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Take a Science-First Approach to Cosmetics

The West Coast's only lab-based Cosmetic Chemistry program equips you with the scientific foundation, lab skills, and formulation expertise needed to develop innovative, safe, and market-ready cosmetic and personal care products. This program blends academic rigor with real-world application, so you can confidently step into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cosmetics industry.

Developed in collaboration with the UCR chemistry department, you'll conduct hands-on lab work where you will explore the full realm of cosmetic science with an overview of industry infrastructure and regulations, ingredient names and origins, raw material categories, and more.

This program is endorsed by the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists (CALI SCC).

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  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $5,265

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Hybrid

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    Duration 12 months *

    *Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
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    Total Units 13 Units

  • Individuals interested in entering the cosmetic or personal care industries who want to gain a strong foundation in cosmetic chemistry, formulation principles, and industry practices
  • Professionals working in product development, quality control, R&D, or manufacturing seeking to enhance their formulation knowledge and creativity
  • Entrepreneurs looking to develop, test, and refine their own product lines while building the technical knowledge needed to bring ideas to market
  • Undergraduate and graduate science students seeking specialized training to apply chemistry concepts in a real-world context and gain hands-on experience in cosmetic formulation and product development

  • Methods to understand the chemical principles behind product stability, performance, and safety
  • How to formulate cosmetic and personal care products using professional ingredients and industry-standard methods
  • Ways to apply regulatory and safety guidelines that govern cosmetic manufacturing
  • How to evaluate product efficacy and troubleshoot formulation challenges
  • How to translate lab-based concepts into commercially viable product ideas

Gain practical experience in a UCR lab. Learning from expert instructors, you will:

  • Work with professional-grade Caframo equipment and raw materials from Barnet Products and Inolex
  • Practice key formulation techniques used in industry R&D labs
  • Use industry-standard software to learn how to adjust, stabilize, and troubleshoot formulas
  • Experience the full product development cycle, from concept to bench-scale prototype

Hear directly from industry experts: Watch our information session for real-world insights, course expectations, and a preview of the program's advanced, industry-leading topics.

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

  • At least two years of postsecondary chemistry or biology coursework
  • A foundational understanding of chemistry
  • A background in science, or at least two years of experience working in the cosmetics industry in a technical role

To enroll in the program, you will need to submit a program application with the following supporting documents:

  • Unofficial transcripts (indicating the educational requirements above)
  • Resume

To earn the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Chemistry, individuals must complete all four courses listed below for a total of 13 quarter units, with a grade of C- or better.

  • Courses must be completed in the specified sequence:
    • Introduction to Cosmetic Science (CHEM X440) 2.00 units
    • Skin and Hair Biology (CHEM X441) 4.00 units
    • Emulsion and Surfactant Technology (CHEM X442) 4.00 units
    • Product Development with an Independent Project (CHEM X443) 3.00 units

Upon completion of the last course, please submit the completion verification form to confirm that all program requirements have been met.

The Cosmetic Chemistry Professional Certificate is offered as a cohort. Courses must be completed in a specified sequence, as each course acts as a prerequisite for the next. The first two courses are offered completely online, while the last two courses feature online lectures and include in-person lab work that takes place at UCR’s research labs. The next available cohort starts January 2027.

The in-person labs are conducted in Pierce Hall on UCR’s main campus. Each lab meets on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am to 5 pm. Lab dates and room locations are confirmed and shared during the course.

Required Courses

Course Formats
Course Schedules are Subject to Change
Required (13.00 Units )
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Introduction to Cosmetic ScienceA foundational introduction to the personal care industry, this course explores product categories, raw materials, ingredient functions, and regulatory basics to help you understand how cosmetic formulas are created and linked to product claims.
2.00 Units
Skin and Hair BiologyBuilding on core fundamentals, this course examines how cosmetic chemists design skin and hair formulations based on biological needs, product claims, and safety and efficacy testing.
4.00 Units
Emulsion and Surfactant TechnologyIn this hands-on course, you will learn emulsion and surfactant fundamentals, work with professional lab equipment, and use industry-standard software to track and optimize formulations as you translate theory into practical product development.
4.00 Units
Product Development with an Independent ProjectIn the final course, you will develop an original personal care product from concept to prototype, defining claims, creating technical documentation, performing testing, and preparing for real-world launch.
3.00 Units

Upcoming Courses

This certificate is offered as a cohort. Courses must be completed in the order listed above, as each course acts as a prerequisite for the next.

Apr13Spring 2026
Jul06Summer 2026
Sep28Fall 2026
Future Dates

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Program Brochure

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Completion Verification

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