Natural Skincare Formulation Online Course

Would you love to create your own lip balms, cleansers, moisturisers and shampoos? Perhaps you're looking for a specific type of cosmetic, like a vegan, organic lipstick, or something without certain ingredients that you are allergic to, and you can't find exactly what you want? Or perhaps you dream of owning your own skincare brand and are looking for a place to get started (more on that later!). 

If you've tried following along with YouTube tutorials, you may not have been happy with the results. Sometimes it's not obvious that the recipes given are actually unsafe. Perhaps you've seen instructions like 'add 10 drops of essential oil', 'add beeswax as an emulsifier' or 'keep the shampoo in the fridge to stop it going off'. These are all sure signs of someone who doesn't understand formulation, and the products resulting will be ineffective and potentially very dangerous. In this course, I'm not going to teach you to follow recipes, I'll teach you to formulate, which means you'll be able to design and create any type of skincare product from scratch, using ingredients of your choice, and knowing that your final product is safe, stable and effective. 

Products covered in this course include: Gel-based cleansers, bi-phase cleansers, cleansing balms, makeup removers, toners, spritzes, oil-based serums, gel serums, moisturisers (creams) for face and body, deodorants, liquid shampoos, solid shampoos, liquid conditioners, solid conditioners, lip balms, lip scrubs, bath salts, clay masks, cuticle oils, exfoliating scrubs....

There are a few types of products that are dealt with in separate courses: Makeup Formulation & Soap-making (coming soon). 

All the products taught in this course will include examples using natural, plant-based ingredients, and the principles learned can then be applied to create products which fit with your particular values (e.g. vegan, halal, kosher, organic, sustainable etc.). 

The course is divided into 14 modules, each one including explanatory videos and demonstrations (with subtitles), PDF guides which include ingredient profiles, suggested suppliers list, example formulations, formulation templates and much more, plus additional resources throughout the course. You will have lifetime access to the materials to work though at your own pace, and I provide email support if you have any questions. I also run live drop in Q&A sessions on Zoom every quarter if you have a tricky question or just want to chat about the course. 

About Me

I am an experienced cosmetic formulator, with my own skincare brand Natur Cosmetics. As well as years of experience, I have Diplomas in Skincare Formulation, Organic Skincare Formulation, Formulating Natural Makeup and Advanced Colour Cosmetics, Natural Haircare Formulation, Beauty Brand Business Management, and an Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science. You can rest assured that you are getting sound advice on this course!

Want to launch a skincare brand? 

If you'd like to launch your own skincare brand, I have a dedicated course on this. There's a special bundle option available when purchasing both courses together. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course accredited? 

I have deliberately not sought out external accreditation for this course, as this would incur yearly fees that I would then have to pass on by increasing the price. Selling cosmetics in the UK does not require you to have any specific training or qualification, but I do suggest that learning the fundamentals of formulation is vital for anyone wanting to go down this route. I therefore wanted to make the course as affordable and accessible as possible for all who want to learn. 

Will I need to buy lots of expensive ingredients?

No! I've provided lots of formulation examples in this course, focusing on simple and affordable ingredients. I've deliberately reused the same ingredients in many different examples, so that you can repurpose your supplies. Once you've mastered the basics, there are thousands of ingredients you could look to incorporate into your formulations and I know how tempting it can be to fill your cupboards with exotic oils and powders, but I've given some suggestions throughout the course of key ingredients I feel are worth the investment and those which you really don't need! 

Won't I need a chemistry lab to make cosmetics?

Absolutely not! I filmed this course in my home, using my spare room and kitchen, to show you just how easy it is to formulate at home. If you have a spare corner you can sanitise and use for formulating, even if it's a temporary corner of your kitchen worksurface, then you can formulate. 

What equipment will I need?

You can get started with a few basic supplies from a kitchen shop or online marketplace. At the beginning of the course I run through all the basic equipment you need to get started. If you want to go on to sell your products later, you may want to upgrade your equipment, but you can definitely get started for around £30. 

Can I sell the products I make at markets?

Any cosmetic product sold in the UK through any channel needs a number of steps completed before sale in order for it to be legal. This includes obtaining a CPSR, creating a PIF, challenge testing where applicable, registration on the UK notification portal and appointing a Responsible Person. Making the product is just the beginning! That's why I offer a course in Skincare Business to help you with the legalities, as well as setting up and managing a business.