface.
CDU: Were there any challenges to the development and launch of Moodify (Re)formulation? If so, what were those challenges and what solutions were developed and implemented to address them?
EM: There were several challenges to the development and launch of Moodify (Re)formulation. Business wise, there was a challenge in identifying the right link in the value chain of home care and personal care products. High quality data is the most common bottle neck in developing viable and effective AI algorithms.
Reliable psychophysics was another challenge. Obtaining reliable perceptual observations requires careful process and observation. Our ‘know-how’ is something we are extremely proud of.
Funding this process was also a challenge. We had to find special partners to walk with us on this journey.
CDU: What pain points currently face manufacturers and suppliers to the cosmetics and personal care product industries that Moodify (Re)formulation can help address and solve, and how?
EM: In the dynamic world of fragrances, changes to the availability and price of components, as well as new regulatory requirements, can create challenges for product managers and perfumers. We provide a solution for fast and easy scent reformulation. With just a few steps, our solution can help you substitute components while maintaining the same scent or a similar aroma to the original formula.
Our powerful algorithm takes into account regulatory requirements, inventory, pricing among other constraints, to suggest the best alternatives to substitute. The calculation is done using several methods to ensure optimal performance in any given circumstance.
It's ideal for perfumery and fragrance experts, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to keep up with changing regulations and ingredient availability. With our Refo solution, scent reformulation is no longer a daunting task - it's fast, accurate, and user-friendly. The beauty industry can trust Refo to ensure fragrances always meet regulatory compliance, while maintaining the same quality and aroma.
