Lesson 1Preservatives and antioxidant strategies in natural formulations: phenoxyethanol alternatives, vitamin E, rosemary extract, pH and microbial controlThis section covers natural preservation and antioxidant strategies, including broad-spectrum systems, chelators, and pH control. You will learn to slow oxidation, prevent contamination, and design safer, longer-lasting products suited to Ghana's warm climate.
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 veraThis section analyses humectants, film formers, and humectant alternatives, explaining how they bind water, support the barrier, and affect skin feel. You will compare glycerin, aloe, honey, and hyaluronic acid in varied climates, including Ghana's tropical conditions.
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, sensitisation risk, safe choices for faceHere we explore essential oils and concentrated botanical actives, focusing on evidence of efficacy, dermal limits, and sensitisation. You will learn safe dilution, patch testing, and suitable options for delicate facial skin, mindful of local plant availability.
Evidence-based benefits of key essential oilsDermal limits and maximum facial dilutionsPhototoxicity, irritation, and sensitisation risksSafer essential oils for facial formulationsUsing CO2 and standardised plant extractsLesson 4Butters, waxes, and emulsifiers used in natural formulas and their rolesHere we explore butters, waxes, and emulsifiers used in natural formulas, focusing on texture, melting profile, and stability. You will learn to choose systems that support skin feel, spreadability, and product integrity, incorporating Ghanaian shea butter.
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 labelsThis section explains ingredient sourcing, certifications, and INCI labelling. You will learn to interpret organic and natural seals, assess supplier documentation, and read labels critically for transparency and safety, prioritising African-sourced materials.
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)This section examines mineral clays, plant powders, and enzymatic exfoliants, comparing particle size, absorbency, and irritation potential. You will learn to design gentle yet effective scrubs and masks for different skin types, using local fruits like papaya.
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)You will study hydrosols, floral waters, and aqueous plant extracts, comparing composition, stability, and skin benefits. The section explains sourcing, microbiological risks, and how to select and blend them in gentle formulas, drawing from Ghanaian flora.
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)You will examine plant oils and lipids, focusing on fatty acid profiles, oxidation, and comedogenicity. The section guides carrier oil selection for different skin types, including examples like jojoba, squalane, and rosehip, plus local options like baobab.
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
