Formulation Foundations Course
For cosmetic chemists who want to master the science behind effective formulation.
Structured, expert-led training designed to build your formulation foundation and strengthen your scientific confidence. Each month, we cover essential science concepts to help you grow as a formulator.
Key Dates
Enrollment Period: 1/5/2026-2/5/2026
Course Start Date: 2/6/2026
Course End Date: 1/31/2027
Are you stuck teaching yourself in circles?
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You're following formulas without grasping the foundational principles behind them.
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You've pieced together information from college and webinars, but you have trouble putting it all together.
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You're making formulation decisions based on guesswork instead of solid scientific understanding.
Imagine…
✔ You truly understand why formulations work, not just how to follow a recipe.
✔ You approach formulation challenges with the confidence that comes from solid foundational knowledge.
✔ You have the scientific toolkit to tackle any cosmetic formulation concept that comes your way.
✔ You feel prepared to discuss formulation decisions intelligently with colleagues and clients.
✔ You stop feeling like an imposter and start formulating like the expert you're becoming.
Wait, what exactly is this Formulation Foundations you speak of?
Here is what you will get ↓
Bi-weekly lessons covering the core scientific concepts every cosmetic chemist needs to master.
Foundational science training in key chemistry, material science, physics and biology concepts.
Practical exercises to connect theory to real formulation decisions.
You'll Also Get...
24/7 access to published lessons.
Weekly reading prompts and guided discussions.
Monthly office hours to answer your questions.
Bonus expert lectures and content.
Community forum for peer and instructor support.
Course Investment
One-Time Payment
Pay a one-time fee and save.
$997
Installment Plan
Pay monthly for 6 months.
$170.00
Installment Plan
Pay monthly for 12 months.
$97.00
Course Syllabus
Formulation Foundations is a 12-month program designed specifically for cosmetic chemists who want to build a rock-solid understanding of the science behind cosmetic formulation. This course bridges the gap between basic scientific principles and real-world product development, giving you the knowledge and confidence to create stable, effective, and elegant formulations.
What Makes This Course Different?
Unlike superficial "formulation recipe” courses, this program teaches you why formulations work not just how to make them. You'll master the fundamental principles that govern ingredient behavior, product stability, and performance. With this foundation, you'll be able to troubleshoot problems, innovate new products, and make informed formulation decisions throughout your career.
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The nature of ionic bonding and compounds
Molecular compounds, covalent bonds
Electronegativity and polarity
How to predict ingredient compatibility based on molecular structure
Chemical reactions
Organic functional groups and their importance in cosmetic chemistry
Calculations and conversions
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States of matter and phase transitions
Electrostatic interactions
Key physical properties
Crystallization and polymorphism
Wax structures
Powdered product considerations
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Solubility principles
Colligative properties
Acid-base chemistry and pH fundamentals
How to design buffer systems
Electrolyte behavior
Preservative considerations and hurdle technology
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Surface and interfacial phenomena
Surfactant chemistry
HLB system
Emulsion science and stabilization
Foam formation, structure and stability
Liquid crystals and mesophases
Microemulsions
Viscosity modifiers and mechanisms
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Structure-activity relationships: how molecular structure determines performance
Polymer chemistry and their application in cosmetics
Chelation basics and selection
Structural differences between emollients
Chemical degradation pathways: oxidation, hydrolysis, photodegradation
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Rheology fundamentals
Methods for evaluating formulations
Tribology fundamentals
Connecting rheological measurements to consumer perception
How to design for texture and sensory
Skin penetration and the stratum corneum
Advanced delivery systems
Design of experiments
This is perfect for you if…
You're an entry-level or aspiring cosmetic chemist ready to build a solid scientific foundation
You want science-based education without enrolling in a full degree program or sifting through multiple sources
You're new to cosmetic chemistry (or self-taught) and need foundational training to fill the gaps
You're serious about becoming a skilled formulator and want to avoid the costly mistakes that come from knowledge gaps
You're tired of piecing together information on your own and need a clear path forward
Your On-Demand Cosmetic Science Instructor
After a few years in formulation, one thing became clear: cosmetic chemists come from wildly different backgrounds, but we all face the same problem… traditional education leaves gaps in the science we must grasp to become experts in our field.
So, I decided to build the resource I wish had existed when I started. My goal is to fill those educational gaps and make cosmetic science fundamentals accessible to chemists at any stage of their career.
Fueled by my love for formulation, my background in chemistry, biochemical engineering and pharmaceutics and my passion for education (and a lot of Celsius), this course was born.
FAQs
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No advanced degree required, but it is definitely helpful! At a minimum you should have basic high school chemistry knowledge.
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Plan for 5-10 hours per week including video lessons, reading, and exercises.
However, this course can be completed at a pace that fits your schedule.
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This course focuses on foundational science rather than recipes. However, you'll gain the knowledge needed to understand, modify, and create any formulation that comes your way.
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The course is designed to be completed over approximately 12 months, with new content released bi-weekly. This timeframe allows you to thoroughly learn and apply each module's concepts at a sustainable pace.
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No, course content is released monthly to help you pace your learning and avoid overwhelm. This structured approach gives you time to fully absorb each module before moving on, keeps you motivated with regular check-ins, and allows us to tailor content based on member feedback.
Think of it like a college course! We progress through the material together.
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Yes! You will get lifetime access to the course materials after completion in case you want to refresh or revisit any of the lessons.
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While this is primarily a theoretical course, practical exercises help you apply concepts. We recommend practicing formulation alongside your studies.