Foaming cleansing bars.
Oil-based cleansing and makeup remover bars.
Clay-based cleanser and face mask bar.
Face scrub bars.
Serum bars.
Face mask powders.
Cleansing powders.
Solid deodorant.
Lotion bars.
Massage bars.
Exfoliating bars.
Shaving bars.
Body wash and hand wash powder concentrate.
Body wash bars.
Solid shower oil.
Body scrub bar.
Bubble bath bar.
Shower bomb.
Bath bombs.
Bath melts.
Solid shampoo bars.
Solid conditioner bars.
Solid hair serum.
Dry shampoo.
Learn a new skill. A complete zero waste beauty range is easy to make.
Discover new and exciting product formats and expand your skills.
Create beautiful zero waste products to sell. Add innovative and in-demand products to your beauty brand.
Our proven system for teaching formulation skills, developed over more than a decade of training provision, means when you study with us you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and support to succeed at formulating.
You don’t need a scientific background; our courses cover everything you need to know. You can rest assured that you are learning from qualified and experienced professionals, and are not being misled by inaccurate, poor quality and unsafe information often found online.
We start with more straightforward products and progress to the more complex or challenging products, so you can build your skills and confidence along the way.
We’ll teach you to formulate by providing the following resources for each type of product:
Such as the chemistry of cosmetics, ingredients, equipment, packaging and suppliers.
We break each product down and explain the ingredients used, their function, benefits and usage rates.
Analyze products on the market to learn how they are formulated and use them as inspiration for your own products, if you wish.
We provide professional standard formulas developed by our cosmetic scientists ready for you to follow, giving you the chance to put the theory into practice.
Our high quality, step-by-step video demonstrations will help you learn the practical skills required to successfully make each type of product.
Follow the prompts and guidelines in our worksheet to formulate your own products and take the fast track to success.
Have your questions answered by our team of scientists and join our student community for peer support.
Level | Beginner and intermediate |
Duration of access | 18 months’ access. Paid options for extending access are available. |
Prerequisites | None. Internet access and a computer, mobile phone or tablet is needed to access the online classroom. |
Study and practical time required | Approximately 50-100 hours, including hands-on formulating time. Most students complete the course within six to 18 months. |
Certificate | Your certificate is issued on successful completion of the end-of-course assignments. |
You can replace almost every product in your beauty routine with a solid, zero waste product! Work with a wide range of natural and organic ingredients to formulate solid products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and deodorize.
Use natural butters, oils, waxes, thickeners, active ingredients, vitamins and texturizing ingredients to create nourishing zero waste solid moisturizer, massage and serum bars.
Formulate products for the face and body that are packaging-free, waterless, concentrated and long lasting, gentle and nourishing, and perfect for people looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly cosmetics.
In this module, you’ll discover:
Receive three beautiful formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:
Follow our formulations and then create your own!
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own Tired Legs Massage Bar.
Use natural surfactants, exfoliants, butters, oils and more to create nourishing, zero waste solid facial cleansers and exfoliators, including cleansing bars, makeup remover bars and exfoliating bars. We will take inspiration from exciting brands leading the way in solid skincare, such as Ethique and LUSH.
In this module, you’ll formulate:
Emollient-based bars – These work really well as oil-based cleansers, makeup removers and nourishing exfoliators. The oils in the bar melt away makeup, sunscreen and other oil soluble impurities from the skin, making them a perfect choice for step one of two-step face cleansing. Learn how to add emulsifiers and surfactants to aid their cleansing capacity and rinse-off.
Surfactant-based bars – Surfactant-based bars create lather and are very good at cleansing. To make them more gentle, nourishing emollients (such as carrier oils, butter or fatty alcohol) can be added to the formula. Learn to use solid surfactants to create effective soap-free foaming cleansing bars.
Receive three exciting formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:
Follow our formulations and then create your own!
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own Sweet Orange Cleansing Bar and Makeup Remover.
Clay-based bars have a solid, pliable, dough-like texture. These zero waste cleansing bars create a tactile, sensory experience as the user transforms them into a soft paste by mixing them with water. The paste is applied to the skin, massaged and rinsed off.
These innovative, self-preserving solid facial cleansers can be formulated as multi-purpose cleansers and exfoliators, and can be used as face masks, too!
In this module, you’ll discover:
Solid deodorants are both effective and zero waste! These anhydrous bars can be packaging-free or they can be packaged in compostable cardboard push-up tubes. Discover deodorizing active ingredients that are antimicrobial, absorbent or a combination of both.
In this module, you’ll discover:
All your favorite bath and shower products can be made in a solid, zero waste format. From cleansing to pampering, invigorating to relaxing, exfoliating to moisturizing, there is a solid product to suit.
Use natural surfactants, conditioning agents, butters, oils and more to create nourishing zero waste shower products including body wash bars, body scrub bars, in-shower body oil/moisturizer and shaving bars.
You’ll learn to formulate:
Body wash bars that are not soap bars, but instead have a surfactant-based formula. We use only gentle, natural surfactants plus moisturizing and conditioning ingredients to create a soft, creamy lather that leaves the skin cleansed and moisturized.
Body scrub bars exfoliate the top layer of the epidermis to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
In-shower body oil/moisturizer used as the final step of a shower routine: rub against the skin after cleansing to leave the skin feeling moisturized and soft.
Shaving bars used as an alternative to shaving foam or gel. Rub against the skin to provide slip and glide for the razor. Skin is left soft and conditioned.
Discover the similarities and differences between solid and liquid shower products, ingredients used in solid shower products and formulation considerations, such as whether preservatives are required and how to test the pH of solid products.
Receive four exciting formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:
Follow our formulations and then create your own!
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own Lemongrass and Mandarin Body Wash Bar.
Bubble bars are crumbled under running water to produce a rich and creamy lather, and are different to bath bombs as they contain surfactants. Surfactants create foam and lather which is longer lasting than the ‘fizz’ created by a bath bomb.
Learn how to color, shape and fragrance the bars to create fun, vibrant bubble bars that create a luxurious bathing experience. Plus we only use gentle, natural surfactants – you won’t find SLS or SLES in our formulas!
In this module, you’ll discover:
When crumbled under water, the shower bomb becomes a creamy, foaming paste which can be lathered against the skin to cleanse it, creating a novel shower experience. Shower bombs can be fragranced to release a relaxing or uplifting aroma.
In this module, you’ll discover:
Whether you want to create a colorful and fun bathing experience or something more moisturizing and luxurious, there is a solid, zero waste bath product for you!
Bath bombs effervesce when dropped into water creating a fun, fizzy bathing experience. They soften the bath water and soothe and soften the skin. They can be made in bright colors, scented softly or vibrantly and can contain petals or sparkle for added interest.
Bath melts are indulgent and nourishing. Rich in butters that melt in warm water and leave you with really soft silky skin. Emulsifiers can be included to help the oils disperse in the bath water.
Bath creamers and truffles are a cross between a bath melt and bath bomb. With both effervescent and nourishing properties, they are very moisturizing for the skin without leaving the bath too oily.
In this module, we include:
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own bath bombs!
Solid shampoos and conditioners have become really popular in recent years and for good reason. When properly formulated you get all the foaming, cleansing and conditioning properties of regular shampoos and conditioners with none of the packaging!
Shampoo bars lather and cleanse just like regular shampoo but without the packaging! Learn to use natural surfactants, cationic emulsifiers, butters, oils and more to formulate effective zero waste solid shampoo bars for different hair types.
In this module, you’ll learn:
Receive three exciting formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:
Follow our formulations and then create your own!
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own shampoo bar.
Conditioner bars contain many of the same conditioning ingredients as regular conditioners but unlike other types of conditioner, conditioner bars contain little to no water, meaning they can take a solid form that does not require any packaging.
In this module, you’ll learn:
Receive three exciting formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:
Follow our formulations and then create your own!
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own conditioner bar.
Hair serums help smooth, protect and add shine to the hair. To add extra moisture to dry hair, apply a little hair serum to the ends of the hair. A wonderful zero waste hair treatment!
In this module, you’ll discover:
Powder concentrates have a lighter environmental footprint and dramatically reduce the amount of packaging required. Most are mixed with water at home to become liquid products – some can even be stored as liquid products for several months.
As waterless products, clay-based masks are sustainable and on-trend. Create innovative product concepts and choose from exciting ingredients like clay, milk powders, fruit powders, ground botanicals, vitamins, physical and chemical exfoliators, humectants and more.
Receive six exciting formulations from our lab for:
We’ll share detailed guidance so you can formulate your own bespoke masks.
Our video demonstration will show you step by step how to make your own face mask powders.
Cleansing powders are an exciting type of waterless and preservative-free cleanser that contain powdered surfactants, plus a wide choice of botanical extracts, actives, clay and milk powders. The user activates the powder before use by adding water, creating a spa-like experience.
Receive two professionally created formulas for a Green Cleanse Powder-to-Foam Cleanser and a Creamy Coconut Cleanser, and guidelines on how to formulate your own cleansing powders.
Dry shampoo refreshes the hair between washes by absorbing excess oil that is produced by the scalp, so that washing can be postponed by another day or two. Less frequent hair washing reduces water usage and the chance of hair breakage.
In this module, we include:
Concentrated body and hand wash powder is a concentrated powder that the consumer mixes with water at home to become a liquid body and hand wash.
Learn to formulate this new and innovative product type that has a far lighter environmental footprint. Once mixed with water, the product will last several months. (We’ll share the results of Preservative Efficacy Testing to prove it!)
Follow our two example formulas and then use the detailed guidelines provided to formulate your own!
Stay up to date with ingredient innovations to discover ways to use environmental resources efficiently, reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.
Circular beauty involves using ingredients that would otherwise be considered waste material to create sustainable beauty products. This waste, usually from food, is ‘upcycled’ and used in skincare formulations.
By formulating with upcycled ingredients you use environmental resources efficiently, reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.
In this class, you will learn:
We will provide a professionally created Morning Coffee Body Scrub formula using upcycled coffee grounds so you can experience circular beauty for yourself using an ingredient from your own kitchen.
Bio-fermentation processes can provide an environmentally friendly method of making ingredients. With benefits for the environment and the skin, be at the cutting edge of this ingredient innovation.
In this module, you’ll learn:
Enroll by Friday 8th July 2022 (midnight Los Angeles) and receive three bonus classes for free.
Receive a tinted moisturizer formula, in a range of five shades, that offers both skincare benefits (moisturization/hydration) and cosmetic benefits (sheer coverage for radiance and improved complexion). This is a lightweight formula that smooths the skin’s appearance, and is a lovely alternative to full coverage foundation.
This beautifully gentle micellar cleansing water is suitable for all skin types and is a great alternative to makeup wipes, being both kind to the skin and more environmentally friendly, as it can be applied with a reusable cosmetic pad. A leave-on cleanser (requiring no rinsing off), it is perfect for using on the go, or for removing the last traces of makeup.
This dual-phase makeup remover is designed to remove oily impurities from the skin’s surface, solubilizing even the most difficult to remove products including waterproof mascara, foundation and sunscreen, making them easy to wipe away – no scrubbing needed! This gentle cleanser is surfactant-free and ideal for the delicate eye and lip areas, making it an ideal first step in a double-cleanse system.
Select up to 4 FREE Bonus Classes with 100 FREE Credits to spend in our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club! (100 credits gets you between 2-4 bonus classes – choose your own bonus classes from 40+ inside the Club!)
Early Bird Offer Ends At Midnight On Friday July 14th
We accept all major debit and credit cards.
By joining the course you accept our terms and conditions found here.
Select up to 4 FREE Bonus Classes with 100 FREE Credits to spend in our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club! (100 credits gets you between 2-4 bonus classes – choose your own bonus classes from 40+ inside the Club!)
Early Bird Offer Ends At Midnight On Friday July 14th
This course is suitable for both complete beginners to formulating and those with some experience.
Yes! You’ll work with a wide range of natural and organic ingredients such as carrier oils, butters, waxes, clays, botanical extracts, emulsifiers, surfactants and more!
The vast majority of the ingredients in the formulas provided are also approved for use by natural and organic standards such as COSMOS.
Yes, absolutely. Many of the formulations provided are vegan and/or organic (in addition to being natural!).
You can choose which ingredients you wish to use so if vegan and/or organic are important to you you can use vegan waxes instead of beeswax, and choose organic oils and butters.
We focus on ingredients that are easy to find and as part of the course you receive a comprehensive global supplier list, featuring hundreds of cosmetic suppliers from all around the world.
Some of the ingredients covered in Part 5 Ingredient Innovations may be more difficult to source due to this being a new area of development. We will share the suppliers with you that we have found and as the field grows they will become more widely available.
Yes! The course is a fully online training program hosted in our online classroom. It is designed to be taken from home from anywhere in the world. We provide information on ingredient suppliers in many different countries. We have students in over 150 countries so you’ll be joining a thriving community of global students when you join!
Yes, when you have finished the course there will be several assignments to submit. These are straightforward to complete and based on the material covered in the class. On successful completion, your course certificate will be issued.
Now! You can get started with the course right away.
The course is a self-study, self-paced course so you can study at a time that suits you. All the lessons are pre-recorded, so you don’t need to worry about joining us at a set time.
You will have access to the course inside our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club for 18 months from the date you enroll. You will be able to download the course textbooks to save on your own computer. Extension options are available if you wish to extend your course access.
A variety of formats are used, including comprehensive and beautifully designed course textbooks (provided as PDFs), video demonstrations and activities.
Zero waste beauty products can be made with some basic kitchen/lab equipment. Here is a list of the equipment that you should consider using:
We are an international school with students worldwide. US dollars are the most widely recognized and accepted currency. You can check the exchange rate for your local currency using xe.com or another currency converter.
We are very proud to have a team of qualified, experienced, professional cosmetic scientists supporting our students. They are here to help you with questions or doubts about ingredients, formulas, methods and guidelines pertaining to your specific course. You can ask them your questions in our weekly Tutor Q&A, hosted in our online platform.