Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science
Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma is to address the current limitations in the cosmetic industry in South Africa. It aims to provide graduates with the necessary scientific knowledge and skills to develop, formulate, and test cosmetics safely. Additionally, the qualification seeks to empower individuals to potentially establish their own small businesses in the cosmetic industry. The program will focus on aspects such as hair and skin anatomy, cosmetic ingredients, formulation, stability, efficacy assessment, safety, quality management, and regulation of cosmetics.
Rationale:
In South Africa, there is a disconnect between dermatologists and cosmetic formulators, leading to a reactionary approach to side effects rather than prevention. The Division of Dermatology prioritizes health and safety in cosmetic formulation. The institution has established the Hair and Skin Research (HSR) Laboratory to conduct research on hair and skin toxicology. The prevalence of cosmetic alopecia in women of African ancestry highlights the need for safer product development, particularly for Afro-textured hair, which is often neglected for short-term profit.
Despite significant scientific knowledge on safe product development, there is a lack of dedicated academic qualifications in South Africa for training cosmetic formulators. By providing specialized training in cosmetic science, graduates can address the current gaps in the industry and contribute to safe product development, particularly for African hair. The program aligns with the Bioeconomy Strategy, aiming to strengthen research, development, and innovation capabilities in the country, with a focus on health-related interventions.
Overall, the Advanced Diploma aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to formulate safe cosmetics, contribute to breaking down historic barriers in the industry, and protect the public from preventable harm.
Outcomes
- Integrate knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and their formulation with the goal of safe formulation.
- Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories of the science of formulation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of skin and hair as substrates for cosmetic application and the interaction thereof with cosmetic raw materials and products.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the appropriate tests to determine efficacy, safety and stability of cosmetic formulations.
- Identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real-world problems and issues using scientific principles as they relate to the validity of cosmetic product claims, and the regulation and ethics thereof.
- Demonstrate the use of appropriate information retrieval and processing skills.
- Present data and communicate in an appropriate academic and professional manner by using a range of genres appropriate to the context of cosmetic formulation science.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Knowledge of Raw Materials: Fats, oils and waxes, gums, thickeners and resins, polymers, pigments and dyes, surfactants, preservatives and antioxidants, fragrance, naturals.
- Understanding of Classification: Chemical structure, reactivity, interaction, toxicity/safety, function within cosmetic formulation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Principles of Formulation Science: Colloids, interfaces, colloid stability theory, rheology, solubility parameters, polymer-plastics technology.
- Formulation Types: Emulsions, microemulsions, foam, dispersions, suspensions, solid forms, organic formulations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Knowledge of Hair and Skin: Anatomy, structure, biochemical properties, scalp diseases, hair and chemical straighteners, common skin diseases, interaction of cosmetics with skin and hair.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Testing Protocols: Efficacy, safety, stability of cosmetic formulations, appropriate tests selection, product efficacy tests, allergy tests, toxicological tests, stability testing, preservative challenge test, safety protocols.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Scientific Evidence: Product "efficacy" claims, application of statistics, health risks of formulations, regulations, ethical and sustainable product formulation, labelling requirements, export requirements, social determinants of product use.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Critical Analysis: Evaluate data, engage with research literature.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Project Management: From conception to implementation, communication and data presentation, questionnaire design, multidisciplinary teamwork.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Group work, multiple choice questions, open-ended questions, case studies, written reports, oral presentations, practical reports, exams.
- Module Examination: Four modules have written exams (30% of final mark each), fifth module uses in-course assessment only (no final exam).
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.