Cosmetic Formulation Science (Coursera)

Offered by Olay,
Cosmetic Formulation Science (Coursera)

The second course in the specialization, Cosmetic Formulation Science, delves deeper into the fundamentals of cosmetic formulations. The focus here is on the selection and use of raw materials, a critical aspect of cosmetic science. You will develop more detailed insight into choosing and using various cosmetic raw materials.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Moreover, you will learn the essentials of safe and effective laboratory work and documentation. This course is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, setting the stage for advanced learning in cosmetic science.
This course is part of the Introduction to Cosmetic Science and Ingredients Specialization.

What you'll learn

  • Develop skills in selecting and using cosmetic raw materials
  • Understand the essentials of cosmetic formulation and laboratory safety
  • Learn effective documentation techniques for cosmetic science.
  • Acquire practical knowledge in writing and processing cosmetic formulas

Syllabus

Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation Science
Welcome to Cosmetic Formulation Science. This is the second course of the P&G Cosmetic Science Specialization program. In this course, you will explore the fundamentals of cosmetic formulations, emphasizing the selection and use of raw materials for your formulations. This week, you will learn about the importance of raw materials in cosmetic formulations. You'll learn to identify and select the ideal raw materials, ensuring your formulations are effective and innovative. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone aspiring to excel in the cosmetic industry. Let's dive in!

Raw Materials
This week, you will get into the details of the cosmetic formulation process, specifically focusing on surfactants and additives. You'll explore the diverse behaviors of different surfactants and additives and learn about the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) scale for emulsifier selection. Additionally, you'll delve into the various categories of preservatives, enriching your understanding of the components that make up effective cosmetic products.

Working in the Lab
This week, you'll become well-versed in the importance of laboratory safety and the relevant codes that govern it. You'll identify and utilize cosmetic personal protective equipment (PPE) and become familiar with the best practices for working in a cosmetic laboratory. Furthermore, this module will help you develop insights into the importance of meticulous record-keeping, emphasizing the use of laboratory notebooks and digital records.

Formulating Products
In this week, we explore the fundamental concepts of skincare formulation. You will learn about their differences and how to use them effectively in your product formulation. You will explore using weight percentages in formulations and learn how to convert mass percentages accurately. You will also learn about different types of skincare formulations and explore the concept of Certificate analysis and determining specifications.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Quality Control and Regulatory in Cosmetic Science (Coursera) Coursera
Olay

Quality Control and Regulatory in Cosmetic Science (Coursera)

This course explores the multifaceted world of cosmetic science and quality assurance. You will explore the historical evolution of cosmetic regulatory landscapes, gain insights into cutting-edge safety assessment methodologies, and delve into the principles and practices of quality systems. The course emphasizes a holistic approach, ensuring participants understand the importance of regulations, enhance their expertise in safety assessments, and master the principles of quality control in cosmetic manufacturing.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
The E-waste Challenge (EMMA) EMMA
Climate-KIC

The E-waste Challenge (EMMA)

E-waste can be a threat to our planet: Illegal and poorly managed e-waste is polluting our environment, harming human health, and contributing to human-made climate change. The worst impacts are often in the countries that are least equipped to manage it. Or it can be a valuable resource: By recycling materials contained in e-waste, we can save on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from primary mining, we can create green jobs, and we can create economic opportunities.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Waste Management and Critical Raw Materials (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Waste Management and Critical Raw Materials (edX)

Learn about waste management and its key role in saving critical raw materials. Gain practical knowledge of the circular economy, recycling, refurbishment, and remanufacturing as a means of identifying new business opportunities. How can we ensure the continuous supply of the increasingly scarce raw materials that are needed to make the products we use every day? In this course, we will look at the potential benefits of circular procurement and how recycling technologies and more efficient ways of collecting and recycling critical raw materials (CRMs) can make your business and production more resource resilient.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Critical Raw Materials: Managing Resources for a Sustainable Future (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Critical Raw Materials: Managing Resources for a Sustainable Future (edX)

Gain a systemic understanding of critical raw materials and learn about strategies and solutions to manage them in a sustainable way. The availability of critical raw materials (CRMs) is under massive pressure. However, these materials are essential for products, technologies and solutions to some of the world’s most crucial issues – such as the energy transition.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
The E-waste Challenge MOOC (Climate-KIC) Other Providers
United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP,KU Leuven University,Climate-KIC,World Resources Forum

The E-waste Challenge MOOC (Climate-KIC)

With our growing appetite for electrical and electronic products, combined with rapid innovation and ever-shorter product lifespans, e-waste has now become one of the fast growing waste streams. This course will help the participant to understand why and how we must manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner and how we can take action on e-waste in their own life, business, or organization.

No sessions available
No Information
Schizophrenia (Coursera) Coursera
Wesleyan University

Schizophrenia (Coursera)

The main goal of this class are to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Everyday Chinese Medicine (Coursera) Coursera
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Everyday Chinese Medicine (Coursera)

This course aims to serve as an education platform on Chinese medicine (CM) for the general public. Our primary goal is to empower healthcare choices by promoting awareness and practical application on CM diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as regulation on CM services and herbal products using international examples.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Stories of Infection (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Stories of Infection (Coursera)

This course introduces learners to a variety of infectious diseases using a patient-centered, story-based approach. Through illustrated, short videos, learners will follow the course of each patient’s illness, from initial presentation to resolution. Integrating the relevant microbiology, pathophysiology and immunology, this course aims to engage and entice the learner towards future studies in microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health (Coursera) Coursera
University of North Carolina

Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health (Coursera)

Often called “the cornerstone” of public health, epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases, health conditions, or events among populations and the application of that study to control health problems. By applying the concepts learned in this course to current public health problems and issues, students will understand the practice of epidemiology as it relates to real life and makes for a better appreciation of public health programs and policies. This course explores public health issues like cardiovascular and infectious diseases – both locally and globally – through the lens of epidemiology.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Epidemics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Hong Kong

Epidemics (Coursera)

“If history is our guide, we can assume that the battle between the intellect and will of the human species and the extraordinary adaptability of microbes will be never-ending.” Despite all the remarkable technological breakthroughs that we have made over the past few decades, the threat from infectious diseases has significantly accelerated. In this course, we will learn why this is the case by looking at the fundamental scientific principles underlying epidemics and the public health actions behind their prevention and control in the 21st century.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks