Lesson 1Preservatives and antioxidant strategies in natural formulations: phenoxyethanol alternatives, vitamin E, rosemary extract, pH and microbial controlThis teaches natural ways to keep products fresh and fight spoilage, like full protection systems, helpers, and acid balance. You learn to slow bad changes, stop germs, and make products safer and longer-lasting.
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 looks at water-holding things, skin-cover makers, and other choices, explaining how they hold water, help skin shield, and change feel. You compare glycerin, aloe, honey, and hyaluronic acid for different weathers.
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 faceWe look at strong oils from plants and active parts, focusing on proof they work, skin limits, and allergy risks. You learn safe mixing amounts, test patches, and good picks for soft face skin.
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 rolesWe study soft butters, hard waxes, and mixers in natural recipes, looking at feel, melt point, and strength. You learn to pick systems that help skin touch, easy spread, and keep product good.
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 explains getting ingredients, checks for quality, and reading name lists. You learn to understand organic marks, check seller papers, and read labels well for clearness and safety.
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 checks earth clays, plant dusts, and soft scrubbers from plants, comparing bits size, soak power, and bother chance. You learn to make gentle but strong scrubs and covers for various skin kinds.
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 study plant waters, flower liquids, and water pulls from plants, comparing what’s in them, lasting, and skin good. It explains getting them, germ dangers, and picking and mixing for soft recipes.
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 check plant oils and fats, focusing on fat types, going bad, and clog chance. This guides picking base oils for skin types, with examples like jojoba, squalane, rosehip, and sweet almond.
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
