Cosmetic Formulation Basics
Learn to make natural cosmetics yourself — from lip balm to emulsion cream
6 ready-made products
Balm • Toner • Gel • Emulsions • Cream-gel
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 from an accredited school 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
Lip balm
A natural balm based on beeswax and oils
Toner
A moisturising toner with essential oils and solubilisation
Soothing gel
A gel based on gelling agents with a hydration process
Oil-in-water emulsion (O/W)
A classic oil-in-water cream made using a lab mixer
Water-in-oil emulsion (W/O)
A rich water-in-oil cream made with a special technique
Cream-gel
A light texture based on gelling agents — 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
31 lessons • Theory + practice • Self-paced study with instructor support
Your instructor
Oksana Walker
Lead expert and co-founder of Walker Formulation Academy
“I invite you to the "Cosmetic Formulation Basics" course. Hundreds of students at our school are already mastering the art of creating cosmetics. Have no 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
Official certificate
On completion you receive an electronic certificate from an accredited school
Expert support
Throughout the course you get help from a qualified cosmetic chemist and access to a private chat
Secure online payment
Pay safely online by card, backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee
A school you can trust
Taught by a certified cosmetic chemist with international IFSCC and SCS UK memberships
fellow formulators community
Access to a private chat to share experience, recipes and inspiration with fellow students
Choose your plan
Start learning right now
Pro
Pricing will be announced shortly.
- 28 lessons + exam
- 16 industrial formulas
- 1 lesson per week (or 2 in intensive mode)
- Lifetime access upon completion
- Instructor support in the chat
- Standard certificate
- Access to a private community
Secure payment
What our students say
"A wonderful course! I learned to make creams from scratch and now it is my favourite hobby. The instructor explains everything very clearly."
Anna
Cosmetic Formulation Basics course
Frequently asked questions
Your journey into cosmetic formulation
Free mini-course
✅ Available for free
Cosmetic Formulation Basics
🔥 You are here
Cosmetic chemistry
Next level
Specialisations
Professional
Free mini-course
✅ Available for free
Cosmetic Formulation Basics
🔥 You are here
Cosmetic chemistry
Next level
Specialisations
Professional
Each subsequent course deepens your knowledge and opens new opportunities. Start with the basics — and progress towards professional mastery.
Ready to create your first cream?
Start learning today — 10 lessons, 6 products, a certificate
Flexible payment plans • Teacher support