Take your first steps into skincare formulation with this free, beginner-friendly mini course from The Cosmetic Formulator.
If you’re curious about making your own skincare but feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this course offers a clear, practical place to start. You’ll learn how cosmetic formulas are structured, how percentages are used and why each ingredient has a purpose.
Through video demonstrations, supporting PDF materials and online quizzes, you’ll explore how oils and butters contribute to a product’s texture, skin feel and performance. The focus is on simple anhydrous products—formulations made without water—to help you begin applying what you learn.
Discover six starter formulations: Peach Face Oil, Prickly Pear Face Oil, Watermelon Body Oil, Cocoa Body Butter, Orange & Safflower Cleansing Balm and Strawberry Lip Balm. These examples introduce the thinking behind ingredient selection and show how individual ingredients come together in a finished product.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of basic formula writing, ingredient functions and simple oil-based skincare. You’ll also be ready to build on your learning with Foundations of Cosmetic Formulation & Safety or explore TCF’s specialist courses.
No previous formulation experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn
Features
- Completely free introductory course with no payment required.
- Designed for beginners with no previous formulation experience.
- Practical video demonstrations supported by PDF learning materials.
- Clear introduction to formula structure and percentage-based formulation.
- Guidance on choosing oils and butters for texture, skin feel and performance.
- Six starter formulations covering face oils, body oil, body butter, cleansing balm and lip balm.
- An opportunity to experience TCF’s teaching before progressing to further courses.
Target audiences
- Complete beginners interested in making their own skincare.
- Skincare enthusiasts curious about how cosmetic formulas work.
- Hobby makers who want to understand the purpose of each ingredient.
- Learners who feel overwhelmed by conflicting recipes and advice online.
- Anyone interested in creating simple oils, butters and balms.
- Prospective students who want to try TCF’s teaching before choosing a specialist course.
Requirements
- No previous cosmetic formulation experience or formal science qualification is required.
- An internet-connected computer, tablet or smartphone to access the lessons.
- The ability to watch online videos and open PDF learning materials.
- A good understanding of written and spoken English.
- A willingness to work with basic numbers and percentages as you learn.
- Suitable ingredients, equipment and a clean workspace if you choose to make the featured formulations.
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 18 Lessons
- Lifetime
- How to Write Professional Formulas2 Items
- Formulating Face & Body Oils7 Items
- Formulating Body Butters3 Items
- Formulating Cleansing Balms3 Items
- Formulating Lip Balms3 Items
Instructor
