A collaboration between the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and Manhattan University.
 

Course Overview

Join the SCC this spring for an innovative new hybrid delivery model of our popular Cosmetic Formulations course. Instructed by Mark Chandler, this course offers a high-level review of cosmetic raw materials, emulsion technologies, and formulation strategies as they apply to the development of common cosmetics products: sunscreens, color cosmetics, skin and hair care products. Following the initial classroom-style instruction, students will participate in various hands-on emulsion and cleaning system formulation exercises.

The classroom portion of this course will be available online (on-demand) during Spring 2025 with a live online instructor Q&A session. This will be followed by (optional) in-person laboratory instruction at Manhattan University in New York City.

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in the mechanics of designing a cosmetic formulation.  The course will be beneficial to beginning and seasoned scientists, whether in formulation, quality control, or claims testing.

***Depending on the facility, lab capacity may be limited.***

Course Outline

Online Classroom

• Cosmetic Raw Materials Overview
• Why Study Emulsions?
• Emulsion Theory
• Stabilization Mechanisms
• Emulsion Formulation Strategies
• Manufacturing of Emulsions
• Sunscreen Basics
• Make-up Basics
• Toiletry Basics
• Cleanser Surfactant Selection
• Cleanser Formulation
• Hair Care Formulation Basics
• Preservation Basics
• Enhancing Efficacy

Lab Exercises

• Emulsion Formulation Exercises:
  • Steric & Electrostatic Stabilization
  • HLB System
  • Liquid Crystalline Lamellar Gel Networks
  • Water-in-Oil
  • Custom Product Development

Instructors: Mark Chandler 

Format: On-Demand, Live Instructor Q&A, (Optional) In-Person Lab

Dates:

Course Release Date (On-Demand Content): 

• Janaury 2, 2026

"Online-Only" Lab Exercise Recordings Release Date:

• February 3, 2026

Live Online Instructor Q&A:

• February 19, 2026

(Optional) In-Person Lab:

• Spring 2026 (TBD)

Lab Location:

Manhattan University
Higgins Engineering and Science Center
4513 Manhattan College Pkwy
Bronx, NY 10471

Note: in addition to the online, on-demand instruction, live instructor Q&A, and (optional) in-person lab, Certificate in Skin Care participants will also receive a PDF copy of the course slides. Course module recordings and quizzes will be available from the course release date through the end of the participant's time in the certificate program.

ENROLL NOW

If also applying for SCC membership, please allow up to five business days for application processing. Member pricing will not be in effect for Certificate Program enrollment until after the membership application is approved. 

About the Instructor

Mark Chandler

ACT Solutions Corp

Mark Chandler is President of ACT Solutions Corp, a formulation design consultancy and laboratory founded in 2012.  ACT Solutions Corp provides application support to ingredient technology companies and formulation training for brands and contract manufacturers.

Mark has over 40 years in the industry with roles in Technical Sales, Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Research. He has taught continuing education courses in cosmetic science for over 20 years and is a frequent lecturer in the Cosmetic Science program at the University of Toledo. Mark was awarded Fellow status by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in 2014 and was National President in 2023.