Lesson 1Preservatives and antioxidant strategies in natural formulations: phenoxyethanol alternatives, vitamin E, rosemary extract, pH and microbial controlExplore natural ways to preserve and protect against oxidation, including full-spectrum methods, chelating agents, and pH management. Learn techniques to delay spoilage, avoid microbial issues, and craft durable, secure products for home and studio.
Microbial risks in water-based cosmeticsNatural and nature-identical preservative optionsChelators, pH adjustment, and hurdle technologyVitamin E, rosemary, and other antioxidantsChallenge testing and preservative efficacyLesson 2Humectants, film formers, and humectant alternatives: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, honey, aloe veraAnalyze moisture-attracting agents, protective films, and substitutes, understanding water retention, barrier support, and texture effects. Compare options like glycerin, aloe, honey, and hyaluronic acid for varying humidities in Eritrean regions.
Mechanism of humectants in the stratum corneumGlycerin, sorbitol, and sugar-based humectantsHyaluronic acid weights and skin feelAloe, honey, and plant mucilage extractsBalancing humectants with occlusives and oilsLesson 3Essential oils and botanical actives: efficacy, dilution limits, sensitization risk, safe choices for faceInvestigate essential oils and potent plant extracts, emphasizing proven benefits, skin-safe concentrations, and allergy risks. Master dilution practices, testing protocols, and gentle selections ideal for sensitive facial applications.
Evidence-based benefits of key essential oilsDermal limits and maximum facial dilutionsPhototoxicity, irritation, and sensitization risksSafer essential oils for facial formulationsUsing CO2 and standardized plant extractsLesson 4Butters, waxes, and emulsifiers used in natural formulas and their rolesStudy plant-based butters, waxes, and blending agents in natural recipes, highlighting texture, melt points, and endurance. Select combinations that enhance application ease, skin comfort, and overall product reliability in formulations.
Shea, cocoa, and mango butters in skincarePlant waxes versus beeswax in formulationsHLB basics for choosing emulsifier systemsNatural emulsifiers and co-emulsifiersDesigning balms, butters, and rich creamsLesson 5Ingredient sourcing, certification terms, and reading INCI labelsUnderstand procurement of ingredients, certification meanings, and INCI list interpretation. Evaluate organic markers, verify supplier claims, and scrutinize labels for clarity and safety in sourcing materials accessible in Eritrea.
Organic, natural, and wildcrafted sourcingKey cosmetic certifications and what they meanSupplier documentation and quality checksReading and ordering INCI ingredient listsSpotting greenwashing on product labelsLesson 6Clays, powders, and botanical exfoliants: kaolin, bentonite, oat flour, rice powder, enzymatic Botanicals (papaya, pumpkin)Review earth clays, grain powders, and plant-derived exfoliators, assessing grain size, absorption, and gentleness. Create mild, efficient scrubs and masks tailored to various skin needs using locally inspired natural elements.
Kaolin, bentonite, and other cosmetic claysOat, rice, and grain flours for gentle polishingFruit enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkinChoosing exfoliant type by skin conditionSafe usage levels and over-exfoliation risksLesson 7Hydrosols, floral waters, and aqueous extracts: properties and uses (chamomile, rose, lavender)Examine hydrosols, flower waters, and water-based plant extracts, comparing makeup, shelf life, and skin advantages. Address procurement, contamination risks, and blending for soft, effective recipes in daily care routines.
How hydrosols differ from essential oilsKey properties of rose, chamomile, lavenderPreservation needs of hydrosols and tonersUsing hydrosols in mists, masks, and creamsSelecting extracts for specific skin concernsLesson 8Plant oils and lipids: fatty acid profiles, comedogenicity, carrier oil selection (jojoba, squalane, rosehip, sweet almond)Review vegetable oils and fats, stressing acid compositions, stability, and pore-clogging potential. Guide choices of base oils for specific skins, featuring jojoba, squalane, rosehip, and almond suited to arid Eritrean conditions.
Fatty acid profiles and skin compatibilityOxidative stability and shelf life of oilsComedogenicity scales and acne-prone skinProfiling jojoba, squalane, and rosehip oilsBlending carrier oils for targeted concerns
