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Get the Skills to Become a Cosmetic Science Professional

Learn all about Cosmetic Science and lab procedures in this 100% online course

Online Cosmetic Science & Chemistry Certificate Course

Are you interested in learning about the scientific concepts behind your favourite beauty products? GLOW College’s Cosmetic Science & Chemistry Certificate Course will provide you with the skills and training needed to understand the chemistry of cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and the ingredients in them. Start learning for as little as $450/month.

Self-Paced, Start Any Time

This Certificate Course is delivered 100% online so you can advance your cosmetic career with the flexibility and support you need to succeed. You can balance work, family and other commitments while you get the skills to build a brighter future.

During the Cosmetic Science & Chemistry Certificate course, you will learn:

  • Science of Cosmetic Colour
  • Skin
  • Hair and Fragrances
  • Cosmetic Microbiology
  • Lab Etiquette
  • Formulation Overview

The best way to see if GLOW College is the right fit for you is to come and tour the school. You can tour our facilities and meet with students and instructors. Book an appointment now or Get more info.

Is a Career as a Cosmetic Science Professional Right for You? Take the Glow College Cosmetic Science Career Training Readiness Quiz

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Career Training Readiness score now.

LendCare Financing

GLOW College offers a NEW 0% Financial Aid option through LendCare. LendCare offers an easy-to-use, online financing solution, with express credit decisions, accessible from anywhere you are, 24/7.

Apply Now!

To apply for Financial Aid through LendCare, please select your preferred campus from the list below. You will be directed to the application form for your chosen campus.

Click here for more information about GLOW College’s financial aid options.

Enrollment Terms:

Fees include Tuition and free Virtual Seat assignment. Digital Certificate will be issued upon completion of all lessons, assessments, and upon final payment (where applicable). Non-refundable once paid. This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

Course Outline

Course Intro (Ch 1)
  • How to manage your time with Self Paced learning
  • Course Description
  • Outline

Understanding Cosmetics (Ch 2)

  • What are Cosmetics?
  • What is Cosmetic Science?
  • What Goes into a Cosmetic Product?
  • The importance of the identities and structures of chemical compounds
  • The importance of how chemical compounds are held together
  • The importance of how chemical compounds fall apart
  • Understanding Cosmetics Quiz

Cosmetic Careers (Ch 3)

  • Cosmetic Career Possibilities
  • Skill-Based Cosmetic Roles
  • Knowledge-Based Cosmetic Roles
  • What do Cosmetic Scientist and Formulators Do
  • Cosmetic Formulating-Resume Requirements
  • Cosmetic Formulating-Business Format

Science of Skincare (Ch 4)

  • Skin (Surface and Beneath the Surface)
  • Effects of UVA and UVB Radiation on Skin
  • How UV Rays Affect the Skin
  • SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
  • The Fitzpatrick Scale
  • Differences between Male and Female Skin
  • How Skin Absorbs Cosmetics
  • Cosmetics impact on Skin Appearance
  • Characterization of Skin Types and Conditions
  • pH of Skin
  • Free Radicals
  • Moisturization and Hydration
  • Effective Ingredients in Skin Moisturizers
  • What is an NMF?
  • Emulsions & Emulsifiers
  • Emulsion Compatibility
  • Suspension
  • Science of Skincare Quiz

Science of Colour Cosmetics (Ch 5)

  • How Colour Appears
  • Hue, Value and Chroma
  • Creating Colour Cosmetics
  • Pigments: Organic and Inorganic
  • Elements of Sensorial Properties
  • The Colour Wheel
  • Colour Additives
  • Creating Colour Using Light
  • Lighting
  • Using and Dispersing Pigments
  • The Importance of Cosmetic Formulas and Textures
  • Cosmetic B.F.F.
  • The Art of Colour Matching
  • Science of Colour Cosmetics Quiz

Science of Haircare (Ch 6)

  • The Evolutionary Biology of Hair
  • Hair Structure and Diversity
  • Hair Follicles
  • Sebum and the Scalp
  • Hair Damage
  • Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
  • Hair Greying
  • Shampoo Surfactants
  • Hair Conditioning Systems
  • Hair Styling
  • Hair Analysis
  • Science of Haircare Quiz

Science of Fragrance (Ch 7)

  • Odour Formation
  • Odour Recognition
  • Smell and Emotions
  • Creating and Masking Odours
  • The Creative Process of Developing a Fragrance
  • Why do Fragrances Change Over Time?
  • Fragrance Families
  • Science of Fragrance Quiz

Rheology-Product Textures and Form (Ch 8)

  • Interpreting Product Textures
  • The Importance of Rheology in Skincare
  • Product Thickeners
  • Cosmetic Oils
  • Rheology Quiz

Cosmetic Microbiology (Ch 9)

  • Microorganisms
  • Cosmetic Preservation
  • Cosmetic Microbiology Quiz

Ingredient Terms (Ch 10)

  • Acid
  • Alcohol
  • Anti-Caking Agents
  • Anti-Irritant
  • Antioxidants
  • Antimicrobials
  • Antiseptic
  • Aroma
  • Binder
  • Buffers
  • Catalysts
  • Chelating Agent
  • Cleanser
  • Clarifier
  • Colour
  • Colour Protectant
  • Conditioner
  • Delivery Systems
  • Disinfectant
  • Dispersants
  • Elastomers
  • Emollients
  • Emulsions and Emulsifiers
  • Esters
  • Exfoliants
  • Extenders
  • Filler
  • Film Former
  • Foaming Agent
  • Fragrance
  • Frost
  • Humectants
  • Hydroxy Acids
  • Inorganic
  • Natural Extracts
  • Organic
  • Peptides
  • pH, pH Adjuster
  • Pigment
  • Plasticizer
  • Polymer
  • Preservatives
  • Isotonic Agent
  • Matting Agent
  • Moisture Barrier
  • Moisturizer
  • Natural Extracts
  • Naturally-Derived
  • Oil adsorbent – Oil Dispersant – Sebum Dispersant
  • Opacifying Agent
  • Shelf Life
  • Skin Adhesion
  • Skin Conditioning Agent
  • Solubility
  • Solvent
  • Surfactants
  • Suspending Agent, Suspender
  • Synthetic
  • UV Filters
  • Thickener
  • Vitamins
  • Ingredients Quiz

Formulation Overview (Ch 11)

  • The Science of Formulating
  • Powder Products
  • Cream Products
  • Liquid Products
  • Organic Products
  • Hair Dyes and Colorants
  • Hypoallergenic Products
  • Cruelty-Free Products
  • Preservative-Free Products
  • “Dermatologist Recommended” Products
  • “Clinically Proven” Claims
  • “Patented Formula” Claims
  • pH Balanced Claims
  • Formulation Overview Quiz

Cosmetic Ingredients (Ch 12)

  • Major Ingredient types in Cosmetics and OTC
  • Cosmetic Ingredients Quiz

Product Testing and Stability (Ch 13)

  • Stability Testing
  • Stability Features
  • Microbiology Testing
  • PAO and Shelf Life
  • FDA Standards
  • Health Canada Standards
  • Government Links and Resources
  • Product Testing and Stability Quiz

Cosmetic Safety Standards (Ch 14)

  • FDA Standards
  • Health Canada Standards
  • Canada Government Links and Resources
  • Cosmetic Safety Standard Quiz

Laboratory Terminology (Ch 15)

  • What are the everyday terminologies used in the Cosmetic lab?
  • What are MSDS?
  • Ingredient Requirement
  • What are Laboratory Terminology Quiz

Laboratory Etiquette (Ch 16)

  • What is GLP?
  • GMP vs GLP
  • Lab Safety and Etiquette
  • Quality
  • Laboratory Etiquette Quiz

Assignments

  • Assignment 1 (Week 1)
  • Assignment 2 (Week 2)
  • Assignment 3 (Week 3)
  • Assignment 4 (Week 4)

Next Steps

  • You’re almost done!
  • Feedback

Is a Rewarding Career in Cosmetic Science Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Cosmetic Science and exploring whether GLOW College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 905-453-9456.

Enroll Now