Course Description

Design & launch your own skincare brand!


Design your own range of unique natural or organic skincare products with our accredited online course. Study from anywhere in the world!

This is our most in-depth training program, taking you step-by-step through designing, formulating and creating your own product range.

If you want to take your skincare product development to the next stage, then you’re in the right place.

Our fully revised, updated and expanded course can help you to turn your hobby into a thriving business.


Click here to visit our website the full details of the program.

School of Natural Skincare International

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

    • ESSENTIAL course information. Please read.

    • Important notice for students - your course access

    • Welcome from the Directors

    • Learning objectives and outcomes

    • Guide to using the online classroom

    • Downloading multimedia documents from Google Drive

    • Activities and Assignments

    • Add us to your address book

    • Exciting update for 2020

    • Course access and assignment deadlines
  • 2

    Getting support

    • What support is available? The student and graduate community

    • Student communication and support guidelines

    • Requesting to join the student support group

    • Help accessing materials
  • 3

    Tutor Q&A responses

    • Tutor Q&A responses

    • Q&As: AHAs and BHAs

    • Q&As: Aloe vera

    • Q&As Balms

    • Q&As: Blooming bath oil

    • Q&As: Botanical extracts

    • Q&As: Butters

    • Q&As: Carrier oils

    • Q&As: Coenzyme Q10

    • Q&As: Colors and flavors

    • Q&As: Emulsifiers, emulsification and emulsions

    • Q&As: Essential oils, fragrance oils and absolutes

    • Q&As: Exfoliators

    • Q&As: Gels and gums

    • Q&As: Glycerin

    • Q&As: Heat and hold

    • Q&As: Honey

    • Q&As: Hyaluronic acid

    • Q&As: Hydrosols

    • Q&As: Infusions

    • Q&As: Mixing, mixers and blenders

    • Q&As: Oil to milk cleansers

    • Q&As: Packaging and labeling

    • Q&As: Panthenol

    • Q&As: Penetration enhancers

    • Q&A: pH

    • Q&As: Polysorbates

    • Q&As: Preservatives

    • Q&As: Rescuing a failed batch

    • Q&As: Solubilizers

    • Q&As: Stability testing

    • Q&As: Sterilization and sanitization

    • Q&As: Sucragel

    • Q&As: Toners

    • Q&As: Vitamin E and antioxidants

    • Q&As: Vitamins (except Vitamin E)

    • Q&As: Water
  • 4

    Module 1: Your unique products and brand

    • Welcome and overview

    • Brand Creator's Notebook

    • 1.1 Values and niches

    • 1.2 Brand examples and inspiration

    • 1.3 Defining ‘natural’ and ‘organic’

    • 1.4 Getting Certified

    • 1.5 Elements of a winning brand

    • 1.6 Creating YOUR brand

    • Activity: Complete your Brand Creator's Notebook

    • BONUS: Creating your product story
  • 5

    Module 2: Skincare product design

    • Welcome and overview

    • 2.1 Step-by-step design process

    • Worksheet: "Must- Have" Product Design Process

    • 2.2 Using a product development brief

    • Worksheet: Product Development Brief

    • Activity: Complete a Product Development Brief​

    • 2.3 Perfecting your formula

    • 2.3.1 Using a benchmark

    • Worksheet Benchmark Product Analysis

    • Activity: Complete a Benchmark Product Analysis

    • Checking in
  • 6

    Module 3: Creating professional cosmetic formulations

    • Welcome and overview

    • 3.1 What is a cosmetic? Cosmetic categories

    • 3.2 Types of cosmetic formula

    • 3.3 What is a formula?

    • Worksheet: Formulation Template

    • 3.3.1 Turning a recipe into a formula

    • Activity: Turn a recipe into a formula

    • ​3.4 What makes a great formulator?

    • 3.5 Elements of a great performing formula

    • ​3.6 Product evaluation

    • Worksheet: Sensory Product Evaluation

    • ​Activity: Complete a Sensory Product Evaluation

    • Worksheet: Adjusting your formula
  • 7

    Module 4: Skin anatomy and physiology. Formulating for different skin types.

    • Welcome and overview

    • 4.1 The skin: its role, function and how it works

    • 4.2 Skin barrier

    • ​4.3 Skin hydration

    • 4.4 The acid mantle

    • ​4.5 Skin aging

    • 4.6 Sun damage

    • 4.7 Absorption of ingredients into the skin

    • 4.8 Formulating for different skin types: sensitive, oily, dry and aging

    • Formulating for Mature and Aging Skin

    • Formulating for Oily and Acne Prone Skin

    • Formulating for Dry Skin

    • Formulating for Sensitive and Eczema Prone Skin

    • Checking in
  • 8

    Module 5: Cosmetic Ingredients and Raw Materials

    • Welcome and overview

    • 5.1 Classification of Ingredients

    • Polarity and compatibility of ingredients

    • 5.2 Emollients, occlusives and humectants including carrier oils and butters

    • Emollients, Occlusives and Humectants Workbook

    • Composition of Oils Workbook

    • How to select carrier oils

    • Worksheet: Getting to know your carrier oils

    • Activity: Getting to know your carrier oils

    • Further reading: Carrier Oils

    • 5.3 High Performance Ingredients

    • High Performance Ingredients Workbook

    • How to select botanical extracts

    • Types of antioxidant

    • Antioxidants chart

    • Ingredients for Hyper-pigmentation/ Skin Lightening/ Brightening

    • Further reading: High Performance Ingredients

    • 5.4 Essential Oils

    • Essential Oils Workbook

    • Worksheet: Getting to Know Your Essential Oils

    • Activity: Getting to know your essential oils

    • 5.4.1 How to choose essential oils for your products

    • Worksheet: Choosing & Blending Oils

    • Blending Essential Oils Workbook

    • (Advanced Lesson) Choosing your essential oils

    • 5.4.2 (Advanced Lesson) Calculating Essential Oils Allergen Levels

    • Definition of IFRA Classes

    • IFRA standards

    • Example: IFRA Conformity Certificate

    • Example: Allergen Certificate

    • 5.5 Aesthetic ingredients: Emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners

    • NEW Emulsifier chart

    • CHART: Ingredients, Skin types and Functions

    • 5.6 Researching Ingredients

    • Buying ingredients: Global supplier list

    • Download: All Module 5 Downloads
  • 9

    Module 6: Lab skills, equipment and packaging

    • Welcome and overview

    • 6.1 Equipment needed​

    • Equipment List for Home Formulating

    • 6.2 Good Manufacturing Practice

    • Template: Ingredient log

    • Download: Ingredient Log

    • Activity: Start Keeping an Ingredient Log

    • ​6.3 Lab techniques and skills

    • Demonstration: Sanitizing equipment

    • ​6.4 Testing and adjusting pH

    • Options for measuring pH: pH strips and meters

    • NEW Guide to testing and adjusting pH

    • Demonstration: Measuring and adjusting pH

    • Demonstration: Caring for and calibrating a pH meter

    • 6.5 Calculating batch sizes

    • Batch calulator

    • Convert % to grams calculator

    • Download: Batch calculators

    • Worksheet: Calculating a batch

    • ​Activity: Calculating a batch

    • ​6.6 How to choose packaging

    • Checking in
  • 10

    Module 7: Preserving products naturally

    • Welcome and overview

    • ​7.1 Introduction to microbiology

    • 7.2 Strategies for prolonging shelf life

    • 7.2.1 Using Preservatives

    • Natural Preservatives Chart

    • Download: Natural Preservatives Chart

    • 7.2.2 Using Antioxidants

    • Antioxidants Chart

    • Download: Antioxidants chart

    • 7.2.3 Preservative Boosters: Chelating Agents (Advanced Lesson)

    • Natural Chelating Agents Chart (Advanced Lesson)

    • Download: Chelating Agents Chart

    • 7.2.4 Extending shelf life with packaging

    • 7.2.5 Product storage and usage

    • 7.2.6 Ingredient Quality

    • 7.2.7 Good Manufacturing Practice

    • ​7.3 New technologies in natural preservation of products (Advanced Lesson)

    • Hurdle Technology: Self preserving products
  • 11

    Module 8: Formulating Oils and Serums

    • Welcome and introduction

    • 8.1 Formulating body and massage oils

    • Formulation Example: Dry Oil Body Spritz

    • Demonstration: Making a Dry Oil Body Spritz

    • Formulation Example: Aromatherapy Massage Oils

    • Formulation Worksheet: Body/ Bath/ Massage Oil

    • Activity: Formulate a Body or Massage Oil

    • 8.2 Formulating bath and shower oils including Blooming Bath Oils

    • Formulation Example: Citrus Blooming Bath Oil with Kukui Nut Oil

    • Demonstration: Making a Blooming Bath Oil with Sucragel

    • Formulation Worksheet: Blooming Bath Oil with Emulsifier

    • Formulation Worksheet: Blooming Bath Oil with Sucragel

    • Activity: Formulate a Bath or Shower Oil

    • 8.3 Formulating Facial Oils and Serums

    • Formulation Example: Borage Facial Oil

    • Formulation Example: Rosemary and Lavender Facial Serum

    • Formulation Example: Neroli and Frankincense Anti-aging Facial Serum

    • Formulation Worksheet: Facial Oil / Serum

    • Activity: Formulate a Facial Oil or Serum

    • 8.4 Formulating Cleansing Oils and Oil-to-Milk Cleansers

    • Formulation Example: Mandarin Oil-to-Milk Cleanser

    • Formulation worksheet: Cleansing Oil

    • Activity: Formulate a Cleansing Oil

    • Checking in
  • 12

    Module 9: Formulating Butters and Balms

    • Welcome and introduction

    • 9.1 Formulating Whipped Body Butters

    • Ingredient spotlight: Butters

    • Activity: Getting to know your butters

    • Formulation Example: Lemon Whipped Body Butter with Kokum Butter

    • Demonstration: Making a Whipped Body Butter

    • Formulation Worksheet: Body Butter

    • Activity: Formulate a Body Butter

    • Troubleshooting Balms and Butters

    • 9.2 Formulating Balms and Salves

    • Ingredient spotlight: Waxes

    • Testing five natural waxes: experiment and report

    • Activity: Getting to know your waxes

    • Formulation Example: Mixed Berry Lip Balm

    • Demonstration: Making a Lip Balm

    • Formulation Example: Wild Rose Beauty Balm

    • Formulation Worksheet: Balm

    • Formulation Worksheet: Lip Balm

    • ​Activity: Formulate a Balm

    • Troubleshooting Balms and Butters
  • 13

    Module 10: Formulating Spa Style Soaks, Scrubs and Polishes

    • Welcome and Introduction

    • 10.1 Formulating Spa Style Soaks and Scrubs

    • Ingredient spotlight: Exfoliants

    • Activity: Researching exfoliants

    • Formulation Example: Relaxing Rose and Milk Bath Soak

    • Formulation Examples: Body Scrubs

    • Formulation Worksheet: Body / Foot Scrub

    • Activity: Formulate a soak or scrub

    • 10.2 Formulating Facial and Body Polishes

    • Formulation Example: Frankincense Facial Polish

    • Formulation Worksheet: Sucragel Face / Body Polish

    • Activity: Formulate a Facial or Body Polish

    • Checking in
  • 14

    Module 11: Formulating Toners, Spritzers and Mists

    • Welcome and Introduction

    • 11.1 Formulating Toners, Spritzers and Mists

    • Ingredient spotlight: Solubilizers

    • Three natural solubilizers: Experiment and report

    • Ingredient spotlight: Water soluble extracts and skin conditioning agents

    • Formulation Example: Rose Flower Mist

    • Demonstration: Making a Rose Flower Facial Mist

    • Formulation Worksheet: Toner / Spritz / Mist

    • Activity: Formulate a Toner or Mist
  • 15

    Module 12: The Emulsification Process

    • Welcome and Introduction

    • 12.1 What is an emulsion?

    • 12.2 The Science of Emulsification (Advanced Lesson)

    • 12.3 How to make an emulsion: phases and stages in emulsion manufacture

    • 12.4 How to choose your emulsifier

    • Introduction to the HLB System

    • Emulsifier chart (same as in Module 5)

    • Download: Emulsifier chart (excel)

    • Activity: Researching emulsifiers

    • 12.5 Solving emulsion instability

    • 12.6 Rheology and viscosity modification

    • Checking in
  • 16

    Module 13: Formulating Creams and Lotions

    • Welcome and introduction

    • 13.1 Introduction to formulating creams and lotions

    • Activity: Experiment with emulsifiers

    • How to write a formula for an emulsion

    • 13.2 Formulating body creams and lotions

    • Formulation example: Sea Buckthorn Body Milk

    • Formulation example: Passionfruit Body Lotion

    • Demonstration: Making a body lotion

    • Formulation example: Almond Body Butter

    • Formulation Worksheet: Cream/ Lotion

    • Activity: Formulate Body Milk, Lotion or Cream

    • 13.3 Formulating facial creams and lotions

    • Formulation example: Anti-aging Face Cream

    • Demonstration: Making a face cream

    • Formulation Worksheet: Cream/ Lotion

    • ​Activity: Formulate a Face Lotion or Cream

    • 13.4 Formulating cleansing lotions

    • Formulation example: Soothing cleansing lotion
  • 17

    Module 14: Business Essentials

    • 14.1 Introduction to selling your products legally

    • Template: Manufacturing Log (Batch File)

    • 14.2 Cosmetic Regulations

    • Australia Cosmetic Regulations

    • Canada Cosmetic Regulations

    • EU/UK Cosmetic Regulations

    • India Cosmetic Regulations

    • New Zealand Cosmetic Regulations

    • South Africa Cosmetic Regulations

    • USA Cosmetic Regulations

    • PIF Guidelines (Europe)

    • Safety Assessors (UK)

    • 14.3 Cosmetic claims

    • EU Guidance on Claim Substantiation

    • FDA warning letters for drug claims

    • 14.4 Organic And Natural Certification For Cosmetics: Step-By-Step Guide And Checklists
  • 18

    Assignments

    • Important notice for students - assignment submission

    • Guidance: Submitting assignments

    • List of assignments to submit

    • Assignment checklist

    • Submit assignments
  • 19

    Feedback

    • Please give your feedback

    • Feedback form

Reviews

5 star rating

Excellent course

Atinuke Ekundayo

A very detailed and comprehensive course, it covers so many relevant topics extensively and the Q and A section is so helpful. highly recommended!

A very detailed and comprehensive course, it covers so many relevant topics extensively and the Q and A section is so helpful. highly recommended!

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5 star rating

Excellent!!

Karen Haq

I never heard of this school until recently, when I was Googling skincare training to compliment my current botanical studies. Honestly, I was a little hesit...

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I never heard of this school until recently, when I was Googling skincare training to compliment my current botanical studies. Honestly, I was a little hesitant to dive in because there are so many training programs that don't fit the bill. I'm still early in the course but I didn't want to wait until the end to give a five-star review. I'm pleasantly surprised by the ease of introduction and - more importantly - it's clarity - into topics that can be intimidating to those of us that don't have professional training in skincare formulation. This program makes you think of the why behind your decisions in formulation - which is what I like. I also like the thorough yet concise introduction into business and marketing/branding as I don't have this background. This diploma is an excellent blend of business, marketing, and skincare formulation for students new to these topics. I hope the team behind this diploma think of an Advanced Diploma and then Professional Diploma in skincare formulation because I'll be so on board with this curriculum!

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5 star rating

SOOOO GOOD AND THOROUGH...

Tamara Hinds

I had my eye on this course for over a year now. It was between this course and 2 others. I decided to start with another one and to be honest I made a hug...

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I had my eye on this course for over a year now. It was between this course and 2 others. I decided to start with another one and to be honest I made a huge mistake. I should have gotten this one from the beginning because it is SO detailed and gives you everything you need to become a great formulator. It is mapped out in such a way that it is so easy to understand and you get excited to keep going. Some of the information is the same between the courses but this one helped me to grasp the information and not just "hear it". I've not finished this course but I just needed to write a review because maybe there are others out there deciding between courses....don't go with the others. You will end up frustrated like I was...this course is the one you want..trust me!

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5 star rating

Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation

chinyere Victoria Bardi

I am so lucky to be part of this training. I have learnt so much that I no longer follow recipes. Now I create my own natural beauty recipes. I love the cla...

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I am so lucky to be part of this training. I have learnt so much that I no longer follow recipes. Now I create my own natural beauty recipes. I love the class room, the videos. everything is awesome. Thanks Gail and Gareth for making my dream come true.

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5 star rating

An insightful, interesting and enjoyable course.....

Nuray Stahl

I have gained knowledge and understanding of what it takes to make skincare in the comfort of my own home! I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and cannot w...

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I have gained knowledge and understanding of what it takes to make skincare in the comfort of my own home! I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and cannot wait to get started in formulating my very own skincare products... I have always had a dream/wish that I would somehow find an opportunity to create a simple skincare line that I can share with others.There is constant assistance/help when needed and I love the regular Emails! Cheers, from Australia

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5 star rating

Great course for a beginner like me!

Clare Quarmby

Really enjoyed this online course. I was looking for a course I could study with flexibility around work and family life and found this one. I have learned s...

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Really enjoyed this online course. I was looking for a course I could study with flexibility around work and family life and found this one. I have learned so much. I was desperate to be able to make my own products and honestly had no idea I would learn so much. I am so excited about what I have achieved, whilst still appreciating that this is just the first step. I have so much more to learn and now really need to focus on developing my own line - that would be perfect. Course material was well presented, broken down and presented clearly and logically. I would definitely recommend! Fingers crossed now that my assignments have been submitted!

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5 star rating

Happy to join this courses

Rizy Khairuni Yulianda

I am really happy can join this class because it make me more confident to make my own brand because many knowledge that I got here.

I am really happy can join this class because it make me more confident to make my own brand because many knowledge that I got here.

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5 star rating

Excellent !!!

Catalin Maier

Wonderful course, loved every module, totally recommended . I had no idea how to create natural skincare products when i started this course and I was very...

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Wonderful course, loved every module, totally recommended . I had no idea how to create natural skincare products when i started this course and I was very unsure if shall I or shall I not ... now i have learned and I feel very confident. If you want to start learning and doing natural skincare cosmetics look no further....this is the COURSE !!!

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5 star rating

Very Informative

Michelle Mortland

This is a great course! There is a lot of information that is so helpful!

This is a great course! There is a lot of information that is so helpful!

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5 star rating

SILVIA REMEDI

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5 star rating

Andy Lekhau

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5 star rating

You should definitely do this course!

Jacqueline Lawrance

This course is really very useful. I learnt a lot which I didn't know before and now I am able to make my own beautiful skincare products for myself, my fami...

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This course is really very useful. I learnt a lot which I didn't know before and now I am able to make my own beautiful skincare products for myself, my family and friends. If you are passionate about learning skin care then you should definitely do this course.

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5 star rating

Shondel Campbell

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5 star rating

Full of information

Jessica lutge

I found this course to be very informative and helpful. There are so many extra bits of information and helpful resources and links to websites. I feel that ...

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I found this course to be very informative and helpful. There are so many extra bits of information and helpful resources and links to websites. I feel that every aspect of natural formulating has been covered...and some. I highly recommend this course and I will continue to send new inspired formulators and small business owners to this course.

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  • $1,177.00

    $1,177.00Beginner to Formulator Program

    Buy Now

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