Cosmetic Science Programs Around the World

Here is a list summary of all the cosmetic science programs and courses outlined below. If you want to become a cosmetic chemist or formulator, these are the best courses to take.

Undergraduate programs

• The University of Toledo
• University of Canterbury (NZ)
• University of Sunderland (UK)
• Seneca College (Canada)
• Singapore Polytechnic
• De Montfort University (UK)
• London College of Fashion (UK)
• Monash University (Australia)
• Somalwar Academy Education Society (India)

Graduate programs

• University of Cincinnati
• Fairleigh Dickenson — M.A. in Science (Cosmetic Science Concentration)
• Long Island University (US) -M.S. in Pharmaceutics
• University of Rhode Island (US) - M.S. in Pharmaceutics
• Rutgers (US) - MBS Personal Care Science program
• University of Greenwich (UK)
• London College of Arts (UK)
• EFCM Program (France)
• ISIPCA (France)

Professional Online / Live Courses

• Society of Cosmetic Chemists
• Montclair State University (US)
• UCLA Extension course
• Practical Cosmetic Formulating
• Diploma in Cosmetic Science by Distance Learning (UK)
• Institute of Personal Care Science (Australia)
• Special4chem e-Training courses
• Center for Professional Advancement

We frequently get asked her on Chemists Corner about cosmetic science programs that teachyou to become a cosmetic chemist in the cosmetic industry or even to just formulate your own products. So much so that we created our own, online training course that you can learn more about here. Practical Cosmetic Formulating.

In recent years, the Internet has become inundated with courses that promise to teach you how to make cosmetics. It’s difficult to tell which of these are worthwhile since many of these cosmetic science programs were created by people who no nothing about chemistry. They even promise “diplomas” despite the fact that these certificates mean nothing. If you are truly interested in making products like is done in the cosmetic industry or with getting a job as a cosmetic chemist, the following courses are legitimate programs recognized by people and companies in the cosmetic industry.

These include programs ranging from four-year university degrees to one-hour online seminars. We’ve compiled a list of all the cosmetic science training programs we could find from around the world.

Note: There is no official accrediting body in the cosmetic industry so if a program claims to be accredited, that is not necessarily recognized in the industry. 

Cosmetic Science Schools and Undergraduate Degrees

The University of Toledo offers an undergraduate program in cosmetic science. You will learn from industry experts and get 2 years of formulation training in a lab. You’ll also be required to complete an internship program. This program will also connect you with people and companies that are part of the US cosmetic industry. A good place to start for anyone who is just going to college and knows they want to be part of the cosmetic industry.

University of Canterbury (NZ) - Bachelor of Product Design in Chemical Formulation Design. Combines science, process engineering, business and creative design. Hands-on chemistry and formulation science courses, including natural products processing and perfumery, cover cosmetics and personal care product formulation. Features group and individual creative design projects to make fully functional products, including marketing, packaging and graphic design, economics and production processes. This course requires 3 years full-time study and can also be combined with a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Commerce in a 4-year accelerated program.

University of Sunderland (UK) - They offer a BSc in Cosmetic Science that promises to give you expertise in the formulation and manufacture of cosmetic, fragrance and personal care products. The program takes 3 - 4 years of full-time study to complete.

Seneca College (Canada) - Their Cosmetic Science Program is a full year, three semester, laboratory based program that combines the art, science and business elements used in the development of cosmetic products. As the only Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program in Ontario, it focuses on product formulation and cosmetic production while emphasizing the industry’s evolving regulatory environment. If you’re looking to get into the cosmetic industry in Canada, this is an excellent place to start. Space is limited.

Singapore Polytechnic - Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science - The curriculum for this course focuses on teaching students the fundamentals of chemistry before they embark on subjects that have strong emphases on applications. Areas of applications such as sensory training for perfumery, fragrance creation, formulation of cosmetic products, cosmetic science as well as the marketing and business aspects in these disciplines will be some topics covered in the curriculum.

De Montfort University (UK) - Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons). Program provides knowledge and skills about formulation, manufacture and evaluation of products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and toiletries industry. Delivered by a team of subject experts, the courses are designed in the first year to deliver subjects such as chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology, which give the scientific background. Formulation, through a comprehensive course in compounding, and process technology are also introduced. This course will require 3 -4 year full time study.

London College of Fashion (UK) - Here you can achieve a BSc (Hons) in Cosmetic Science. This is a full-time, undergraduate level cosmetic science program that is designed to take 3-4 years to complete. This course is good if you wish to enter the industry as a formulating scientist in research and development, although you will be equipped to pursue a variety of careers in the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry (e.g., in product manufacturing, marketing and technical sales). It is sponsored by the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association one of the primary cosmetic industry groups.

Monash University (Australia) - Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science. Learn how to formulate, design and evaluate pharmaceuticals. The formulation science and chemistry knowledge graduates gain makes them suited for careers developing, cosmetics, foods, agricultural chemicals, veterinary products, paints and inks and many such consumer goods.

Somalwar Academy Education Society (India) - Offers a four-year bachelor of cosmetic technology. The course gives training in Cosmetic Formulation, Manufacturing, Analysis and Marketing. Industrial training and Educational tour are two essential components of the course. Graduate in Cosmetic Technology can seek jobs in Production / Marketing / R&D in cosmetic companies.

Cosmetic Science Advanced Degrees

University of Cincinnati On-line degree program focusing on design, evaluation, and control of cosmetic products. Nationally acclaimed Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science with emphasis in Cosmetic Science on-line. Lectures are offered asynchronously over the internet to accommodate the work and travel schedules of those who wish to take courses without distracting from current employment. Requires some visits to Cincinnati. They also offer an in-person version of this degree. Additionally, the University of Cincinnati now offers an undergraduate degree with a focus in cosmetic science program.

Fairleigh Dickenson — M.A. in Science (Cosmetic Science Concentration). Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Natural Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Science with a concentration in Cosmetic Science. This concentration, the first of its kind in New Jersey, was implemented in 1982 with the support and approval of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Today, FDU’s Cosmetic Science program continues to fulfill the needs of those responsible for creating commercial products in the cosmetics, toiletries, and fragrance industries. It enables practitioners to learn the latest advances in their field and helps students to develop advanced skills that can lead to senior assignments in the cosmetics industry. These courses are taught by cosmetic industry professionals so in addition to learning to formulate, you will also make important connections that could lead to future employment.

Long Island University (US) -M.S. in Pharmaceutics - The graduate program in cosmetic science provides an appropriate blend of course work in the areas of chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and pharmacy. These disciplines are coupled with their applications to the development and formulation of cosmetic products, and will serve to help the student to function more effectively in the cosmetic industry.

University of Rhode Island (US) - M.S. in Pharmaceutics - Not focused on cosmetic science but they do have a course in it.

Rutgers (US) - MBS Personal Care Science program - The goal of the program is to educate students in the essential skills and tools relevant to the Personal Care (Cosmetic), Consumer Health Products, Pharmaceutical and Speciality Chemical industries. Students will be taught the fundamentals and applications of personal care chemistry, food science, process engineering and science and will receive training in finance and accounting, marketing, communication and leadership, management of science and technology, ethics and entrepreneurship.

University of Greenwich (UK) - They offer an MSc Formulation Science which is unique in the UK in offering a depth of knowledge in the science of formulating new products in both the pharmaceuticals and other consumer products industries. The program will allow you to understand the principles of making finished products from a blend of different individual ingredients. They academic staff has relevant industrial experience which will help you as you apply these principles to industrially relevant problems in areas of formulation science.

London College of Arts (UK) - MSc Cosmetic Science is an exciting new applied science course situated in the Fashion Business School. It is designed for students who want a career within the cosmetic and toiletry industry, and focuses on the needs of the cosmetic industry and its consumers, at the same time as providing students with the critical and evaluative skills to be able to function as professional scientists.

EFCM Program (France) - Offers a limited number of students that opportunity to learn fragrance and cosmetic formulating. 2 year program to achieve Masters of Science in Fragrance and Cosmetics or an MBA.

ISIPCA (France) - The Institut Supérieur International du Parfum offers programs in perfumery, cosmetics and food flavouring. Courses are in French.

Cosmetic Science Short Courses — Live classroom

Society of Cosmetic Chemists — Continuing education courses are taught around the United States but mostly focused on the New Jersey / New York area. Topics include all types of things relevant to the cosmetic industry including formulation, emulsions, surfactants, color cosmetics, etc. The Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry course is taught by Perry Romanowski.

Montclair State University (US) - Consumer Product Science Short Course. A Consumer Product Science short course designed for early career professionals in the Fragrance and Consumer Household/ Personal Care Industries. Covers product formulation, ingredients selection, product evaluation and regulatory information.

UCLA Extension course - Cosmetic Sciences: Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Conditions and Regulatory Issues for Cosmetic Professionals. This course offers a foundation from which all skincare professionals and beauty entrepreneurs – regardless of scientific background – can understand current and future advances in skincare ingredient technologies, basics of skincare formulation development and essential compliance requirements regarding product labels, marketing and product performance claims.

Cosmetic Science Online Courses

Practical Cosmetic Formulating - Our very own cosmetic science programs designed to introduce students to all aspects of the cosmetic industry with a focus on formulation. This 5-month program includes 9 modules which are done online and can be completed anywhere in the world. Includes a copy of Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry, a cosmetic science discussion forum, and direct access to the instructors.

Diploma in Cosmetic Science by Distance Learning (UK) - Produced by the Society of Cosmetic Scientists. The course is modular in construction giving a flexible learning pattern but is expected to be completed within one year, though students may defer examination until the second year. Requires the completion of a test to get the diploma.

Institute of Personal Care Science (Australia) - Cosmetic product and personal care training Institute offering Diplomas in Personal Care Development, Promotion and Formulation. Industry approved training for the cosmetic formulators, marketers and personal care professionals of tomorrow. Diplomas are offered nationwide (Australia) through Distance Education, so you can study to improve your career opportunities at a time and place that suits you; with the support of our industry professionals assisting you all the way.

Special4chem e-Training courses - They have a variety of cosmetic science topics such as Silicones, Natural ingredients, emulsions, make-up, etc. Webinars are typically 90 minutes long with a 30 minute question and answer session. Taught by leading cosmetic industry experts.

Center for Professional Advancement- Cosmetic research and development training. Has both live classroom and online training options. Courses run from one- to five- days in length, include discussions, case studies, and group exercises and are taught by industry leaders who share their knowledge in an enthusiastic, interactive manner.

For more cosmetic science programs around the world, see this list put together by the IFSCC.