Introduction to Oral Care Formulation

Course Summary

In this *online* course you will learn the techniques for formulating effective oral care products that solve consumer concerns. We will cover product categories such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels and whitening products. 

This course will cover the basic anatomy and function of our oral cavity, including common dental concerns and diseases. You will learn the basic formula structure and lab techniques for each of these categories as well as formulation challenges that may arise. We will discuss typical ingredients used in these formulas, including active ingredients (both OTC and cosmetic) that we can use as formulators to help support consumer demands. Finally, we will touch on clinical testing that is used specifically for oral care formulations. After taking this course you will feel confident in formulating oral care products that solve consumer concerns and are safe, stable and effective. 

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for cosmetic formulators as well as product development scientists who want to learn more about oral care formula development.

Course Pricing:

• SCC Member: $330
• Non-Member: $445
• SCC Junior or Student Member: $205
   

Note: companies registering 5+ SCC members for this course receive $25 off per registration. Companies registering 10+ SCC members for this course receive $50 off per registration. Discounted group registrations need to occur during the same online transaction. If you would like to submit a group registration of 5+ or 10+, or have any other questions about this event, please contact SCC Headquarters Staff.

ATTENTION NON-MEMEBERS: you will save money by joining the SCC prior to registering for this course. If applying for SCC membership, application processing takes up to five business days. If you would like to request expedited application processing, in order to sign up for this course, please send your request to education@scconline.org. Member pricing will not be in effect for CEP registrations until after the membership application is approved. 
 

 View our CEP Course Pricing and Refund Policy.
 

Course Outline

I. Anatomy and Dental Concerns 
In this section we will learn the basic anatomy and structure of the mouth. We will also learn how common dental concerns and diseases arise. We will look at common dental concerns such as: 

• Plaque & Tartar
• Cavities 
• Sensitivity 
• Gingivitis 

II. Toothpaste 
In this section we will learn how to build a toothpaste formula, common ingredients used and formulation challenges that may arise 

• How to create a toothpaste formula 
• In depth look into functional ingredients 
• How to formulate with active ingredients such as sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate
• Formulation challenges

III. Mouthwashes 
In this section we will learn how to build a mouthwash formula, common ingredients used and formulation challenges that may arise 

• How to create a Mouthwash formula 
• In depth look into functional ingredients 
• How to formulate with active ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride 
• Formulation challenges 

IV. Whitening Products 
In this section we will utilize what we've learned from the previous two sections and discuss how to apply it to whitening products

• How whitening products work 
• Formulation challenges with Hydrogen Peroxide 
• How to create a whitening pen formula 
• How to create other whitening products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and gels 

V. Clinical Testing 
In this section we will look at common clinical testing that is used for oral care products 

• Enamel fluoride uptake testing 
• RDA testing
• PCR testing

Instructor: Natalie Hendrix

Format: Live Online + Replay Access

Dates: 

• Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (11:00am - 2:30pm ET)
• Thursday, November 5, 2026 (11:00am - 2:30pm ET)

Note: in addition to the live online instruction, participants will also receive:

• A PDF copy of the course slides.
• 24/7 access to course replay recordings through Monday, November 30, 2026. (Ideal, if you are not able to attend some/all of the live course dates).
• A certificate of course completion.

REGISTER NOW

About the Instructor

Natalie Hendrix

Natalie is a cosmetic formulation expert with a proven track record in developing a wide range of products, including oral care and OTC solutions. She has formulated toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening gels for several leading indie brands.Through her consulting business, she partners with both established and emerging oral care brands, guiding innovative concepts from formulation through successful market launch. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy at Saint Joseph's University, further expanding her expertise across pharmaceutical and cosmetic science.

In addition to her lab expertise, Natalie has served as Chair of the Intermountain West Chapter of the SCC, where she led educational programming, community engagement, and fundraising initiatives. During her tenure, she hosted the chapters first oral care symposium focused on sharing technical insights with the cosmetic science community. A natural educator and collaborator, she is passionate about mentoring others and sharing technical knowledge to support the advancement of cosmetic science.