What is cosmetic chemistry?

Cosmetic chemistry is the science of creating and formulating personal care products, cosmetics, and beauty items. It involves understanding how different chemical ingredients interact to create safe, effective, and stable products.

How do I become a cosmetic chemist?

A background in chemistry or a related science field is typical. Chemists Corner offers online courses, resources, and a community to help aspiring cosmetic chemists learn formulation skills and break into the cosmetic industry.

Do I need a degree to create cosmetic formulations?

While a formal degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is helpful, it is not always required. Many successful formulators have learned through hands-on experience and dedicated courses like those offered by Chemists Corner.

$549

Lifetime Access

Cosmetic Raw Materials 101

Become a cosmetic ingredient expert! Learn to decipher ingredients so you can be a better formulator.

Enroll Today

You will emerge from this course armed with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence you need to create formulas that consumers and marketers rave about.

After completing this course you will be a more knowledgeable formulator knowing what ingredients you need to produce safe, effective and legal cosmetics.

Hear From Our Past Students

“

With YOUR training classes and our adherence to the details, we are able to produce a great product that is consistent. Most importantly, our customers compliment us for not changing the formula.

— Darnell Bruce

“

I just completed my course on raw materials and bagged my second certificate. Was very explanatory and I got all the confidence I lacked.

— Omotayo Babajide

Who Is This Course For?

Cosmetic Chemists

looking to be more informed about choosing raw materials for their company's products

New Formulators

with an interest in becoming more knowledgeable and credible as a cosmetic formulator

Entrepreneurs

eager to know the ingredients and technology used for making effective products that consumers buy

This Course Goes Into Depth On

Learn Ingredient Chemistry

Reviews the main types of cosmetic raw materials and tells you how to use them to make quality products

Be better informed about ingredients

Learn the information that will help you know which ingredients to choose and when

Answer ingredient questions

Discover the facts about cosmetic raw materials and learn to cut through the ingredient marketing hype to find what really works

Ingredient sleuthing

Develop the skills to find the function of raw materials, learn which play nice together and which ones just won't

Natural and Standard ingredients

Understand the main categories of cosmetic ingredients and natural materials for various applications

Improve formulations

Gain a clear understanding of the different ingredients and the amounts used to help you make better formulas

Ingredient alternatives

Develop the confidence to find suitable alternative ingredients to ones you may not be able to obtain

Industry Insights

Develop an understanding of how the cosmetic raw material industry really works — key to creating consistent, stable and quality products

Meet Your Cosmetic Science Instructor

Perry Romanowski

Cosmetic Science Instructor

Perry Romanowski is the creator of Chemists Corner — a cosmetic industry-leading website focused on teaching people how to become excellent cosmetic formulators. He's also the author of multiple books including the best-selling book Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. He's a popular instructor for both the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the IFSCC. He is a well-known speaker, and influencer in the cosmetic industry both online and off.

After completing this course you will be a more knowledgeable formulator knowing what ingredients you need to produce safe, effective and legal cosmetics.

Course Syllabus

Module 1 – Introduction to Cosmetic Raw Materials

Overview of cosmetic ingredients, regulation, safety, and natural vs synthetic.

Overview of cosmetic ingredients – types, suppliers, and ingredient namesRegulation of cosmetic raw materials around the worldCosmetic ingredient safetyNatural and synthetic ingredients explained

Module 2 – Basic Chemistry of Cosmetic Ingredients

The foundational chemistry behind cosmetic ingredients.

Introduction to basic chemistryAcids, bases and saltsIngredients that contain Carbon – HydrocarbonsIngredients that contain SiliconPolymersOils, butters & waxesBiochemistryNatural ingredients

Module 3 – Functional Skin Care Ingredients

All the key ingredients for skin care formulations.

Introduction to skin care productsMoisturizing ingredientsCleansersExfoliating productsDepilatoriesSkin lightening productsAnti acne treatmentsSunscreensAntiperspirant & DeodorantsAnti-Aging Actives

Module 4 – Functional Ingredients for Hair Products

Ingredients for shampoos, conditioners, styling, and reactive hair care.

Introduction to Hair Care ProductsShampoosConditionersStyling productsRelaxers, Perms, Colors and other Reactive products

Module 5 – Functional Ingredients for Color Cosmetics & Perfumes

Colorants, fragrances, and their science.

Historical development of color cosmeticsRegulation of colorantsThe science of colorantsColorant types – Dyes, lakes, pigmentsNatural colorantsFragrance use in cosmeticsThe science of fragrancesNatural and Synthetic ingredientsFragrance creation and classificationFragrance safety and regulation

Module 6 – Raw Materials That Affect Formula Aesthetics

Ingredients that control feel, appearance, and odor.

SolventsEmulsifiersThickenersPlasticizersFilm formersPropellantsColorantsOpacifiersSolubilizersFragranceOdor absorbers

Module 7 – Raw Materials That Stabilize Formulas

Preservatives and stabilization ingredients.

What does stabilizing a formula mean?PreservativesChelating agentsAdjustment ingredientsAntioxidantsPenetration enhancersFoam stabilizers

Module 8 – Ingredients That Help With Marketing

Claims ingredients and marketing trends.

Introduction to Claims & claims ingredientsPopular claims & claims ingredientsClaims ingredient categoriesBiotechnology based ingredientsNatural based ingredientsHigh tech ingredientsMost currently popular ingredientsIdentifying future claims trends

Module 9 – Working with Raw Materials and Suppliers

Practical guide to sourcing and working with suppliers.

Picking ingredientsSource of ingredientsChemical suppliersGetting samplesHow to investigate a new ingredientSpecificationsMSDSWorking with suppliersMinimum ordering quantitiesBlends / compositionLabelingAnalyzing a list of ingredients

Limited Time Pricing

$549

Enroll Today — $549

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start?

The course begins as soon as you are ready. Once you make payment you will receive your access information and you can get started on the course.

Is there a certificate for completing?

If you complete all of the modules and quizzes, you will get a certificate of completion for Cosmetic Raw Materials 101.

Can I get questions answered?

Perry will be available for answering questions via email at all times (answer within 24 hours). Also, there are monthly Q&A sessions with Perry and other formulation experts.

How long does it take to finish the course?

The course has approximately 12 hours of content which you can finish at your own pace. Typically, a student will finish a module every 2 weeks, completing the course in about 4 months. But you can go faster or slower.

Will this course teach me how to make formulations?

The focus of the course is on Raw Materials. While we cover how ingredients are used in formulas, we don't specifically teach formulation. That is covered in our Practical Cosmetic Formulating course.

Do I need a science background?

While it helps to understand the principles of chemistry and science, it is not a requirement. We cover all the basic chemistry and math you need.

How long will I have access?

You will have access to the course for as long as you need it. There is no expiration date.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

The last thing I would want is for you to join this course and not feel like you are getting the value you want. We've already had hundreds of people complete this course and the feedback has been great. Having said that, I stand by my courses which is why it comes with a Money-Back-Guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase you can simply get in touch with me and ask for your money back. Remember your payment entitles you to lifetime access to the entire course.