In this episode we dive deep into what it takes to protect the heart of your product — your formula — when you’re working with contract manufacturers or third-party labs. We’ll cover legal safeguards (NDAs, exclusive agreements, IP choices), operational controls (audit manufacturing partners, source ingredient oversight, confidentiality zones), strategic best practices (what you can realistically protect in skincare, what you should accept, how to position for risk), and how this plays into your brand’s long-term value. Whether you’re building your own unique formula for De Soap Boutique or scaling with multiple SKUs, this conversation gives you actionable steps for safeguarding your formulation, maintaining control, and avoiding the pitfalls many founders don’t spot until it’s too late.