School of Natural Skincare

Meet the team

Add us to your address book

What support is available

Student communication and support guidelines

Accessing tutor support

Requesting to join the Facebook group

Download: Getting support textbook

Quiz

Introduction to useful resources

Equipment list

Equipment checklist

Ingredient starter list

Supplier list

Glossary of terms

Download: Useful resources textbook

Introduction to Module 1

Module 1 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 1 workbook

1.1 Cosmetic definitions, categories and regulations

1.2 Your brand values

Activity: Your brand values

1.3 Types of haircare formula

1.4 What is a formula

Download: Formulation worksheet

1.5 Product concept to final formula

Download: Formulation comparison worksheet

1.6 Using a product development brief

Download: Product development brief

1.7 Using a benchmark

Download: Benchmark product analysis

Activity: Complete a benchmark analysis

1.8 Sensory evaluation

Download: Shampoo sensory evaluation

Download: Conditioner sensory evaluation

Activity: Complete a sensory product evaluation

1.9 Cosmetic product testing

Download: Module 1 textbook

Module 1 quiz

Checking in

Introduction to Module 2

Module 2 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 2 workbook

2.1. Hair anatomy and physiology

2.2 Physical properties of hair

2.3 Hair types

2.4 Hair damage and haircare concerns

2.5. Haircare routines for different hair types

Activity: Creating a haircare routine

Download: Module 2 textbook

Module 2 quiz

Introduction to Module 3

Module 3 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 3 workbook

3.1 Equipment for your home lab

Equipment you need for making natural skincare and haircare products at home

3.2 Professional lab equipment

Activity: Set up your home lab

3.3 Scaling up and manufacturing equipment

3.4 Good manufacturing practice (GMP)

Download: Calibration records and manufacturing log

3.5 Lab techniques and skills

3.6 Testing pH

How to take care of and calibrate your pH meter

Activity: Practice calibrating your pH meter

3.7 Adjusting pH

How to measure and adjust the pH of your product

3.8 Calculating batch sizes

Download: Calculating a batch

Download: Batch calculators

Activity: Calculating a batch

3.9 Cosmetic packaging

Activity: Research packaging options

Download: Module 3 textbook

Module 3 quiz

Checking in

Introduction to Module 4

Module 4 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 4 workbook

4.1 Shampoos: An introduction

4.2 The structure of a shampoo formulation

4.3 The Science of surfactants

4.4 Surfactant types

4.5 Natural surfactant options

Download: Surfactants chart

4.6 Surfactant active matter

Download: Active matter calculator

Demonstration: How to use the active matter calculator

Activity: Substituting surfactants

Download: Module 4 textbook

Module 4 quiz

Introduction to Module 5

Module 5 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 5 workbook

5.1 Classification of ingredients and raw materials

5.2 Compatibility of ingredients and raw materials

5.3 Ingredients and functions: An overview

5.4 Researching ingredients and raw materials

Activity: Download an MSDS and CoA

5.4.1 Choosing a raw material supplier

5.5 Thickeners

5.6 Conditioning ingredients

5.7 Pearlizers, fragrance and colorants

5.7.1 International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines and calculating allergen levels

Download: IFRA standards (51st amendment)

Download: Example IFRA conformity certificate and Allergen declaration

5.8 Active ingredients: vitamins, cosmeceuticals, plant extracts

5.9 Clays, powders and exfoliants

5.10 pH adjusters

5.11 Solubilizers

5.11.1 Experiment and report: Three natural solubilizers

5.12 Preserving cosmetics

5.12.1 Strategies for prolonging shelf-life

5.12.2 Natural preservatives

5.12.3 Creating a preservative system

5.13 Organizing and storing materials in your lab

Download: Incoming ingredient (raw material) log

Activity: Start keeping an Incoming ingredient (raw material) log

5.14 Substituting ingredients

5.15 Supplier list

Activity: Researching where to buy your ingredients

Download: Module 5 textbook

Module 5 quiz

Introduction to Module 6

Module 6 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 6 workbook

6.1 Formulating different types of shampoo

Download: Liquid shampoo product development brief and formulation worksheet

Download: Solid shampoo product development brief and formulation worksheet

6.2 Formulating regular shampoo

Demonstration: Aloe and Lavender Shampoo for Moderate Hair

6.3 Formulating clarifying shampoo

Demonstration: Citrus Burst Clarifying Shampoo

6.4 Formulating daily use shampoo

6.5 Formulating conditioning/2-in-1 shampoo

6.6 Formulating anti-dandruff shampoo

Demonstration: Tea Tree Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

6.7 Formulating solid shampoo bars

6.7.1 Formulation example: Cocoa Butter and Peppermint Shampoo Bar

6.7.2 Formulation example: Fragrant Orange Solid Shampoo Bar

Demonstration: Fragrant Orange Shampoo Bar

6.7.3 Formulation example: Fortifying Shampoo Bar

6.7.4 Formulation example: Argan and Geranium Shampoo Bar

Demonstration: Argan and Geranium Shampoo Bar

6.8 Troubleshooting shampoos

Activity: Formulating your own shampoo

Download: Module 6 textbook

Module 6 quiz

Checking in

Introduction to Module 7

Module 7 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 7 workbook

7.1 Conditioners: An introduction

7.2 The structure of a conditioner formulation

Activity: Deciphering a conditioner INCI list

7.3 Creating emulsions

7.4 Emulsifiers and polymers for haircare

Download: Module 7 textbook

Module 7 quiz

Introduction to Module 8

Module 8 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 8 workbook

8.1 Formulating different types of conditioner

Download: Liquid conditioner product development brief and formulation worksheet

Download: Solid conditioner product development brief and formulation worksheet

8.2 Formulating rinse-off conditioner

Demonstration: Shea and Coconut Conditioner for Dry Hair

8.3 Formulating leave-in conditioner

8.4 Formulating intensive conditioner

Demonstration: Argan Oil Intensive Conditioner

8.5 Formulating detangling spray

Demonstration: Lavender and Mandarin Detangling Spray

8.6 Formulating co-wash

8.7 Formulating solid conditioner bars

8.7.1 Formulation example: Vanilla and Benzoin Conditioner Bar

Demonstration: Vanilla and Benzoin Conditioner Bar

8.7.2 Formulation example: Honey and Banana Deep Conditioner Bar

8.8 Troubleshooting conditioners

Activity: Formulating your own conditioner

Download: Module 8 textbook

Module 8 quiz

Checking in

Introduction to Module 9

Module 9 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 9 workbook

9.1 Formulating different types of hair treatments and styling products

9.2 Formulating hair and scalp oil

9.3 Formulating anhydrous hair masks and butters

Demonstration: Shea and Black Castor Oil Hair Butter

9.4 Formulating hair wax, hair pomade and edge control

Demonstration: Mojito Hair Wax

9.5 Formulating anti-frizz spray

9.6 Formulating dry shampoo

Demonstration: Purifying Dry Shampoo

9.7 Formulating clay-based mask

9.8 Formulating Ayurvedic shampoo

9.9 Formulating scalp scrub

Demonstration: Energizing Scalp Scrub

9.10 Formulating scalp serum

9.11 Formulating hair gel and gel-base edge control

9.12 Formulating salt spray

Demonstration: Sea Salt Texture Spray

9.13 Formulating curl custard/pudding

9.14 Troubleshooting hair treatments and styling products

Download: Powdered products product development brief and formulation worksheet

Download: Anhydrous products product development brief and formulation worksheet

Download: Water-based products product development brief and formulation worksheet

Activity: Formulating your own treatments and styling products

Download: Module 9 textbook

Module 9 quiz

Introduction to Module 10

Module 10 Learning outcomes

Download: Module 10 workbook

10.1 Seling your products legally: An introduction

Download: Manufacturing Log Batch File

Activity: Start keeping a manufacturing log

10.2 Creating a product information file

Download: Product information file template

Example: Product information file template - completed

10.3 Cosmetic regulations by country

10.3.1 Australia cosmetic regulations

10.3.2 Canada cosmetic regulations

10.3.3 European cosmetic regulations

10.3.4 India cosmetic regulations

10.3.5 New Zealand cosmetic regulations

10.3.6 South Africa cosmetic regulations

10.3.7 UK cosmetic regulations

10.3.8 USA cosmetic regulations

10.4 Cosmetic claims

Download: Module 10 textbook

Module 10 quiz

Guidelines for submitting assignments

Assignment checklist

Assignment 1: Classifying ingredients

Assignment 2: Calculating a batch

Assignment 3: Varying a formula

Assignment 4: Shampoo formula

Assignment 5: Calculating Active Matter

Assignment 6: Conditioner formula

Submit assignments

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