
Cosmetic Chemistry
Studying cosmetics molecule by molecule
Learn to develop your own formulations, understand ingredients at a chemical level, and create professional cosmetic products — from serums to shampoos.
Suitable for both beginners and pros

Laboratory atmosphere
Serums • Shampoos • Creams • Toners • Emulsions
Theory modules
Theory lessons
Practical products
Examination project
Certificate of completion
What does cosmetic formulation mean to you?
The 'Cosmetic Chemistry' course suits anyone who wants to understand cosmetics at a professional level
Passion and care
You put a piece of your soul into every jar of cream, carefully gathering and drying herbs, preparing natural extracts and macerates. You want to care for your loved ones with homemade cosmetics created yourself — and to know exactly what is inside.
→ The course will give you a deep understanding of ingredients and technologies
Income and brand
Formulating brings you not only pleasure but also income. You make cosmetics to order and want to refine or expand your product range. Or perhaps you dream of creating your own brand and reaching a new level.
→ The course will give you a professional foundation for developing your own products
Career and expertise
You work in the manufacture of perfumery and cosmetic products (or related industries) and want up-to-date information on global trends, equipment, the latest active ingredients and the technology for working with them.
→ A course from an international expert (IFSCC) with up-to-date industry knowledge
Don't be afraid if you're a complete beginner.
The course is designed both for professionals and for those who are only just trying their hand. We explain complex things in plain language, without dry academic lectures.
What you'll gain on completing the course
Fundamental knowledge
- The fundamentals of general and colloid chemistry, rheology and microbiology — in plain language
- Types and properties of surfactants, emulsifiers, gelling agents and preservatives
- The principles of HLB, emulsion stabilisation and phase inversion temperature
- Liquid-crystalline lamellar emulsions, microemulsions and Pickering emulsions
- Lipids, phospholipids, ceramides, silicones and emollients — a complete classification
- Antioxidants, vitamins and acids — types and rules for working with them
- Preservative systems, chelators and potentiators — a complete breakdown
Practical skills and products
- 25 recipes: from a toner to a solid shampoo
- Independent development of your own formulations with justification
- Working with laboratory equipment and mixers
- Selecting ingredients, calculating pH and monitoring stability
- Understanding INCI — the ability to 'read' and compile labels
- Troubleshooting during manufacture
- An examination project — your own original formulation
25 products you'll create
The most extensive practical component of any online cosmetic formulation course
Toner (microemulsion)
Skincare
Lip balm
Skincare
Anti-acne gel
Skincare
Anti-ageing serum
Skincare
Day cream (liquid-crystal emulsion)
Skincare
Night cream (water-in-oil emulsion)
Skincare
Eye cream-gel
Skincare
Cleansing cream
Cleansing
Hair conditioner
Hair care
Solid cleansing balm
Cleansing
Foaming micellar water
Cleansing
Shaving foam
Skincare
Shampoo with SLS
Hair care
SLS-free shampoo
Hair care
Elixir (three-phase product)
Skincare
Foaming sugar scrub
Cleansing
Hair mask (gel-trap)
Hair care
Hair oil
Hair care
Peel (physical + chemical)
Cleansing
Charcoal face mask
Skincare
Cleansing wet wipes
Cleansing
Sanitising gel
Speciality products
Solid shampoo
Hair care
Solid conditioner
Hair care
Intensive self-tan
Speciality products
+ Examination project
You will independently develop an original formulation: choose a product, define its purpose and age group, select the ingredients, compose the recipe, write the manufacturing method and justify your choices. This is your professional project.
From formulas — to professional cosmetics
Each module — deeper into chemistry, closer to mastery
About this course
Oksana Walker explains what you'll learn on the ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ course
Course programme
6 theory modules • 25 hands-on lessons • Examination project
Course author and instructor

Oksana Walker
Leading expert and co-founder of the Walker Formulation Academy
Oksana is a practising cosmetic chemist with international certification. She is the author of the entire "Cosmetic Chemistry" course programme. The lectures are based on current scientific data and personal experience working with formulas. No "fluff," no boring academic lectures — just complex topics explained in simple, understandable language.
“Cosmetic formulation is an artful intertwining of science, aesthetics, and creativity. I will help you learn to navigate ingredients with ease, develop bold original recipes, and read between the lines of commercial product labels.”
Hundreds of graduates
International certifications
Personal support
6 reasons to start learning
Study from anywhere
Connect from any device. Video lectures of 30–45 minutes — watch at a comfortable pace
No complicated jargon
Substantive lectures with no fluff or tedium. Complex chemistry is explained in plain language with clear video examples
International expert
Lectures are delivered by a qualified cosmetic chemist, a member of the IFSCC and the SCS (United Kingdom)
Community and support
A private student chat, a bot with extra materials, Q&A webinars and support from a coordinator
Payment without strain
Flexible instalment plans of up to 17 months from the school. Study now and pay in stages
A convenient platform
An intuitive learning environment. Intro lessons, technical support and clear navigation
What's included in the tuition fee
Video lectures
All theory modules + clear video demonstrations
25 practical lessons
Detailed video recipes with the teacher's commentary
Homework review
Feedback on every assignment
Teacher support
Throughout the entire course
Webinars for students
Live ‘Q&A’ sessions + access to recordings
Chatbot with extra materials
Reference guides, calculators, resources
Exam and certificate
An individual project + an official certificate of completion
Bonus system
Complete tasks, earn ‘stars’ and get discounts
What you won't find on the course
Dull academic lectures
Liberally seasoned with complex terminology. We've ‘humanised’ the course — plain language about chemistry, rheology, surfactants and microbiology.
Isolation
No student is left without technical and educational support. The teacher, the coordinator and the private chat are always at hand.
Strain on your budget
You don't need to ‘tighten your belt’ to start learning. Set up staged payments and pay for the course in instalments.
Tuition fees
Choose a convenient pricing plan
Cosmetic Chemistry
RecommendedPricing will be announced shortly.
- 6 theory modules (50+ lessons)
- 25 practical lessons
- Final exam project
- Homework review and feedback
- Access to chat and webinars
- Certificate
- Extended platform access
Secure payment · 0% instalments
Instalment plan with no added interest
Flexible instalment payment plans are available — contact us in the support chat for details.
Frequently asked questions
Your journey in the profession
Free mini-course
Try it for free
Cosmetic Formulation Basics
First steps
Cosmetic chemistry
You are here — professional foundation
Specialisations
Men's cosmetics / Massage
Walker Formulation Academy club
AI assistant, webinars, community
Free mini-course
Try it for free
Cosmetic Formulation Basics
First steps
Cosmetic chemistry
You are here — professional foundation
Specialisations
Men's cosmetics / Massage
Walker Formulation Academy club
AI assistant, webinars, community
Free mini-course
Try it for free
Cosmetic Formulation Basics
First steps
Cosmetic chemistry
You are here — professional foundation
Specialisations
Men's cosmetics / Massage
Walker Formulation Academy club
AI assistant, webinars, community
Ready to study cosmetics molecule by molecule?
6 theory modules, 25 practical sessions, a final project — and your own path in the beauty industry
Instalments up to 17 months • Official certificate
“Everything you vividly imagine, passionately desire, sincerely believe in, and enthusiastically act upon will inevitably come to life.”
— Mary Kay Ash