Course Outline
Part 1 - Raw Materials and Their Interactions
Using coconut oil, olive oil, and bacon fat as starting points, we will explain, using simple terms and drawings, the nature of the most common materials used to create personal care products. In addition, we will review the formulation process, and how these materials physically interact in a selective manner to create the series of structures that determine their cosmetic performance and attributes.
Part 2 - Terminology
Is mildness and irritation the same? How about foam and lathering? Can hair be hydrated? Is skin hydration and moisturization the same? These are just a few of the examples of the lexicon that will be explained.
Part 3 - The Formulations
We will review the composition of several products in the rinse-off and leave-on categories. We will explain in simple terms the evolution and life cycle of the structures of these products: in the container, during usage, and the final residue, if any, left on hair or skin.
Part 4 - Hot Topics
We will address a variety of trends and challenges facing the cosmetics industry, including concerns around 1,4 Dioxane, the safety of ethoxylated materials, and the various definitions or concepts behind Natural, Sulfate-Free, and Clean Beauty products.