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ONLINE COURSE FOR BEGINNERS

Formulation Foundation

Learn to create natural cosmetics yourself — from lip balm to emulsion cream

14 lessons
6 products
Online, at your own pace
Certificate
Choose a planView the programme
6 finished products

6 finished products

Balm • Toner • Gel • Cream-gel • O/W emulsion • W/O emulsion

Who this course is for

New to cosmetic formulation

You've heard about natural cosmetics and want to give it a try, but don't know where to start. This course gives you the foundations — from the terminology to your first cream.

Keen hobbyist

You've already tried making soap or simple products, but want to understand the basics properly — what INCI is and how emulsifiers work.

Future entrepreneur

You see cosmetic formulation as a future business. The course gives you the core knowledge, and a certificate of completion from Walker Formulation Academy adds credibility to your brand.

Caring parent

You want to make safe, natural cosmetics for yourself and your family, knowing exactly what goes into every product.

6 products you will make yourself

In every practical session you create a real cosmetic product

💄Lesson 5

Balm (anhydrous)

A waterless balm on waxes and butters — no preservative needed

💧Lesson 6

Toner

A water-based toner with solubilised essential oils and actives

🧴Lesson 7

Gel

A clear, stable gel — gelling agents and the hydration process

🥛Lesson 8

Cream-gel

A light, quickly absorbing texture based on a polymeric emulsifier

🧈Lesson 9

O/W emulsion

The classic oil-in-water cream, made with a lab homogeniser

✨Lesson 10

W/O emulsion

A rich water-in-oil cream made with a special technique — the final project

From ingredients to your first cream

Every lesson is a step towards making natural cosmetics yourself

What you will learn

Theory

  • Read and understand the INCI list of cosmetics
  • Understand the classes of cosmetic ingredients
  • Understand how surfactants and emulsifiers work
  • Know the principles of HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance)
  • Choose the right preservatives
  • Build basic cosmetic formulations

Practice

  • Work with lab equipment and heating devices
  • Follow safety procedures and production hygiene
  • Make oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions
  • Work with gelling agents and the hydration process
  • Solubilise essential oils
  • Create 6 types of cosmetic products

Course programme

14 lessons • Theory + practice • Self-paced study with instructor support

Your instructor

Oksana Walker

Oksana Walker

Leading expert and co-founder of the Walker Formulation Academy

🏅Certified cosmetic chemist🌍Member of IFSCC🇬🇧Member of SCS (UK)🌿Member of IAA
“I invite you to the "Formulation Foundation" course. Hundreds of students are already mastering the art of creating cosmetics at our school. Do not doubt — you will succeed too!”

Hundreds of graduates

International certifications

Personal support

Why students choose our course

Learn at your own pace

All lessons are pre-recorded. Study whenever it suits you — in the evening, at the weekend or on your lunch break

Certificate of completion

On completion you receive an electronic certificate of completion from Walker Formulation Academy. It is not a government-recognised qualification.

Expert support

Throughout the course you get help from a qualified cosmetic chemist and access to a private chat

Your price is locked

Pre-registration fixes your price and costs nothing today: you pay once the group is formed and the start date is known

Trusted provider

We are a specialist cosmetic-formulation training provider you can rely on

fellow formulators community

Access to a private chat to share experience, recipes and inspiration with fellow students

Lock your price now

Teaching starts once the group is formed. Pre-registration costs nothing today and locks your price.

Full price

£397
  • Standard price once the course is running
  • All 10 lessons and 6 finished products
  • Certificate on completion

Pre-registration price

£297Full price once enrolment opens: £397

Pre-register and this price is locked in for you. It stays valid right up until enrolment for the intake opens.

Enrolment opens once there are enough pre-registrations to form a group.

Nothing is charged today. When enrolment opens we email you a notice with a link to the checkout page for the course.

What our students say

A

"A wonderful course! I learned to make creams from scratch and now it is my favourite hobby. The instructor explains everything very clearly."

Anna

Formulation Foundation course

1 / 5

Frequently asked questions

No! The course is designed specifically for beginners. We start with the very basics — explaining terminology, introducing ingredients, and gradually moving on to practice. No prior preparation is required.
You will receive a full list of ingredients and equipment after enrolling in the course. Most ingredients can be ordered online. As for equipment, you will need: digital scales, a thermometer, a mixer, and basic laboratory glassware.
Access is for life once you are enrolled — there is no time limit and no re-purchase. Teaching starts when the group is formed, and you keep the materials afterwards.
All lessons are pre-recorded, so you can study at a time that is convenient for you. Each lesson includes a video lecture and a practical assignment. You can ask questions in a private chat or directly to the instructor (in the Optimal and Premium plans).
Yes, after successfully passing the final test, you will receive an electronic certificate of completion.
After 'Formulation Foundation', you can continue your studies with the 'Cosmetic Chemistry' course — this is the next level with in-depth knowledge. Specialized courses are also available.

Your journey into cosmetic formulation

1

Your First Cream

✅ Pre-registration open

2

Formulation Foundation

🔥 You are here

3

Cosmetic chemistry

Next level

4

Specialisations

Professional

Each subsequent course deepens your knowledge and opens new opportunities. Start with the basics — and progress towards professional mastery.

Ready to make your first six products?

Pre-register today — 14 lessons, 6 finished products, certificate

Choose a planFree mini-course

Instructor support