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Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club

Unleash your creativity and choose your next formulation adventure.

The ultimate one-stop creative hub and membership community for natural cosmetic formulators.

Join our cosmetic club and create all the incredible natural cosmetics your heart desires!

Nice work! You can confidently formulate common skincare products.
So what’s next in your formulation adventure?

Think your natural cosmetics journey is over? Think again – this is just the beginning!

Join us on an exciting, rewarding adventure where your learning continues, and your creativity soars.

In the Club, you’re free to explore at your own pace and follow the fun!

The possibilities are limitless.

From serums and self-preserving cosmetics to menopausal skincare, natural toothpaste, and even pet care, we’ll help you create the products of your dreams.

Excited? You’re in the perfect place to accomplish all this and more!

Introducing the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club

Where your passion for formulation flourishes, advancing your expertise and immersing you in the endless joy of creating natural cosmetics.

Dive into exciting hands-on masterclasses created by cosmetic chemists:

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Innovate with new ingredients

Be at the cutting edge of beauty trends. This is where the fun begins!

Access the latest research and practical guidance on formulating with exciting ingredients including:

  • Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics.
  • Botanical extracts
  • Phyto-retinol including Bakuchiol
  • AHAs and BHAs
  • Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)
  • Upcycled Ingredients
  • Marine Ingredients
  • Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Formulate speciality skincare

Elevate your expertise as you continually advance your skills.

Go beyond the classic core beauty products to something specialist:

  • Self-preserving cosmetics
  • Menopausal skincare
  • Clarifying and oil control skincare
  • Skin barrier support
  • High-performance serums
  • Face masks
  • Hand, nail and foot care
  • Men’s skincare
  • Self-tanning
  • Solid skincare and haircare
  • Deodorants
Cleaning a pan with brush and yellow gloves

Discover new product types

Create your own makeup, toothpaste, pet care, cleaning products and more.

Develop expertise beyond skincare and delve into new areas of cosmetic science including:

  • Household cleaning products
  • Dog grooming and pet care
  • Zero waste skincare and haircare
  • Mineral makeup
  • Advanced color cosmetics
  • Haircare
  • Toothpaste and oral hygiene
  • Cold process soap
  • Hot process soap
  • Liquid soap
Three lit candles with lemon and lemongrass

Hundreds of unique formulations

An exclusive library of exciting projects to complete in just a few hours.

Access a wide range of ready-to-use formulations created exclusively for the Club by our cosmetic chemists:

  • Micellar Cleansing Water
  • Biphasic Makeup Remover
  • Massage Candles
  • Cleansing Powders
  • Shimmer Body Oil
  • Light-Reflecting Eye Cream
  • Relaxing Pillow Mist
  • Scap serums
  • Hair mask
  • And much more!
Lab technician testing pink chemical sample.

Sharpen your lab skills

Lab skills tutorials and experiment results to help you fast-track your way to formulation success.

Become more confident in your home lab by learning:

  • Which preservatives are most effective
  • Which solubilizers are most effective
  • Stability testing at home
  • Using dip slides for preliminary microbiological testing
  • Measuring and adjusting pH
  • Using overhead and magnetic stirrers
  • Working with hyaluronic acid
  • And more!
Smiling woman using skincare serum dropper bottle.

Advance your business

Develop new skills and products to grow your beauty brand.

Create a more profitable and engaging brand by accessing classes to help you:

  • Add new products to your brand
  • Price your cosmetic products for profit
  • Take beautiful photos of your products
  • Attend cosmetic conferences and trade shows
  • Formulate to organic standards

The support and community you need to thrive

When you join the Club you’ll be welcomed into our warm and friendly community of natural cosmetic formulators and receive expert support from cosmetic scientists.

Your Club, your way

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Bite-sized learning experiences tailored to fit seamlessly into your life. Create a new formulation in an evening, complete a class on a weekend or explore a multi-module course over several months.

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Pick the classes and courses that interest you most. Unlock boundless possibilities with complete freedom and flexibility to dive into whatever subjects captivate you.

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You’re in complete control over what you learn and when. Our credit system puts you in complete control. Do as much or as little as you want!

A membership club like no other

As a member, you get credits to pick and choose what classes, courses, formulations and reports you want to access to build on your foundational knowledge. And you can trust that most of what’s available inside the Club, you can’t find ‘out there’, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve got exclusive access to the latest information and step-by-step guidance all in one place.

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Who is our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club for?

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Students

If you’re a student or graduate of our courses, and ready to enhance and diversify your skills and grow as a formulator, the Club is for you.

Experienced

If you have been formulating for some time, and you’re ready to branch out into new types of products and formulate with innovative ingredients, the Club is for you.

Entrepreneur

If you have your own natural beauty brand and are looking to add exciting new products to your collection, the Club is for you.

Are you a beginner or looking for start-to-finish learning?

Our online, on-demand courses are perfect for you. Once you have a foundation of skills, the Club will be a great place to continue your learning.

Hear from some of our members

What you get when you join the Club

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One or two new classes every month!
Receive 50 credits each month to spend on our exclusive range of 50 and 25 credit classes, formulations, experiments and resources. Roll over or buy extra credits as needed.

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High-quality, expert content and step-by-step video demonstrations created by cosmetic scientists.
The same world-class standard as the online courses you’ll find in our School.

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Beautifully designed downloadable PDF textbook for every class, course and formulation.
So you can build your own fantastic library of up-to-date and accurate information.

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Membership to our private online community.
So you have a friendly space to ask questions and be encouraged by your peers 24/7.

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Invitations to join our monthly live Formulators' Forum.
Tune in to our live scientist-led teaching sessions and chat and collaborate with other members.

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Cosmetic scientists on hand to answer your questions.
Our experts are available to answer your questions in our regular Q&A sessions.

Two people with handmade soaps and cosmetics.

Meet the founders and directors

Hi. We’re Gail and Gareth.

Let’s face it, there are countless memberships out there on everything from nutrition to business, cosmetics to exercise.

Here’s another truth: Not all memberships are equal.

You might have experienced disappointment with past memberships, where content quality fell short, relying on dubious guest experts or providing subpar Zoom recordings and worksheets.

Our Club offers a different experience.

Our experienced scientists, who have worked with leading skincare and haircare brands, bring their expertise to the Club, providing industry-quality formulations at a fraction of the cost.

In our Club, you’ll advance your formulation skills while building a valuable library of up-to-date, accurate resources. Our unique credit system lets you choose your learning path, and our live forums and Tutor Q&A sessions offer direct access to our experts.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

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Member testimonials

Here’s what’s inside the Club

Choose your learning path on your schedule

With our online platform, you control what classes and courses you take and when. Try a new formulation in an evening, complete a bite-sized class on a weekend or explore a multi-module course over several months.

Dip in and out of topics or pause and resume based on your interests. The choice is entirely yours.

Explore courses and classes in the Club:

Skincare

Classes

Haircare

Classes
Formulations

Oral Hygiene

Classes

Make up and color cosmetics

Courses
Formulations

Soap making

Classes
Courses

Home and pet care

Classes
Formulations

Beauty business

Classes
Courses

Ingredients

One of the joys of making your own natural and organic beauty products is experimenting with new and innovative ingredients. You’ll love our detailed guides to working with the latest trending ingredients, including polyhydroxy acids, phyto-retinol, probiotics and marine extracts.

Explore ingredient guides in the Club:

Ingredient Guides

Formulation Lab

Skip the hours and expense of refining formulas and conducting lab tests—our experts have done it for you. Join the Club to access ready-to-make formulas, detailed experiments with Preservative Efficacy Test reports, and lab skills tutorials.

Explore lab resources in the Club:

Formulations

Lab Skills

Experiments and Reports

Three skincare experts in a product lab.

Join our growing global community

As a club member, you can access our wonderful online community of formulators and aspiring beauty entrepreneurs who are as passionate about natural and organic cosmetics as you are.

Our private membership group is perfect for sharing success stories or when you need friendly advice or someone to cheer you on. It’s also the ideal place to meet other members and grow your network.

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Live learning and connection

Chat live with members and scientists during our monthly Formulators’ Forum. Tune in to our live teaching sessions with Gareth and our Cosmetic Scientists then connect with your Club Members for informal chats in private breakout rooms. A great place to learn more, collaborate with your peers and develop community.

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Get the dedicated support you need to thrive

Being part of our Club means you’re never on your own.

Share your stories, ask questions and work through problems together in our supportive online community. And when you have a question for an expert you can reach our scientists through our regular tutor Q&As.

Here’s what is included in your Club membership when you join today:

Here’s what you get:

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All included

Choose the right plan for you

Monthly

US $57* /month

Billed monthly

50 credits each month to spend how you choose.

or

Annually

US $570* /year

2 months free!

Billed annually

600 credits to spend how you choose.

*plus sales tax for members in the UK (VAT) and Australia (GST).
Monthly and annual memberships will automatically renew. You can cancel at any point before your renewal date.

We accept all major debit and credit cards.

Top FAQs

If you’re looking for a start-to-finish course that provides a thorough grounding in skincare or haircare formulation, a course – such as our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation or our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation – is best.

If you have some experience and want to diversify your knowledge or take bite-sized classes in a variety of topics to take your skills to the next level, then the Club is a great choice!

While some of the Club classes can be taken as a beginner – for example, Formulating Mineral Make-up and Cold Process Soap Making – most classes are not suitable for complete beginners.

We recommend you join the Club after gaining a foundation of formulation skills by taking one of our courses. Once you have a foundation of skills, the Club will be a great place to continue your learning.

Absolutely! The Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club is open to everyone, whether you have studied with us before. It is best if you already have some formulation skills, as most classes are not suitable for complete beginners.

You can join at any time from anywhere in the world. So you’re not left waiting, join the Club now!

You can remain a member for as long as you like and cancel your membership any time. We reward our longstanding members with 50 free credits every six months, so the longer you are a member, the more you’ll benefit. Many members have been with us for more than two years.

For your monthly membership fee, you’ll receive:

  • 50 credits each month to spend on any classes, courses, formulations, experiments, or resources of interest to you.
  • Additional complimentary resources such as Formulating 101, guides, recipe books and bonus formulations.
  • Invitations to join our monthly live Formulators’ Forums.
  • FAQs answered via our Tutor Q&A (weekly for courses, monthly for classes).
  • Membership of our exclusive online Club community.

Each month, you’ll receive 50 credits to spend however you choose! Each resource in the Club is worth 25-100 credits so you can pick and choose what you’d like to study. Unused credits roll over to the next month, and you can even top-up with additional credits if you wish. As a thank you for being a member, we’ll also add an additional 50 credits to your account every 6 months!

On average, each class in the Club is 50 credits. On average, shorter resources such as formulations, charts, and lab skills resources are 25 credits. For our multi-module courses (which usually consist of 5 modules), most modules are 50 credits (for some courses, the first module is 100 credits as it is a longer, detailed theory module). Please see this article for a list of what is available: What topics are covered in the Club? What classes and resources can I find within the Club?

We are continually adding new classes and resources to the Club! For an up-to-date list, please see this article: What topics are covered in the Club? What classes and resources can I find within the Club?

Inside the Club, you’ll find a variety of courses you can study, including our

You can study these courses in three different ways to suit you.

Studying a course within the Club offers you the flexibility to choose each month whether you want to proceed to the next module or take a break and explore a different topic through a short class. For some courses, you can pick and choose just a few modules to study, rather than taking the whole course from start to finish (prerequisites apply).

Membership Option 1: Monthly subscription

Join the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club as a Club member, paying monthly. Use your monthly credits to unlock the course modules you wish to study one at a time. Study each until you’ve completed them and are ready to submit your assignments. Each module is designed to take a month or less to complete. You can study more than one module per month or spread your study over multiple months – the choice is yours.

As a Club member, you’ll receive 50 monthly credits, included in your membership fee. Most modules require 50 credits, some are 25, and a few are 100. You can exchange your monthly credits to unlock modules, with the option to top up if needed. Your credits roll over and accumulate each month until you decide to use them.

Membership Option 2: Annual subscription

Join the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club as a club member, paying annually. You’ll receive 600 credits upfront. You can then use these credits to unlock course modules and classes at your own pace. Most courses require fewer than 600 credits, but some may need more. You can top up your credits any time to ensure you can access all the modules you wish to study.

Membership Option 3: Course enrollment

Alternatively, you don’t need to be a Club member to take these courses. You can enroll as a student by paying the full enrollment fee via the individual course pages. This grants you 18 months’ access to the entire course materials, allowing you to progress at your preferred pace.

Please note: Our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation, Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation, and Certificate in Making Natural Skincare Products CANNOT be accessed from inside the Club. These courses are studied within our online classroom only and not from within the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club. Please enroll in these courses from the individual course pages.

The Club contains a vast library of classes and resources and we add new content every month. Please let us know if you have suggestions for what you’d like us to add next!

The quality of materials inside the Club is the same high standard as our Diploma and Certificate courses. Our professional team of scientists, editors, photographers, designers and video producers create beautiful class textbooks for you to download and a wide range of step-by-step video demonstrations showing you how to make different types of products.

With each class, formulation and guide, you’ll receive a beautiful PDF textbook with gorgeous photographs to download to your own device. All 50 credit classes, course modules and ingredient guides also contain detailed step-by-step video demonstrations for you to follow.

We hope you’ll love the Club! If you join and then change your mind, you have 14 days from the date you join to request a refund, but only if you haven’t accessed any of the products during this time (for example, classes, courses, formulations, etc). After you have accessed digital products, you are not eligible for a refund. Please refer to the full terms and conditions for more information.

What is the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club?
The Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club is the School of Natural Skincare’s membership program, where members can further their formulation skills and learn to formulate a wide range of advanced natural and organic skincare and haircare products.

What can I learn in the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club?
There is so much you can learn in the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club, everything from basic body wash formulation to advanced cosmetic formulation techniques. Popular classes include Formulating Self-Preserving Cosmetics, Formulating for Menopausal Skin, Making Botanical Extracts, and Formulating Household Cleaning Products.

Do I need any prior knowledge to join the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club?
We recommend that you have a foundation of formulation skills prior to joining the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club. Our courses are the perfect place to start and, once you have some experience, you can further your skills inside the Club.

After joining the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club, can I start my own beauty brand?
Absolutely! Many of our members have successfully launched their own beauty brands after learning formulation techniques in our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club.

What is a body wash formula?
A body wash formula is a formula that includes various ingredients like surfactants, humectants and fragrances to create a body wash product.

What is cosmetic formulation?
Cosmetic formulation is the process of combining different ingredients in precise amounts to create a cosmetic product. When you formulate a product from scratch you decide which ingredients to use in what amounts to create your finished product.

What is a natural cosmetic?
A natural cosmetic is a product made with natural ingredients, without synthetic chemicals.

What is a natural surfactant?
A natural surfactant is a surface-active agent derived from natural sources. In cosmetic formulations, surfactants can function as detergents that help remove dirt and as emulsifiers to help mix oil and water.

What is organic makeup formulation?
Organic makeup formulation is the process of creating makeup products using organically grown ingredients without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Organic standards such as COSMOS provide guidelines for what is permitted in certified organic makeup products.

What is the School of Natural Skincare?
The School of Natural Skincare is an online, on-demand cosmetic formulation school that offers a variety of courses and programs to teach people how to formulate and make natural and organic skincare and haircare products, natural makeup, color cosmetics and soap.

Formulating self-preserving cosmetics with natural ingredients.

Learn how to formulate water-containing products that are preservative-free! Self-preserving products use innovative formulation techniques to extend product shelf-life without the need for traditional preservatives. Discover strategies used by self-preserving products to create an inhospitable environment for microbial growth, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and product degradation.

Receive five formulation examples for gels, sprays and emulsions that are self-preserving, including Lactic Acid Toner, Spray Deodorant and Facial Wash. We include the Preservative Efficacy Test results that prove our preservative-free formulations are safe from microbial growth even under rigorous laboratory testing.

Natural ingredients for skin barrier formulation

Skin barrier damage is a common concern causing dryness, sensitivity, irritation, transepidermal water loss, an uneven texture and dullness. Take a deep dive into the role of the skin barrier, what causes skin barrier damage and how to formulate products to restore and repair the skin barrier. Discover a wide range of skincare ingredients – backed by research – that restore the skin barrier. Receive three formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home: Soothing Camomile Essence, Replenishing Face and Body Cream and Restoring Oil Serum.

Hands holding hydrogel sheet mask ingredients

Innovative hydrogel sheet masks are powerful hydration tools for dehydrated skin. Discover how to use carrageenan (a natural thickener derived from red seaweed) to create hydrogel sheet masks that hydrate, refresh, revitalize and deliver active ingredients to the skin.

Included in this class are detailed formulation guides and two example formulas for you to practice with: Matcha Hydrogel Under-eye Pads and Moisture Surge Hydrogel Face Mask.

Making botanical extracts with natural ingredients

Learn to make your own selection of natural botanical extracts with many different skin benefits such as soothing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin-brightening, in this exciting class!

Using fresh and dried plant materials, including berries, fruit, herbs and flowers, you will learn how to extract the beneficial active compounds into different natural solvents – vegetable glycerin, carrier oil, ethanol, water and propanediol – to create extracts ready to add to your skincare and haircare formulations.

Men's grooming: comb, balm, facial hair products

As more men are embarking on their bearded journey, there is a growing demand for natural facial hair products. Launch a new line of beard and moustache products or make products for friends and family! This class will guide you through formulations for the most popular men’s facial hair products, all using natural and organic ingredients, including:

  • Moustache styling wax.
  • Beard oil.
  • Beard balm.
  • Shaving bar.
  • Shaving foam.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Formulating natural, party-ready hair care products

In this class you’ll learn how to create a range of fun hair products to add some shine, color and fragrance to your hair perfect for a night out or for added shimmer and sparkle during the holiday season!

We’ve also included some natural styling products and an intensive conditioner perfect for repairing and pampering after a busy holiday season or for when your hair needs some extra TLC.

This class includes formulation guidelines and examples for:

  • Hair perfume. 
  • Hair styling spray. 
  • Glitter spray. 
  • Hair shine mist. 
  • Glitter gel. 
  • Color gel. 
  • Hair mousse. 
  • Shine and repair intensive conditioning treatment.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Children's haircare products with toys and comb

There are special considerations when formulating haircare products for children. They need to be very gentle, non-irritating, non-drying and use non-sensitizing essential oils and preservatives. An ideal child-friendly product also needs to be pleasant (and maybe even fun!) to use.

The class provides a range of formulations for simple, child-safe haircare products including: 

  • Baby-friendly tear-free shampoo, 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash, plus a super fun playdough shampoo a fun, moldable shampoo and body wash!
  • For kids with longer hair, we have created formulations for yummy smelling detangling spray and a light conditioner.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Ingredients for making solid shampoo bars

Solid shampoo bars are an excellent example of a zero waste product; they contain little to no water meaning they can take a solid form that does not require any packaging. Learn to use natural surfactants, cationic emulsifiers, butters, oils and more to formulate effective ‘zero waste’ solid shampoo bars for different hair types. We will take inspiration from exciting brands leading the way in solid haircare, such as Ethique and LUSH. Follow our formulations and then create your own!

Natural fluoride-free toothpaste with organic ingredients

Learn to formulate your own effective, professional-standard natural toothpaste! Avoid controversial, synthetic and potentially harmful ingredients and instead formulate toothpastes with natural ingredients that are sulfate-, fluoride- and preservative-free.

Discover the role that toothpaste plays in maintaining good oral hygiene and important formulation considerations including pH balance, abrasiveness, taste and texture. Receive three ready-to-use formulations and guidelines on creating your own unique natural toothpastes.

Diploma in natural makeup and color cosmetics course
In this course, you’ll take the skills you developed in Formulating Mineral Makeup further to create an exciting range of advanced color cosmetics for the lips, eyes and face including foundation, cheek tints, liquid highlighters, mascara, liquid eyeliner, eye shadow crayons, lipsticks, lip liners, cream blush and many more.
Hot process soapmaking with natural ingredients.

When you have experience with cold process soapmaking, it’s time to learn hot process soapmaking! As the name suggests, hot process soap is made at higher temperatures than cold process soap. It is quick to make, from just 30 minutes start to finish, it has a shorter cure time so it is ready to use sooner, it’s easier to clean up as saponification happens during the soapmaking process, and you can control the amount of superfat so you make extra nourishing soaps. Follow our step-by-step videos and detailed guidance to make hot process soap with confidence.

Advanced soapmaking ingredients and liquid soap bottles

When you have experience with hot process soap making, it’s time to learn liquid soap making! Liquid soap is inexpensive to make, and it is very versatile. Depending on the recipe, liquid soap can function as a super mild facial cleanser, or a strong and effective laundry detergent. You can control how cleansing or mild it is and you can also customize it with additional ingredients such as humectants. Liquid soap can be fast to make, too! Fewer soap makers make liquid soap, giving you an opportunity to create something other brands are not.

Natural dog grooming products and accessories display.

With the right know-how about the differences between products for dogs vs humans, it is easy to add formulating dog grooming products to your skillset too. Join our class to learn which ingredients to include, and those to avoid, and receive four formulations from our lab to practice with including Dog Shampoo Bar, Puppy Paw Balm, Fur Detangling Lotion, Dog Odor-reducing Spray.

Skin care bottle with lime and rosemary decor.

Create stunning product photography for your website and social media with our six-part course created by our in-house photographer. We’ll take you through everything you need to know, from equipment (including using a smartphone or a DSLR camera), how to create your own brand image guidelines, lighting, composition, how to source props and backdrops for your images, how to direct models, and how to edit your images either on your smartphone or with editing software. Illustrated throughout with our own beautiful images, this is your go-to complete guide to product photography for cosmetics.

Crowded cosmetic trade show with various booths and attendees.

Cosmetic conferences and trade shows are exciting opportunities to keep up to date with innovations and trends, network with suppliers, and grow your business by finding buyers, manufacturers and ideas for new product development.

Our useful guide will help you get the most out of attending and/or exhibiting at these large and sometimes overwhelming events. With a little prior planning and our helpful advice, you’ll reap the rewards of traveling to these exciting events.

Organic cosmetics lab, formulation process with professionals.
Obtaining organic certification is the gold standard for natural cosmetics. Take a deep dive into organic standards—what they are, why you should formulate organic cosmetics, how to turn a natural formulation into an organic one, and how to get certified—with our detailed guide.
Formulating skincare with Centella Asiatica products.

In this in-depth guide you’ll learn all about the skincare benefits offered by Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), a trending ingredient introduced by K-beauty, including scientific research and detailed usage guidelines. It has a very wide range of benefits including hydration, anti-acne, skin soothing, anti-aging and antioxidant. Receive ready-to-use formulations for a Gotu Kola Cleanser, Gotu Kola Moisturizer and Gotu Kola Mask, expertly formulated to soothe skin redness and irritation, provide hydration and protect the skin from oxidative stress.

Formulating skincare with Phyto-Retinol ingredients

In this guide you’ll discover how to use phyto-retinoids in your formulations and why. Their benefits include:

  • Antioxidant.
  • Reduction in appearance of wrinkles/fine lines.
  • Reduction in the appearance of pigmentation and photodamage.

Receive three expertly formulated ready-to-use formulations for:

  • Phyto-Retinol Body Oil.
  • Phyto-Retinol Lip Treatment.
  • Phyto-Retinol Recovery Night Cream.

With each formulation we share the product development questions, formula, instructions, product specifications and insights into the formulation process.

Skincare products with polyhydroxy acids displayed on table.

Discover a cutting-edge skincare ingredient that’s causing quite a stir! Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) provide many similar benefits to AHAs and BHAs without the irritation. Gentle enough even for sensitive skin they provide a wide range of skin benefits, including chemical exfoliation for smoother, brighter skin, reducing congestion, reducing signs of photoaging, improving elasticity, antioxidant, hydrating and moisturizing. Receive three, professionally created and ready-to-use formulations for AHA and PHA Toner, PHA and Bakuchi Oil Bi-phasic Serum and PHA Body Moisturizer, plus guidelines on how to create your own PHA formulations. 

Applying skincare with upcycled natural ingredients.

Beauty products can become more sustainable by embracing the concepts of circular beauty and upcycled ingredients. By formulating with upcycled ingredients you use environmental resources efficiently, reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy. Learn about the upcycled ingredients available, the pros and cons of formulating with upcycled ingredients and examples of circular beauty brands and upcycled products. Make our Morning Coffee Body Scrub by upcycling coffee grounds from your own kitchen!

Foaming Cleansing Lotion with natural ingredients

This formula shows you how to use a surfactant in an emulsion-style cleansing lotion to add some extra cleansing and mild foaming properties. Follow our formula and then adjust it to make your own customized cleansing lotion.

Shimmer body oil formulation example with bottles.
Our shimmer body oil contains a carefully selected blend of lightweight plant oils and a dusting of golden-bronze particles. The plant oils soften the skin and lock in moisture, whilst the golden-bronze particles reflect light, giving skin a radiant glow.
Example of hydrating micellar cleansing water formula.

This beautifully gentle micellar cleansing water is suitable for all skin types and is a great alternative to makeup wipes, being both kind to the skin and more environmentally friendly, as it can be applied with a reusable cosmetic pad. As it is a leave-on cleanser (requiring no rinsing off), it is a perfect product for keeping in your gym bag, travelling and using on the go – ideal for summer days on the beach or if your skin needs refreshing when it’s warm!

Lavender Dream Body Soufflé jar example

This beautiful body soufflé is perfect if you like the smoothing, softening effects of body creams or butters, but prefer a lighter, more easily absorbed product. The almost mousse-like texture gives a luxurious feel and we have chosen lavender and lemongrass essential oils, giving a feeling of relaxation and calm, making this an ideal addition to your evening skincare routine. Of course, you can select the essential oils of your choice, adapting the soufflé to any time of day and indeed, your own preferences!

pH Masterclass with test strips and meter

Measuring and adjusting pH is an important skill to gain. In this masterclass you’ll learn why, when and how to measure pH, how to work with and look after a pH meter, how to create pH adjustment solutions, and how to calculate the amount of solid/pure pH adjuster. We also answer frequently asked questions about adjusting pH. 

Guide to using overhead stirrer in lab.

An overhead stirrer is a common type of mixer that can be found in a professional lab. They are useful because they allow for ‘hands-free’ mixing. For example, an overhead stirrer is useful for products made with self-emulsifying emulsifiers such as Sucragel as you have to very slowly add carrier oils to Sucragel under constant stirring for an extended period of time (around 40 minutes). They can be used for dissolving powders into liquids and for cooling emulsions.

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • How to use an overhead stirrer
  • Which formulation types they are suitable for
  • Which stages of the formulation process to use an overhead stirrer
Guide: How to use a magnetic stirrer.

Hot plates with magnetic stirrers are used to simultaneously heat and stir liquids. They are really useful pieces of equipment for your home lab. They can be used for preparing the water and oil phases of an emulsion. They can also speed up reactions or improve mixtures, for example they are helpful for premixing xanthan gum with glycerin prior to adding it to the water phase of a lotion or cream. 

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • How to use a magnetic stirrer 
  • How to use a stir bar
  • Which formulation types they are suitable for
  • Which stages of the formulation process to use a magnetic stirrer
Guide for using hyaluronic acid in skincare regime.

Hyaluronic acid has become a ‘hero’ ingredient in recent years – and for good reason! The hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid means that it smoothes and softens the skin, and can give skin a plumper look, improving the appearance of wrinkles. 

Hyaluronic acid can be a bit tricky to work with; this class will show you how to most easily incorporate hyaluronic acid into your formulations.

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • What is hyaluronic acid?
  • The benefits of hyaluronic acid 
  • Which formula types to use it in 
  • Different types (molecular weights) of hyaluronic acid 
  • Formulating with hyaluronic acid
  • Usage rates and which phase to add it in
  • Practical tips for adding hyaluronic acid to your formulations
Scientist pouring liquid into beaker, solubilizers science

We tested how well three naturally derived solubilizers worked to solubilize 1% of orange essential oil and 1% of sweet almond oil in water. We also tested if salt, white vinegar and ethanol can be used as solubilizers. This report shares our findings and shows you how to find the optimal ratio of solubilizer to essential oil for your own formulations.

Hydrosols impact on preservative systems in skincare lab.

Hydrosols can introduce contaminants to a formula and can challenge the performance of a preservation system. To test this, we submitted two hydrating mist formulas for challenge testing that were identical in every respect except that one contained a hydrosol and one did not. Read our report to discover our findings!

Anhydrous body scrubs preservative requirement discussion.

Do anhydrous body scrubs that might come into contact with water during use need a preservative? We contaminated three body scrub samples with water and sent them for preservative efficacy testing to get a definitive answer. Read our report to discover our findings – they are different from our cleansing balm experiment and might surprise you!

Anhydrous products and preservatives necessity discussion.

Do anhydrous products that might come into contact with water during use need a preservative? How do you even include a preservative in an oil-based formula? We contaminated five cleansing balm samples with water and sent them for preservative efficacy testing to get a definitive answer. Read our report to discover our findings!

Vegan skincare ingredients: avocado, almonds, oil

The demand for vegan cosmetics is huge! The global vegan cosmetics market is set to reach $21.4 billion by 2027. Our guide will explain:

  • What vegan cosmetics are.
  • How to make cosmetics that are both natural and vegan.
  • Which ingredients to avoid (and what to use instead).

It also includes our ready-to-use formulas for a range of vegan skincare products including Vegan Lipstick, Vegan Vanilla Lip Balm, Coconut and Banana Face Mask and Pink Latte Bath Soak.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Formulating body serums course banner with bottles

Use exciting active ingredients to create:

  • Anti-Aging Hand Serum; rich in antioxidants Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10.
  • Soothing Body Serum; featuring potent anti-inflammatory actives and antioxidants to soothe redness, sensitivity and inflammation.
  • Intensive Moisturizing Body Serum; featuring a powerhouse of humectants to deeply hydrate and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.


Receive three advanced ready-to-use formulations in a beautiful textbook. Watch our demonstration videos to see step by step how to make two of the featured products.

Hand and nail care product formulation tools

Learn to formulate specifically for hands and nails, how to work with hero ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide, and receive five formulations from our lab for:

  • Lavender and Geranium Hand Wash.
  • Licorice and Vitamin C Hand Lotion.
  • Overnight Hand Treatment with Niacinamide.
  • Argan and Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil.
  • Barrier Repair Hand Balm with Ceramides.
Self-tanning product formulation essentials, summer vibe

Leave DIY tanning recipes using tea, coffee and cocoa powder behind and instead learn to formulate with two effective, professional and natural tanning agents: dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose. Both are used in formulations to provide a gradual and buildable tan that isn’t washed off, but rather fades over time during the natural desquamation process.

Receive five, professionally created and ready-to-use formulations for Gradual Tanning Lotion, Instant Tanning Lotion, Facial Tanning Mist, Tanning Drops And Tanning Mousse plus guidelines on how to create your own self-tan formulations.

Ingredients for clay-based face masks on table.

As waterless products, clay-based masks are sustainable and on-trend. Create innovative product concepts and choose from exciting ingredients like clay, milk powders, fruit powders, ground botanicals, vitamins, physical and chemical exfoliators, humectants and more. Receive six exciting formulations from our lab for Clarifying Charcoal Mask, Soothing Face Mask with Marshmallow and Vitamin C, Afternoon Tea Face Mask, Milky Matcha Bubble Tea Face Mask, Vitamin C Brightening Mask and Skin Smoothie Face Mask, plus detailed guidance so you can formulate your own bespoke masks.

Creating emulsion-based clay face masks tutorial.

Emulsion-based clay face masks are creamy, smooth and ready to apply. This advanced formula type offers a much wider range of skincare benefits than dry, powdered face masks and can be formulated as multifunctional cleansers, masks and exfoliators. Receive three professional formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home, plus detailed formulation guidelines and templates so you can formulate your own. Learn how to preserve this type of mask effectively, which can be difficult due to the clay which presents a microbiological risk, and see the results of professional preservative efficacy testing.

Guide to Water-in-Oil Emulsions Formulation

Take your skills further by learning to formulate water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions! W/O emulsions have a heavier texture than O/W emulsions and are very moisturizing, rich and nourishing, occlusive (which helps decrease TEWL), long lasting and more water resistant. They create effective barrier creams, foundations, diaper cream and weather shielding creams. There are very important differences between W/O and O/W emulsions in terms of their ingredients, how to stabilize them, the manufacturing method used and more, all of which we cover in detail. Plus, receive two formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home: Weather Protection Cream and Nourishing Body Cream.

Skincare products for acne-prone skin formulation.

In this class you’ll learn about how acne is formed, acne management and treatment, the role of cosmetics in acne management, useful ingredients for acne-prone skin and clarifying skincare products. Receive three formulations from our lab for a clarifying skincare range: a Calming Spot Treatment to help reduce inflammation and the appearance of spots/acne, a Clarifying Charcoal Cleanser that cleanses the skin of excess sebum, dirt and oil, and a creamy emulsion-based Clarifying Green Clay Face Mask to absorb excess oil and provide antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Formulating eco-friendly solid shower products display

Use natural surfactants, conditioning agents, butters, oils and more to create nourishing ‘zero-waste’ shower products including body wash bars, body scrub bars, in-shower body oil/moisturizer and shaving bars. Learn to formulate innovative solid shower products that are packaging-free, waterless, concentrated and long-lasting, gentle and nourishing and perfect for people looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly cosmetics.

DIY solid facial cleansers and exfoliators tutorial

Use natural surfactants, exfoliants, butters, oils and more to create nourishing, ‘zero-waste’ solid facial cleansers and exfoliators, including cleansing bars, makeup remover bars and exfoliating bars. We will take inspiration from exciting brands leading the way in solid skincare, such as Ethique and LUSH. Follow our formulations and then create your own!

Skincare products for menopausal skin on wooden surface.

Declining estrogen levels during menopause can have a profound effect on the skin. Learn about what happens to the skin during menopause and useful skincare ingredients to alleviate menopausal symptoms including those that improve hydration and moisturization, calm and soothe, encourage collagen production, improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of pigmentation. Receive three formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home: Soothing Facial Mist, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum and Nourishing Oat and Maca Body Cream.

Formulating solid moisturizer, massage, and serum bars

Use natural butters, oils, waxes, thickeners, active ingredients, vitamins and texturizing ingredients to create nourishing ‘zero-waste’ solid moisturizer, massage and serum bars. Learn to formulate innovative solid skincare products for the face and body that are packaging-free, waterless, concentrated and long-lasting, gentle and nourishing and perfect for people looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly cosmetics.

Advanced natural deodorants with botanical elements.

This guide will help you move beyond baking soda deodorant and create more professional and effective deodorants.

  • Learn about advanced active ingredients in deodorants and how to formulate with them.
  • Formulate a range of deodorant types including deodorant sticks, balms, roll-ons and sprays.

Plus, receive a variety of ready-to-use formulas including Herbal Fresh Spray Deodorant, Floral Roll-on Deodorant and Sweet Orange Stick Deodorant.

Two beginners recipes are also included for students new to making deodorants Gentle Baking Soda Deodorant and Baking Soda-free Deodorant.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Natural bath products with leaves and dried flowers

You’ll love this complete guide to making your own beautiful, natural bath products! It includes:

  • Information on eight essential oils to create relaxing, harmonizing and uplifting bath blends: bergamot, geranium, lavender, mandarin, frankincense, eucalyptus, benzoin and ylang ylang.
  • Health and safety information and essential oil contraindications.

Plus 25 wonderful recipes for bath melts, bath bombs, bath creamers and truffles, fizzing fairy dust, and aromatic and foaming bath soaks, including some that are more advanced recipes featuring natural emulsifiers and surfactants.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Foot care products with jars and towel
In this beautiful class, we provide you with the information and formulations to give yourself a thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating home foot spa!

You will learn about the skin on our feet, the problems it is prone to and how to formulate products to help combat these. There are also 4 wonderful formulations that will have your feet feeling fresh and baby soft in no time!
Natural skincare recipes for mother and baby
Learn how to make beautiful products designed to take you ‘from bump to baby’. Receive four formulations for nurturing natural skincare products including Nourishing Baby Bump Butter, Soothing Nappy (Diaper) Balm, Softening Baby Oil and Baby Powder.
Botanical extracts with natural ingredients for skincare products.

Learn to formulate with water-, glycerin-, ethanol- and oil-based botanical extracts. Discover the steps to take to choose which extract to use in your formulation and understand the compatibility and suitability of extracts in different formula types.
You’ll receive five professionally created product formulas featuring a wide range of botanical extracts including Raspberry and Lime Facial Cleanser, Brightening Licorice Toner, Superfruit Revitalizing Serum, Soothing and Hydrating Facial Moisturizer and Rejuvenating Facial Oil.

Formulating solid conditioner bars with ingredients visible.

Solid conditioner bars provide all the hair conditioning benefits you’d expect from a conditioner without the packaging that a conditioner usually requires. Learn to use natural cationic emulsifiers, butters, oils and more to formulate effective ‘zero waste’ solid conditioner bars for different hair types. Follow our formulations and then create your own!

Natural dry shampoo formulation example with ingredients.

Learn to formulate dry shampoo for different hair colors. Dry shampoo refreshes the hair between washes by absorbing excess oil that is produced by the scalp, so that washing can be postponed by another day or two. Dry shampoo is helpful for the environment and the hair. Less frequent hair washing reduces water usage and the chance of hair breakage. Receive three natural formulations for dry shampoo, including one specifically suited to brunette hair and one for blonde hair.

Solid hair serum formulation example with ingredients.

Solid hair serums are a wonderful zero waste hair treatment! They help smooth, protect and add shine to the hair. To add extra moisture to dry hair, apply a little hair serum to the ends of the hair. Follow our formula and then create your own!

Zero waste melting hair mask ingredients display

Have fun creating a new kind of hair mask. These solid, zero-waste melting hair mask bars create a sensory experience as the user transforms them from a solid bar into a creamy emulsion. These innovative, self-emulsifying products are deep conditioning treatments that nourish, hydrate, soften and protect the hair. Follow our formula and then use our guidelines to create your own.

Example formulation of tinted moisturizer and BB cream

Tinted moisturizers are a multifunctional product falling between the skincare and cosmetic categories, since they offer both skincare benefits (moisturization/hydration) and cosmetic benefits (sheer coverage for radiance and improved complexion). They are also a fantastic, light alternative to traditional liquid foundations. Some people find that heavy foundations lead to breakouts and unhappy skin, but like to have some light coverage to smooth the skin’s appearance. This is where tinted moisturizer comes in! Here, we will provide you with a wonderful formula for tinted moisturizer, in a range of five shades to suit a variety of skin tones. We will also explain how to increase the skin benefits of your formulation, if you are looking to boost the activity of your product.

Advanced soapmaking with swirling techniques guide.
Soap swirling techniques will allow you to take your cold process soap-making skills to the next level. Learn 10 techniques to create 10 different soap designs; the results are so beautiful it is like making soap art!
Relaxing pillow mist formulation example bottle

Pillow mists are aromatic sprays which, when spritzed onto your pillow, create a calming, relaxing ritual preparing your body and mind for a good night’s sleep. Pillow mists incorporate the therapeutic benefits and aromatic experience of essential oils into your daily sleep routine to promote relaxation. This example formulation combines the soothing and calming properties of lavender and chamomile with the balancing and grounding benefits associated with vetiver, cedarwood and geranium to create a tranquil atmosphere for optimum relaxation. You can also create your own unique, signature fragrance blend using essential oils of your choice!

Pricing strategies for profitable cosmetic products.

Deciding on the price points for your products can feel like one of the most difficult decisions you need to make. In this four-module course, we’ll take away some of the confusion around pricing, by teaching you a pricing structure that you can use each time you need to price a product, whether you are selling direct-to-customers or through retailers. Use the pricing structure to calculate cost prices, wholesale prices, retailer margins and retail prices, to ensure you have a good profit margin and that your business is sustainable.

CBD and hemp oil skincare formulation

There is enormous demand for CBD cosmetics and the CBD beauty market is predicted to be worth US$959 million by 2024. In this must-read guide you’ll learn:

  • The differences between hemp and CBD.
  • The benefits of formulating with CBD and hemp.
  • How to formulate with CBD and hemp.

Plus you’ll receive a variety of example formulations including Soothing Facial Oil with CBD, CBD Blemish Cream and Hemp Relief Lotion.

Receive a beautiful ebook to download and watch our demonstration video to see step by step how to make one of the featured products.

Amazonian oils and butters in the rainforest.

Discover a range of exotic Amazonian oils and butters to enhance your skincare products! 

These beautiful oils and butters have benefits including:

  • Helping to maintain skin elasticity and integrity.
  • Restoring the lipid layer of the skin.
  • Preventing transepidermal water loss.
  • Protecting skin cells against photo-oxidative damage.

You’ll also receive three formulations featuring Amazonian oils and butters including: 

  • Murumuru Peppermint Lip Balm.
  • Buriti Rose Body Butter.
  • Passionfruit Orange Body Oil.
Carrier oils chart with glass beakers
In this handy go-to chart, we look at a range of beautiful carrier oils, their properties, skin type suitability and even what they can be substituted with if you cannot source the exact oil you are looking for. One to have pinned up in your lab at all times!
Brown essential oil bottles on wooden table
There are so many essential oils to get to know, where do you start?! In this chart we have provided a summary of 24 beautiful essential oils including their aroma, benefits and uses, contraindications or cautions, note (top/middle/base) and dermal limit. It’s a helpful resource you’ll refer to time and time again.
Probiotics and skin microbiome illustration

Probiotics and microbiome-supporting skincare products have become a huge trend. This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know. Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics in cosmetics are ingredients which, when topically applied, may have a positive effect on the skin’s microbiome and, in turn, may improve the skin’s overall health and appearance, even preventing the onset of and reducing symptoms of acne, rosacea, psoriasis, dandruff, and atopic dermatitis. Learn the difference between pro-, pre- and postbiotics, which natural ingredients have these properties and how they are used in formulations.

Guide to creating custom emollient blends.
This class will help you formulate skincare products that create a pleasant skin feel during and after use by carefully designing the emollient blend used in your product. Learn about different categories of emollients and how to combine them for an optimal sensorial experience.
Pentylene Glycol skincare ingredient bottles on marble

Pentylene glycol is a really useful, naturally derived and sustainable multifunctional ingredient and one all formulators should get to know. It is a humectant, therefore moisturizing, a penetration enhancer, which can allow actives to penetrate further, and it has antimicrobial properties making it useful as a preservative booster or even as the main preservative in a formula. We created a formula using penetelyne glycol as the sole preservative and sent it for preservative efficacy testing (PET) to assess its antimicrobial activity. We share the results and our analysis, in full, in the guide.

Ingredients guide on bio-fermentation process with equipment.

Discover ingredients that are shaking up the beauty industry! Fermented ingredients are potent ingredients that are rich in amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and beta-glucans. The process of fermentation also produces lactic acid and probiotics, which are skin-friendly ingredients that enhance the skin microbiome.
Our guide will help you understand the many benefits of fermented ingredients and provide you with ingredient examples from both small and large-scale suppliers.

Person using emulsifier with test tube

Liquid crystal emulsifiers have many advantages in skincare formulation and are essential to get to know. They are exciting biomimetic ingredients that mimic the physiological processes and chemical composition of the stratum corneum. They have good compatibility with the skin and offer many benefits, including reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), increasing skin moisturization, providing immediate and long-term enhanced skin hydration and effective skin protection. This deep-dive class will focus on two natural liquid crystal emulsifiers that are widely available around the world, easy to buy and economical to use. They will become your go-to emulsifiers for creams and lotions!

Marine ingredients bottle with seaweed background.

The beauty industry has been buzzing about algae and sea moss in skincare. In this exciting class, take a deep dive with us into the underwater world of plant-based (vegan) marine ingredients to discover why! Learn how to incorporate marine ingredients into your own formulations to reap the benefits of this exciting category of ingredients. Discover microalgae, macroalgae and more, plus where to buy marine ingredients to formulate with at home.

Biphasic makeup remover bottle and towels.

This dual-phase makeup remover is designed to remove oily impurities from the skin’s surface, solubilizing even the most difficult to remove products including waterproof mascara, foundation and sunscreen, making them easy to wipe away – no scrubbing needed! This gentle cleanser is surfactant-free and ideal for the delicate eye and lip areas, making it an ideal first step in a double-cleanse system. Using biphasic product technology, this product incorporates all the benefits of a two-phase emulsion without the risk of instability or the need for emulsifiers.

Festive sugar scrubs formulation example with jars and spices.

We’ve created three heavenly scented festive body scrub formulas for Gingerbread Cookie Sugar Scrub, Sugar and Spice Body Scrub and Candy Cane Sugar Scrub. These sophisticated scrubs are a step up from simple sugar scrubs and feature a range of different oil gellants and self-emulsifying emulsifiers that turn milky upon contact with water and rinse off easily. They also feature a blend of exfoliants, including different types of sugar, ground fruit peels, nut shells and seeds. These scrubs are a treat to make and use, and are great gifts, too!

Formulation example: massage candles with lit flames.

Massage candles are a room fragrancing and skincare hybrid, merging the benefits of aromatherapy, body massage and skincare into one indulgent product. Once the carefully designed blend of waxes, butters and oils has melted, the warm molten wax can be applied to the skin and used as a massage or body oil, promoting relaxation and nourishing the skin. Learn how to create a formula with the right melting temperature and receive three vegan massage candle formulations scented with essential oils.

Cleansing powder formulation with green and white clay.

Cleansing powders are an exciting waterless and preservative-free cleanser that contain powdered surfactants, plus a wide choice of botanical extracts, actives, clay and milk powders. The user activates the powder before use by adding water, creating a spa-like experience. Receive two professionally created formulas for Green Cleanse Powder-to-Foam Cleanser and Creamy Coconut Cleanser, and guidelines on how to formulate your own cleansing powders.

Sugaring Wax recipe and method example

Sugaring wax is a vegan alternative to traditional hair removal wax. It is inexpensive and easy to make at home. When the paste is removed from the skin, in a swift pulling action, the hairs are removed along with the product, leaving soft, smooth and hair-free skin. To get the most out of this product, we have provided detailed instructions on preparing the skin for treatment and the appropriate aftercare, in addition to the product formulation and instructions.

Oil control moisturizer with salicylic acid, eucalyptus leaves.

Our expertly formulated Oil Control Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid contains a trio of active ingredients and provides shine-free hydration to oily and acne-prone skin. It has a light, gel-cream texture which provides skin with shine controlling, pore minimizing and sebum balancing properties. Salicylic acid decongests the skin, reducing the appearance of large, darkened pores associated with oily skin. This acetyl glucosamine inhibits melanin production, reducing the appearance of acne-related pigmentation, and tapioca starch absorbs oils from the skin’s surface, for a mattifying, shine control benefit.

Colorful bubble bars in decorative packaging

Have fun creating a new kind of solid bath product, suitable for both adults and kids! Bubble bars are crumbled under running water to produce a rich and creamy lather, and are different to bath bombs as they contain surfactants. Surfactants create foam and lather which is longer lasting than the ‘fizz’ created by a bath bomb. Learn how to color, shape and fragrance the bars to create fun, vibrant bubble bars that create a luxurious bathing experience. Plus we only use gentle, natural surfactants – you won’t find SLS or SLES in our formulas!

Lime and Mint Solid Deodorant formulation example.

Solid deodorants are both effective and zero-waste! These anhydrous bars can be packaging-free or they can be packaged in compostable cardboard push-up tubes. Discover deodorizing active ingredients that are antimicrobial, absorbent or a combination of both. Make your own deodorant using our formula, or follow our guidelines to create your own.

Gua Sha facial oil with cherry blossoms

Discover gua sha, a traditional East Asian quartz or jade crystal tool, used to deliver a relaxing facial treatment. Benefits of gua sha are believed to include improved blood flow and circulation, elimination of toxins, relieved muscle tension, reduced inflammation and lymphatic drainage. Receive a Gua Sha Facial Oil formula and learn how to use a gua sha tool.

Micro Polish Exfoliating Face Wash with papaya

Inspired by our benchmark, REN Clean Skincare Micro Polish Cleanser, our Micro Polish Exfoliating Face Wash features pineapple, papaya and Vitamin C in addition to our chosen micro exfoliant to refresh and smooth the skin. Learn how surfactants cleanse the skin and the mechanisms of exfoliation, and receive two versions of our professional formula to make at home.

Clay-based cleansing bar with herbal ingredients

Have fun creating a new kind of solid facial cleanser. These zero-waste cleansing bars create a tactile, sensory experience as the user transforms them from a pliable dough into a soft paste. These innovative, self-preserving solid facial cleansers can be formulated as multi-purpose cleansers and exfoliators and can be used as face masks, too! Follow our formula and then use our guidelines to create your own.

Formulation example: Body hand wash with plants.

Concentrated body and hand wash powder is a concentrated powder that the consumer mixes with water at home to become a liquid body and hand wash. Learn to formulate this new and innovative product type that has a far lighter environmental footprint. Once mixed with water, the product will last several months. (We’ll share the results of Preservative Efficacy Testing to prove it!) Follow our example formulas and then use the detailed guidelines provided to formulate your own!

Oat raspberry shower bomb formulation example on towel

Eliminate plastic bottles from your shower routine with shower bombs! When crumbled under water, the shower bomb becomes a creamy foaming paste which can be lathered against the skin to cleanse it, creating a novel shower experience.

Cucumber slices, light-reflecting eye cream jar

Create a multipurpose light-reflecting eye cream with our ready-to-use formula. This cream will moisturize the skin around the delicate eye area, ease puffiness, brighten the skin and improve the appearance of dark circles using light-reflecting mica and pigments.

Hand sanitizer spray formulation examples.

These rinse-free, fast-drying hand cleansers can be applied frequently throughout the day to cleanse skin of dirt, impurities and bacteria. These products are perfect for on-the-go handwashing or used after washing hands with soap and water for extra reassurance. Discover which kinds of alcohol you can use, how alcohol works as a sanitizer, and how to formulate hand sprays to be effective, beautifully fragranced and hydrating. We’ll provide three naturally fragranced options: Rose and Geranium, Lavender and Sweet Orange and Aloe vera and Lemongrass – or create your own custom fragrance.

Scalp serum formulation example with ingredients.

Learn to address specific scalp concerns and promote overall scalp health! Scalp serums deliver a concentrated blend of active ingredients directly to the scalp. Receive two ready-to-use formulations from our lab for Tonifying and Protecting Scalp Serum, and PHA and AHA Exfoliating Scalp Serum and learn to formulate your own bespoke scalp serums.

Guide on weighing ingredients accurately

It is essential to have good quality weighing scales and to know how to use them properly! 

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • How laboratory scales work
  • Which brands we recommend 
  • How to choose the capacity and resolution of your scales
  • How to weigh small amounts of liquid (including some useful tips and tricks from our Cosmetic Scientists!)
  • How to weigh small amounts of solid ingredients
  • Weighing larger amounts
Stability testing guide for home laboratory.

Stability testing gives you confidence that your products will maintain their quality over time, helps you correct stability problems at the formulation stage and determines the shelf-life of your product. In this class, we’ll take you step by step through how to conduct stability tests in your home lab. We’ll cover the equipment needed, testing parameters, testing types, test control and test documentation. By the end of the class you’ll be able to confidently carry out a range of tests including accelerated aging test, freeze-thaw cycles, centrifuge testing and UV/light stability test.

Guide: Using Dip Slides for Testing

Cosmetic products that contain water are a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. Develop a new and very useful lab skill by learning how to use dip slides (which are inexpensive and easy to use) to carry out preliminary microbiological testing. Used correctly, they will show you how many microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) are present in your product, giving you some information on how well your preservative is working. Dip slides are useful if you are making products for your own use and will not send products for professional Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) and also useful for preliminary testing of a product prior to PET, saving you time and money on products that fail PET.

Woman reading guide on scientific journals

Empower yourself with scientifically backed information! Level up your knowledge of ingredients to create effective and evidence-based cosmetic formulations.
This guide is full of practical and helpful tips to help you find journal papers for free, understand and interpret journal articles and use them as references. Become a better formulator, more self-reliant and confident in your knowledge by learning how to find and read scientific journals.

Testing Leucidal natural preservatives in lab setting.

Which Leucidal preservatives are most effective? We put three to the test: Leucidal Liquid with AMTicide Coconut, Leucidal SF Complete and Leucidal SF Max. The results of our professional Preservative Efficacy Tests (challenge tests) shows which Leudical preservatives were effective against bacteria, mold and yeast and which ones weren’t. Download the report to discover which preservatives passed and use this information to help you select preservatives for your own formulations.

Testing four natural preservatives with dropper and bottles.

Which natural preservatives are most effective? We put four natural broad-spectrum preservative blends to the test! We sent four lotions, identical in every way except for the preservative they contain, for professional Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) and in this report we share the results with you. We tested Preservative Eco/Geogard ECT, Geogard Ultra, Geogard 221 and Euxyl K 712. Download the report to discover which preservatives passed the test and use this information to help you select preservatives for your own formulations.