Welcome to the forum

[Liset]

Hi,

my name is Liset. I obtained my Ph.D in physical chemistry. I am the founder of Dr. Lüderitz Natural Cosmetics. We are developing high quality natural products for a niche market (The curly hair market). We are also offering consulting services. Our products are 100% naturals including the surfactants and the preservatives. They are produced and registered in Germany.

I like the interesting discussions in this forum and I would like to be part of that

[Anonymous]

Hi every one,i am Sara from Canada,I am living in Ottawa since June 2014.i studied chemistry(bachelor s dgree) in my origin country, Iran.i worked in a food conrol lab before.i like to become a cosmetic chemist or fragrance chemist.i am so happy because i can learn and discuss with people here easily.
my first question : Is there any school or organization in Ottawa for cosmetic chemistry courses?
i am looking forward to reading your answers

[aak418]

Hello. My background is chemistry (bachelor’s of science) and I’ve been in the cosmetic industry for about a year; it was something I fell into after graduating from university and I turned out to like it a lot I worked at a contract R&D lab for a while and now I work as an applications chemist for a raw material supplier/distributor.

[matthewk]

Hello,
My name is Matthew and I work for a manufacturing company in Georgia that focuses mainly on the pet grooming and veterinary industries. I’m responsible for making about 230 products ranging from herbal and medicated shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and ointments, to nail polishes, hair dyes, colognes, cleaners, insecticides and adhesives. I’m always interested in learning more about the chemistry of my job and this site is an absolutely wonderful resource! Thanks Perry!

[Bobzchemist]

Nice to hear from another chemist in Georgia, Mathew. A few more of us and we could start our own SCC chapter, instead of just having to hear about the fun they get up to in Memphis (and occasionally Chattanooga). Where in Georgia do you work?

Bob

[matthewk]

Hey Bobzchemist,
While my boss insists on calling me a chemist, I am NO such thing - a kindergarten chemist maybe. I’m a glorified compounder who does a lot of research and a lot of lab work. Hope you wont think less of me. I work in Scottdale by the way.

[Bobzchemist]

I don’t think less of you at all. Many well-respected cosmetic chemists have learned on the job just the way you’re doing.

I’ve been doing product development chemistry for many years - and 80-90% of this is NOT taught in schools. Not having a chemistry degree doesn’t make you any less of a chemist.

I’m not just a chemist here, either - I wear many hats:chemical engineer, packaging engineer, microbiologist, regulatory specialist, equipment repair tech., etc.

We’re in Kennesaw - http://www.beaumontproducts.com 

[matthewk]

I appreciate the sentiment. My reticence to accept the title simply comes from my inexperience. I have a lot of practical experience making, refining, testing, and formulating products but I’m missing a lot of the fundamental understanding of the actual chemistry involved in these compound relationships. But I’m learning more everyday so I’ll gladly accept a trial membership into the SCC chapter, if you’ll still have me.

[belassi]

Judging by my class experiences organic chemistry isn’t popular. My 9th grade students liked my firework class, but all the girls ran out the door the minute I opened the bottle of butyric acid, so the perfumes (organic) class had to be cancelled.

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and to cosmetic playground my kitchen have been recently turned into. One day something silly and insignificant sparkled interest and since then I have been reading, researching, stirring, mixing, pouring, setting and testing weird mixes on my skin and hair. I am amateur (and bad one), chemistry is never have been my strength and at this moment I decided to be able carry on I must learn basics of creating quality bases and better understand ingredients. I have some questions and hoping community here will be able to help me find answers.  

[MarkHkang]

Hello everyone, my name is Mark and I am new to cosmetic field, and to this forum. I work for a company that manufactures nail products in NJ. I have a deep interest in learning personal care products. So I am here to learn My personal goal is to be one of the best formulators. Thanks! 

[mrylka]

Hi everyone! My name is Maria and graduated from university ( where I studied biotechnology) just few months ago. I loved creating new things, my main topic was organic synthesis. During my last semester I had a practical training in R&D lab in one of the best cosmetic firms in Poland (where I live). I dreamed about working there, creating new cosmetics and seeing them on a shelf at a store. And my dream came true - I got hired there in May. I’m trying to learn as much as I can to be better at my job. As I’m the youngest there and I like technology it’s my responsibility to take measurements with Turbiscan Lab Expert that we got recently. As you can see I have a lot to learn and I think this is the right place for me  

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much Perry to give me this oppirtunity to meet, discuss and benefit from experienced cosmetic chemists. I am a chemist . I had my MSc in food quality control ; I was mainly intersted in toxins and environmental contaminants ..This increased my environmental awareness towards cosmetics . After my optional retirement ,I decided to make natural cosmetics using herb extracts, emolients ,vitamins etc . I did my best -unguided-and succeeded to a great extent .I was doing every thing .. formulating producing packing and explaining the idea of natural codmetics to the public . I failed to make a natural skin lightening cream which is very popular in my country. I tried to convince the young ladies it was enough to have a clean well nourished skin together with healthy food and sport .
I need help from experts in natural cosmetics formulation .Actually I need recipes and advice about good ingredients .I hope I am not boaring or too demanding . I am thirsty for knowledge. Thank you all.
Hanan Ali (Sudan )

[yongnn30]

Hi all.. I am Yong Rafidah from Malaysia. I’ve been working at R&D Lab for almost 10 years. Working in small medium industry in Malaysia won’t be tough job, in terms of experience you can considered me as beginner in formulating. Looking forwrds to move in this field & get to know people in this field

[azzja]

Hi everyone! I’m Ivana from Croatia.

I am, unlike most of you, new to cosmetics making, and have no formal education (I have a degree in humanities). I became interested in making my own products because I have problematic skin and was sick of not understanig the inci names and the function of each ingreedient. I was also wondering what makes some creams cost 100$ and some 10$, aaand that’s how I got into all of this I read some books on the subjects, started following some blogs and I’m looking for new places for learning and exchanging advice.

[belassi]

I was also wondering what makes some creams cost 100$ and some 10$

Welcome to the forum. To answer your question: MARKETING.

[azzja]

Thanks Yes, that’s what I found out after reading, ingredients only cost so much and the rest is marketing. And that was my biggest realization and the thing that made me mad the most

[belassi]

Well, marketing is what runs the personal care industry, you know. I like to do shows because people often ask me if we have products that can cure some kind of skin problem or another, eg dark patches or whatever. I found I had to learn a lot about dermatology, because I am very interested in therapeutic cosmetics.

[Anonymous]

Hi,my name is Lizzy am in Nigeria I had my master degree in business administration but had interest in cosmetic production.I had series of traing and I want to go higher in my production and I also want to get in contact u me so to guide me .pls if there is any handout for us to get I wouldn’t mind the cost.even how to get the materials and mould.thanks

[Kirk]

Hi! I’m Kirk from the Philippines.

I am a newbie in the cosmetic industry. I am presently working as a formulator in a company that specializes in selling natural cosmetics. 

Thanks Perry for accepting my application in this forum. 

[belassi]

Welcome to the forum Lizzy. Ekushe-o! I speak pidgin and a few words of Yoruba because I once worked in Nigeria for a few years (Lagos state, Akure, Owerri and a few other places)

[Margaret2]

Hi all,

  My name is Margaret.

 I have been making cold process soap since around 2003. About 2 years ago I became interested in making skin creams & lotions.  I have also made toothpaste (ordered the calcium carbonate from the local pharmacy. $70 for 1 pound. OUCH!), liquid shampoo, hot process soap, deodorant (using propylene glycol  and sodium stearate vs. the coconut oil recipes found on-line which stain shirts), scrubbing soap for sinks etc., balms, salves, body powder, air freshener spray, and I  distill the volatile compounds (a.k.a. “essential oils”) out of the lavender growing in our yard (got a 1.5% yield this July. I must be crazy, BUT the previous year it was only a  0.5% yield). 

I make a sunblock with zinc, 22% zinc by mass.  I use the  type of zinc that makes the skin white, it just sits on the skin. I have made it the last 2 summers, but I would like to get opinions about its efficacy, if I may, from people who are REAL cosmetic chemists versus myself. 

Thanks a heap for having this great site to discuss these things! 

[belassi]

Welcome to the forum. You sound very versatile!

[TeniBeauty]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Teniola or TeniBeauty as friends call me. I am from Nigeria, West Africa. I have no science or chemistry background (save for 3years in high school which is more than a decade ago); but i am very open to learning and i hope this forum can help me achieve that. My background is in Beauty Business Consulting - i help young beauty professionals, especially makeup artists to put some business structure into their art. My company also organizes annual industry forums and conferences in Nigeria.

Actually, my interest in joining this forum is to learn as much as i can to become a formulator myself - and soon to build the first cosmetics factory within my region. We have lots of foreign brands who make millions of dollars every year in the African beauty market. We also have a few indigenous brands; however, i am looking to create a cosmetic brand that fuses African/Natural ingredients in making really quality products that’s also affordable for the millions of African middle class.

Anyone with ideas on how this can be achieved please reach out to me.

Thank you Perry for having me here, and sharing so much of your knowledge with young people like myself. And thanks to all the other great folks here, i feel like i belong in this family already. I look forward to learning from you all.

Warm Regards!

[belassi]

Ekaabo, TeniBeauty! Bawo ni n nkan? I’ve worked in your country from Lagos to Owerri so I know it pretty well. And I was lucky enough to be able to see Fela at the Shrine. Welcome to the forum!