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There are 5 modules in this course
This course is part of the Cosmetic Science Specialization. This course explores the science and practice of cosmetic formulation, guiding you from foundational raw material selection to advanced product optimization and performance evaluation. You will examine surfactants, emulsifiers, preservatives, rheology modifiers, and additives, while developing safe and effective laboratory practices, accurate documentation, and quantitative formulation skills. As the course progresses, you will apply formulation mathematics, interpret Certificates of Analysis, and compare skincare system designs to support stable, high-performing products. In the final module, you will integrate testing data, troubleshoot formulation challenges, and justify product design decisions using real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, you will be prepared to design, evaluate, and refine cosmetic formulations with scientific rigor and professional confidence.
Welcome to Cosmetic Formulation Science. This is the second course in the P&G Cosmetic Science Specialization program. In this module, you explore the fundamentals of cosmetic formulation with a specific focus on cosmetic raw materials and their role in product development. You examine how raw materials contribute to different cosmetic product functions, how they are classified by formulation purpose, and how compatibility, stability, and performance influence selection decisions. Through guided learning, discussions, and applied activities, you begin to develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate raw material choices in real formulation contexts. This module establishes the essential foundation for deeper study of formulation chemistry, laboratory practice, and product design in the modules that follow. Let’s begin!
Exemplar: Raw Material Case Brief—Match Ingredients to Stability Goals•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 160 minutes
Practice Quiz: Basics of Cosmetic Formulation•20 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Raw Material Case Brief—Match Ingredients to Stability Goals•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Cosmetic Fomulation Raw Materials•30 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 1•50 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 90 minutes
Introduce Yourself•45 minutes
Everyday Beauty: Your Cosmetics Encounter•45 minutes
Raw Materials
Module 2•7 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to the Raw Materials module. In this module, you focus on the ingredient systems that shape cosmetic formulation, including surfactants, emulsifiers, preservatives, rheology modifiers, and functional additives. You examine how molecular structure, charge, and compatibility influence cleansing, foaming, stability, texture, and overall product performance. You also use the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) system to guide emulsifier selection and consider preservation approaches based on the mechanism of action, pH, and microbial risk. Through guided learning and applied analysis, you begin to justify raw material choices in relation to product claims, safety, and consumer use. Let's begin!
What's included
25 videos7 readings7 assignments
Show info about module content
25 videos•Total 100 minutes
General Surfactant Structure and Behavior•4 minutes
Anionic Surfactants•6 minutes
Cationic Surfactants•4 minutes
Amphoteric Surfactants•5 minutes
Nonionic/No Charge Surfactant•4 minutes
Introduction to Emulsions and Types of Emulsifers•5 minutes
The HLB Scale•4 minutes
Anionic Emulsifiers•4 minutes
Cationic Emulsifiers•3 minutes
Nonionic Emulsifiers•4 minutes
Liquid Crystal and Polymeric Emulsifiers•3 minutes
What are Preservatives?•5 minutes
Classes of Preservatives•4 minutes
Traditional Preservation—Parabens and Formaldehyde Donors•4 minutes
Determining Risk: When Do You Need Preservation?•5 minutes
What Is a Rheology Modifier?•5 minutes
Starches and Gums•5 minutes
Fatty Acids and Waxes•3 minutes
Polymers and Synthetic Materials•3 minutes
Fragrances and Flavors•3 minutes
Extracts and Plant-Based Functionals•3 minutes
Colorants•3 minutes
OTC Active Pharmaceutial Ingredients (APIs)•3 minutes
Formulating with Fragrances, Colorants, and OTCs•5 minutes
Understanding Polymer and Rheology Behavior•6 minutes
7 readings•Total 80 minutes
Raw Materials•2 minutes
Surfactants•15 minutes
Designing Stable Cosmetic Emulsions•15 minutes
Comparing Anionic and Cationic Emulsifiers in Cosmetic Formulation•15 minutes
Formulation Hurdles—the Impacts of Preservatives•8 minutes
Exemplar: Hurdle Technologies•10 minutes
OTC Ingredient Use in Cosmetics•15 minutes
7 assignments•Total 245 minutes
Practice Quiz: Surfactants•30 minutes
Practice Quiz: Emulsifiers•40 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Hurdle Technologies•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Preservatives•15 minutes
Practice Quiz: Rheology Modifiers•15 minutes
Practice Quiz: Additives•35 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 2•50 minutes
Working in the Lab
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to the Working in the Lab module. In this module, you focus on safe, compliant, and effective laboratory practice in cosmetic formulation. You learn how to interpret laboratory safety designations, select and use appropriate personal protective equipment, and apply best practices that protect product integrity and regulatory compliance. You also examine the correct use of processing and analytical equipment, as well as accurate documentation methods that support traceability and reproducibility. Through guided learning and applied practice, you develop the practical judgment needed to work responsibly in a cosmetic laboratory environment. Let’s begin!
What's included
13 videos7 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 58 minutes
Appropriate Dress and PPE•3 minutes
Laboratory Safety Equipment•5 minutes
Best Practices in a Cosmetic Laboratory•4 minutes
Overhead Mixers and Stirrers•3 minutes
Propellers and Blades•6 minutes
Homogenizers and Dispersers•7 minutes
Heating Equipment and Consumables•5 minutes
pH Probes•3 minutes
Viscometers•4 minutes
Pycnometers•4 minutes
Overview—Scientific Process and Importance of Record Keeping•4 minutes
Note-Taking and Labeling Practices•3 minutes
Lab Calibration and Density Testing•8 minutes
7 readings•Total 87 minutes
Working in the Lab•2 minutes
Safety Systems and Protective Equipment in the Cosmetic Laboratory•15 minutes
Best Practices for Safety, Quality, and Compliance in the Cosmetic Laboratory•15 minutes
Exemplar: Appropriate Dress and PPE•10 minutes
Overhead Mixing and Controlled Shear in Cosmetic Formulation•15 minutes
Laboratory Notebooks: Digital and Tangible•15 minutes
Digital Records•15 minutes
6 assignments•Total 175 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Appropriate Dress and PPE•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Safety and PPE •10 minutes
Practice Quiz: Technical Processing Equipment•20 minutes
Practice Quiz: Heating Equipment & Consumables•15 minutes
Practice Quiz: Documentation•20 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 3•50 minutes
Formulating Products
Module 4•5 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to the Formulating Products module. In this module, you focus on the core principles used to design and document effective skincare formulations. You learn how to interpret and apply INCI, trade, and IUPAC names, calculate and convert weight percentages, and organize ingredient addition to support stability and efficient processing. You also compare common classes of skincare formulations based on function, texture, and target skin needs. Finally, you examine how Certificates of Analysis and product specifications are used to confirm raw material quality and formulation performance. Together, these skills support accurate, stable, and well-documented cosmetic product development. Let's begin !
What's included
9 videos5 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 40 minutes
INCIs, Trade Names, and IUPAC Names•7 minutes
Weight Percent, Mass Percent, and Mass•5 minutes
Order of Addition and Phases•4 minutes
Oil-in-Water Emulsions•4 minutes
Anhydrous Formulations•3 minutes
Surfactant Systems•4 minutes
Gel Systems•4 minutes
What Is a Certificate of Analysis?•3 minutes
Formulation Troubleshooting and Phase Stability•7 minutes
5 readings•Total 55 minutes
Formulating Products•2 minutes
Water-in-Oil Emulsions•15 minutes
Determining Specifications•15 minutes
How To Write Cosmetic Product Specifications•15 minutes
Exemplar: Determining Product Specifications in Cosmetic Formulation•8 minutes
6 assignments•Total 230 minutes
Activity: Create a Processing Procedure•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Formula Sheets•15 minutes
Practice Quiz: Common Classes of Skincare Formulations•25 minutes
Hands on Activity: Determining Product Specifications in Cosmetic Formulation•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Certificate of Analysis and Analytical •20 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 4•50 minutes
Advanced Cosmetic Formulation Practices
Module 5•8 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to Advanced Cosmetic Formulation Practices, the final module in this course. In this module, you will apply formulation knowledge to real-world cosmetic product development. You will analyze product briefs, interpret laboratory test results, and evaluate performance against defined specifications and compliance requirements. You will investigate formulation challenges, optimize ingredient selection and processing conditions, and justify evidence-based design decisions. The module concludes with professional documentation and communication of formulation outcomes, preparing you to translate laboratory work into clear technical and regulatory reporting. By the end of this module, you will be able to integrate scientific reasoning, testing data, and formulation strategy to support effective cosmetic product development. Let’s begin!
What's included
8 videos12 readings7 assignments
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 44 minutes
Formulation Overview •5 minutes
Interpreting Sample Data and Test Protocols•5 minutes
Testing Protocols in Cosmetic Product Evaluation•6 minutes
Interpreting Compliance and Quality Reports•5 minutes
Identifying Formulation Failures and Root Causes•6 minutes
Documentation and Continuous Improvement•6 minutes
Documenting Product Finalization•5 minutes
Ethical Responsibility and Transparency in Cosmetic Science•6 minutes
12 readings•Total 165 minutes
Understanding the Product Brief and Requirements•15 minutes
Translating Objectives Into a Formulation Plan•15 minutes
Exemplar: From Brief to Bench—Translating Product Concepts into Lab Practice•10 minutes
Setting and Interpreting Product Specifications•15 minutes
Performance Testing and Consumer Claims Substantiation•15 minutes
Assessing Quality: From Data to Decision in Cosmetic Product Evaluation•15 minutes
Adjusting Raw Materials and Process Parameters•15 minutes
Revalidation and Comparative Testing•15 minutes
Writing Technical and Regulatory Reports•15 minutes
Communicating Results to Stakeholders•15 minutes
From Bench to Boardroom: Communicating Cosmetic Science With Integrity•15 minutes
Course Wrap-Up•5 minutes
7 assignments•Total 295 minutes
Hands-On Activity: From Brief To Bench—Translating Product Concepts Into Lab Practice•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Applying Formulation Science to a Real-World Product Brief•25 minutes
Practice Quiz: Evaluating Product Performance and Specification Compliance•25 minutes
Practice Quiz: Formulation Optimization and Problem-Solving in Cosmetic Product Development•20 minutes
Practice Quiz: Documenting and Justifying Cosmetic Formulation Outcomes•25 minutes
Project: Create Your Cosmetic Formula•90 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 5•50 minutes
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OLAY is a worldwide leader in skin care and dermatologist recommended brand that has been trusted by women for over seventy years. OLAY maintains a deep understanding of women’s changing needs and offers products backed by superior science to meet them. OLAY recognizes the importance of gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which is why OLAY is committed to #FacetheSTEMGap by helping to double the number of women in STEM and triple the number of women of color in STEM by 2030. OLAY has developed the Cosmetic Science Specialization to help anyone and everyone who have a passion for skincare to develop their expertise.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.