The cosmetics industry continues to expand globally but the consumers are now taking a more holistic approach to their health and beauty. As a result of the growing public awareness and concern about the possible unwanted side effects of the chemical substances commonly used in cosmetics, the market for natural and especially organic toiletries is now the fastest growing section of the beauty industry. Many of us are hugely concerned about what we put in and on our bodies – and rightly so! We do not want anything harsh or containing infamous parabens, SLS or other toxic but still commonly used chemicals. And we do not want our products to be tested on animals either! What we really want are REAL natural products – simple and pure – for our everyday skin care regime. The good news is there are plenty of wonderful options AND not only they do not have to be expensive but can even be organic!

As a result, many take it a step further and prepare their own home made natural preparations. It may seem easy to make one’s own ‘cream’ but how effective is it going to be? And most importantly could this be sold as a part of a successful new brand of products? Unfortunately, without appropriate training and in-depth knowledge, the answer is no. So, if you ever dreamed about having your own brand of products ‘out there’, it will require a lot more than some emulsifying wax, sweet almond oil and spring water.

Course Details

This is what this Diploma Course is all about – it is designed to inspire, empower and equip you with current knowledge and understanding of the field of skincare products, its language, high-performance speciality ingredients, formulation and safety. You will also learn the importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients – the ever growing issue of sustainability and ecological concerns, which you cannot afford to ignore.

Oh, and yes, rest assured, we will not be teaching you how to use any controversial ingredients, like fragrance oils or parabens!

During the 10 day course we will be studying the following:

1. Underpinning knowledge:

• Understanding the language of the cosmetic field
• Types of products and their function – toners, cleansers, etc
• Types of ingredients and their role in cosmetics – humectants, emulsifiers, etc
• Commonly used and controversial ingredients in ‘high street’ products
• The importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients
• Sustainability and Ecological issues
• Antioxidants – the roles and types
• Preservatives for different types of natural and organic products, what to choose and how to use.
  

2. Equipment for small scale product making

• Basic equipment – what to choose and why
• Other equipment.
• Safety and sterilisation in a nutshell.

3.  Study of the raw ingredients:

• Water and hydrophilic ingredients
• Lipid ingredients – understanding Vegetable Oils, Butter and Waxes
• Composition and other characteristics, their application and use in products, suitability for different phases of formulations, product types and skin types, activity in skin care, etc.

4. Essential oils and herbal extracts in natural products

• Blending skills, essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic properties
• Allergens/sensitisers, IFRA and EU guidelines in essential oils and legislation
• Top 25 essential oils relevant to skin care
• Herbal extracts for the use in cosmetic preparations

5. Formulation of natural skincare products

• Formulation skills – developing your own skincare formulas for the following:

~ Lipid based formulations:

• Speciality ingredient
• Formulation
• Serums
• Balms & Butters
• Other preparations

~ Water based formulations:

• Gums and thickening agents
• Speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Toners
• Various gels and other preparations

~ Emulsions:                                      

• The science of emulsification
• Emulsifying agents
• Formulation and preservation
• Creams and lotions
• Other preparations

~ Detergent based (foaming) products:

• Foaming ingredients and speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Bath and shower products
• Shampoo
• Other foaming products

This training will give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to create a unique brand of phyto-skincare cosmetics, free from synthetic substances and unnecessary fillers they will only contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy.

A clever and often surprising combination of plant oils and other natural ingredients can not only produce cosmetic effect but also bring forth amazing results and offer natural solutions to some common problems.

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

Who Can Attend?

This course is designed for those who are truly serious about developing their own range of products and prepared to go through with what it involves.

You MUST demonstrate a good understanding and command of spoken and written English and have basic numeracy skills (calculating %, understanding the idea of ‘ratio’) and some knowledge of common raw ingredients and some experience of product making (home / hobby use) together with moderate IT literacy would be very useful.

Assessment

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

More Information

Course Duration: 10 days (10.00am-5.00pm)

Course fees include:

• • In-class tuition
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • An MSCM Diploma in the Development of Phyto-Skincare Cosmetics
  • 30 cpd points

2 Bonus On-line Courses

FREE OF CHARGE

to all those attending the Diploma in the Development of Phyto-skincare Cosmetics 

On-line Course 1 – The Study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin:

The structure of the skin

Functions of the skin

Skin types and skin care regime elements; racial variations

Ageing process, ageing factors, effects of ageing on skin, prevention

Skin permeability and absorbency

Skin sensitivity vs. allergy; cross-sensitisation

Raw ingredient and product patch testing 

On-line Course 2 – Good Manufacturing Procedures for Small Cosmetic Making Companies:

European Cosmetics Directive and ISO standard 22716 (2007)

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – ISO 22716:2007

Key elements

How to ‘do it’ – your Good Manufacturing Practice File

Personnel

Premises

Equipment

Raw materials and packaging materials

Production

Quality control

Product release

The cosmetics industry continues to expand globally but the consumers are now taking a more holistic approach to their health and beauty. As a result of the growing public awareness and concern about the possible unwanted side effects of the chemical substances commonly used in cosmetics, the market for natural and especially organic toiletries is now the fastest growing section of the beauty industry. Many of us are hugely concerned about what we put in and on our bodies – and rightly so! We do not want anything harsh or containing infamous parabens, SLS or other toxic but still commonly used chemicals. And we do not want our products to be tested on animals either! What we really want are REAL natural products – simple and pure – for our everyday skin care regime. The good news is there are plenty of wonderful options AND not only they do not have to be expensive but can even be organic!

As a result, many take it a step further and prepare their own home made natural preparations. It may seem easy to make one’s own ‘cream’ but how effective is it going to be? And most importantly could this be sold as a part of a successful new brand of products? Unfortunately, without appropriate training and in-depth knowledge, the answer is no. So, if you ever dreamed about having your own brand of products ‘out there’, it will require a lot more than some emulsifying wax, sweet almond oil and spring water.

Course Details

This is what this Diploma Course is all about – it is designed to inspire, empower and equip you with current knowledge and understanding of the field of skincare products, its language, high-performance speciality ingredients, formulation and safety. You will also learn the importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients – the ever growing issue of sustainability and ecological concerns, which you cannot afford to ignore.

Oh, and yes, rest assured, we will not be teaching you how to use any controversial ingredients, like fragrance oils or parabens!

During the 10 day course we will be studying the following:

1. Underpinning knowledge:

• Understanding the language of the cosmetic field
• Types of products and their function – toners, cleansers, etc
• Types of ingredients and their role in cosmetics – humectants, emulsifiers, etc
• Commonly used and controversial ingredients in ‘high street’ products
• The importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients
• Sustainability and Ecological issues
• Antioxidants – the roles and types
• Preservatives for different types of natural and organic products, what to choose and how to use.
  

2. Equipment for small scale product making

• Basic equipment – what to choose and why
• Other equipment.
• Safety and sterilisation in a nutshell.

3.  Study of the raw ingredients:

• Water and hydrophilic ingredients
• Lipid ingredients – understanding Vegetable Oils, Butter and Waxes
• Composition and other characteristics, their application and use in products, suitability for different phases of formulations, product types and skin types, activity in skin care, etc.

4. Essential oils and herbal extracts in natural products

• Blending skills, essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic properties
• Allergens/sensitisers, IFRA and EU guidelines in essential oils and legislation
• Top 25 essential oils relevant to skin care
• Herbal extracts for the use in cosmetic preparations

5. Formulation of natural skincare products

• Formulation skills – developing your own skincare formulas for the following:

~ Lipid based formulations:

• Speciality ingredient
• Formulation
• Serums
• Balms & Butters
• Other preparations

~ Water based formulations:

• Gums and thickening agents
• Speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Toners
• Various gels and other preparations

~ Emulsions:                                      

• The science of emulsification
• Emulsifying agents
• Formulation and preservation
• Creams and lotions
• Other preparations

~ Detergent based (foaming) products:

• Foaming ingredients and speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Bath and shower products
• Shampoo
• Other foaming products

This training will give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to create a unique brand of phyto-skincare cosmetics, free from synthetic substances and unnecessary fillers they will only contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy.

A clever and often surprising combination of plant oils and other natural ingredients can not only produce cosmetic effect but also bring forth amazing results and offer natural solutions to some common problems.

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

Who Can Attend?

This course is designed for those who are truly serious about developing their own range of products and prepared to go through with what it involves.

You MUST demonstrate a good understanding and command of spoken and written English and have basic numeracy skills (calculating %, understanding the idea of ‘ratio’) and some knowledge of common raw ingredients and some experience of product making (home / hobby use) together with moderate IT literacy would be very useful.

Assessment

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

More Information

Course Duration: 10 days (10.00am-5.00pm)

Course fees include:

• • In-class tuition
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • An MSCM Diploma in the Development of Phyto-Skincare Cosmetics
  • 30 cpd points

2 Bonus On-line Courses

FREE OF CHARGE

to all those attending the Diploma in the Development of Phyto-skincare Cosmetics 

On-line Course 1 – The Study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin:

The structure of the skin

Functions of the skin

Skin types and skin care regime elements; racial variations

Ageing process, ageing factors, effects of ageing on skin, prevention

Skin permeability and absorbency

Skin sensitivity vs. allergy; cross-sensitisation

Raw ingredient and product patch testing 

On-line Course 2 – Good Manufacturing Procedures for Small Cosmetic Making Companies:

European Cosmetics Directive and ISO standard 22716 (2007)

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – ISO 22716:2007

Key elements

How to ‘do it’ – your Good Manufacturing Practice File

Personnel

Premises

Equipment

Raw materials and packaging materials

Production

Quality control

Product release

Handmade soap is truly unique and beautiful. Rich in natural glycerine, it is much better for the skin and if made properly, should not be too drying on the skin. As people become more and more conscious of what they use on their body and are looking to protect themselves from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, the natural skin care and natural soap making industry has grown. Handmade soap as a product and soap making as a craft has increased in the last few years. For the soapaholics, it is very addictive to make.

Handmade soaps come in so many different types and recipes that the possibilities are endless. For most people though, soap making is still something of a mystery. With our step-by-step practical and hands on course you will learn the secrets of the natural skin care industry and discover how to make beautiful moisturising soaps using all natural ingredients.

Course details

This special soap making course is the first step to enable you to consider starting your own profitable soap making business, make natural soaps tailored to yourself, your family, and your friends, create your own unique and beautiful handmade gifts or maybe just learn a new, enjoyable and rewarding hobby.

During this special 1 day course you will learn about

• The many types of soaps
• History of soap making
• The process of soap making – saponification – what`s it all about?
• Necessary materials, ingredients and equipment
• `Cold` method, hand milled soaps, glycerine soap – what they are and pros and cons
• Raw ingredients – choosing oils for hardiness, lather and conditioning
• Emollients
• Exfoliants
• Colourants
• Botanicals
• Useful essential oils and all important ratios – how much to add?
• Health and Safety Aspects
• Trouble shooting during the soap making process
• The moulds – the good, the bad and those `on a shoestring` – what to look for and what to avoid
• Soap making ideas and recipes
• Choosing commercial melt and pour soap bases avoiding unwanted, harsh chemicals
• Correct storage for different types of soap
• Information about what to study next in order to turn your soap making into a business.
• Melt and pour soaps
• Rarely taught so called `cold` process – traditional methods of making soap from raw ingredients

Who can attend?

Open to anyone – ideal for aromatherapists. Our Soap Making Course is suitable for complete beginners and for those wishing to expand their skills. There is no prior experience required just a willingness to experience the joy of creating your own soaps from scratch.

More Information

This is a practical course and you will be making a selection of soaps yourself. You will learn hands on under supervision in small friendly groups. A full workshop handout, including recipe sheets, main ingredients and moulds will be provided, along with a wealth of information as well as the lovely products you have made for you to enjoy and take home.

Please note: You will be required to bring some items of equipment to class, details of which will be sent with the joining details upon booking. Please closely follow the guidelines and start gathering the equipment straight away allowing enough time to collect the necessary items.

Duration:  1 day

Course fees include:
~ Ingredients and moulds for use during the course
~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio

There is something about candles – they set the scene for relaxation or meditation, add a romantic touch to a meal or lend a cosy atmosphere to an evening in. And who does not enjoy candle lit relaxing bathing……?

In the past candle making was a task almost every family would undertake on a regular basis. The candle business has gone through quite some changes in the recent years. Machine made candles are being bought in through the Far East and have cornered the market. Nowadays they are readily available from many shops and we are spoilt for choice! But is it all as ‘nice’ and ‘relaxing’ as it seems….?

Did you know?:

o Paraffin based candles emit a mixture of chemicals that are carcinogenic – including benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and naphthalene. “Candles are fast becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality,” says Diane Walsh Astry of the American Lung Association of Minnesota.

o Some candles have metal wicks. Lead emitted by this type of candle is a serious health hazard. It has been associated with Attention Deficit Disorder in Children and many health problems!

o Aromatic candles may be scented with synthetic oils that are petroleum based, rather than with the natural essential oils that most people expect. This provides an additional source of exposure to petroleum based fumes. Those most at risk from the fumes released by scented candles are pregnant women, children, and pets.

The good news is that all those problems can be avoided!

Course Details:

Come and join us for a fun day of truly natural and safe candle making! Save yourself a fortune and learn how to make your own candles for pleasure or to sell on our 1 day workshop. Making handmade candles is a rewarding and fun skill for all abilities.

Learn how to make your own poured soy candles! Once you have discovered the many benefits of soy candles you will never look back. You will be able to produce high quality soy candles that are non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally safe.

These soy candles are clean burning candles that produce little to no soot. You will use high quality soy wax that is not derived from oil refining, but instead comes from a natural grown renewable resource, the soybean. In addition, with such a huge variety of fragrance options using essential oils you can make candles to suit your needs.

Learn all about:

• Health & Safety Issues
• Equipment required to make candles
• Understanding wicks and waxes
• Colouring and fragrancing candles correctly
• Packaging and decoration techniques

By the end of this hands-on candle making course, you will be able to design your own handcrafted candles to treasure and enjoy as well as gaining the confidence to create many more on your own at home. We will explore the ins and outs of candle making and make some poured candles to take home with you.

Who can attend?

Open to anyone

More Information

Please note: Some materials will be provided by the school. You will also be required to bring some items of equipment to class, details of which will be sent with the joining details upon booking. Please closely follow the guidelines and start gathering the equipment straight away allowing enough time to collect the necessary items.

Duration:  1 day

Course fees include:

~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
~ Candles made in class to take away

Perfumes touch our deepest emotions and must reflect our true spirit. A perfume should be as individual as the person who wears it and now, you have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of creating your very own unique fragrance just like the famous fragrance houses!

Go back to nature and create unique blends far superior to the common synthetic products of our high streets.

This intensive weekend course is a perfect opportunity to explore the fundamentals of professional perfume making. From the art of smelling and aroma assessment, through the language and techniques of the professionals – it is jam packed with various exercises and practical steps to lead you through a selection of the individual aromas and the process of structuring and building original perfumes – from concept to practice.

Course Details:

During the course we will explore and work with 20 different aromatic materials. You will also have a unique opportunity to smell some real attars and some rare perfumery ingredients to help you identify your favourites and build your ‘library’ of aromas.

Join us for an intensive ‘hands-on’ and ‘nose-on’ experience where we will cover:

• A drop of history of perfume and some historical recipes
• An inspirational glimpse into the world of rare traditional attars
• The art of smelling
• The language of a pro–aroma descriptors and the classification of fragrances
• Train your nose and your aroma-memory through the ancient Japanese ‘Genji Game’
• A journey through the perfumer’s cupboard – equipment and materials: Essential oils, absolutes and other extracts, natural isolates, choyas
• Evaluation worksheets and creative journal
• The principles of blending: notes aroma groups fixatives, equalizers, modifiers (personifiers), enhancers and extenders ratios Vertical and horizontal trials and development of accords
• Basic and advanced composition techniques
• Dilutents – what to choose and how to use, including basic calculations
• Extrait, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de Cologne or eau Fraiche?
• Safety and allergens
• Where to begin – aroma brief and the aroma requirements for different personalities – test yourself – are you a ‘woodsy’ or an ‘oriental floral’?
• Making liquid perfumes
• How to wear perfumes

During the course not only will you formulate and produce a bottle of your own aromatic creation but by the end of the course you will leave with a new skill set as well as a multitude of ideas to help you develop further.

Who Can Attend?

This  two  day  hands-on  botanical perfumery  foundation  course has been formulated for those  with  a  genuine  interest  in  perfumery  –  cosmetic  or  candle  makers, aromatherapists  or  hobbyists.  No previous experience is required but some knowledge of essential oils will be useful.

Recognition by Professional Associations:

Validated by IPTI – (Independent Professional Therapists International) and widely accepted by most Professional Bodies 

More Information

Duration: 2 days (10.00am-5.00pm)

Course fee includes:

~ All perfumery equipment and ingredients for use in class
~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
~ 10 cpd points

Vegetable oils (also known as carrier oils or fixed oils) play a far more significant role in massage than many people realise, but unfortunately, some therapists still feel they are of little importance. In fact, to believe this would be a mistake, as they offer a wealth of health-giving benefits. They contain vitamins, essential fatty acids, various antioxidants and phytosterols. Many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some of them are also highly effective in treating irritated, sensitive conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and scar tissue.

There are a wide range of vegetable oils to choose from, as well as infused or macerated oils such as Calendula or Carrot. The variety of vegetable oils available to a newcomer can seem a little bewildering at first, since there is very little written on this important subject but choosing which ones are for you is not really complicated at all!

Selecting vegetable oils for treatment is simple – you choose the ones with the properties that match your client`s particular requirements. All you need to know are some basic facts about the therapeutic properties, composition and viscosity of vegetable oils, and then choosing becomes so much easier.

Course Details

We will cover:

• Introduction – what is an oil
• Extraction methods /Organic oils
• Components of fixed/herbal oils
• Quality, safety and storage
• The growth of carrier oils in skin care and body therapies
• Benefits in skin care and therapeutic uses
• Creating blends
• Profile and overview of 12 oils, including infused oils:
  • Safflower;
  • Fractionated Coconut;
  • Sweet Almond
  • Macadamia
  • Jojoba
  • Hazelnut
  • Walnut
  • Grapeseed
  • Arnica
  • Calendula
  • St Johns Wort
  • Carrot
• Plus and introduction to many more

Join us for an interactive, fun day with demonstration, sampling, blending and group work.

Who Can Attend?

Anyone can attend this unique and interesting day. It is particularly suitable for massage therapists and aromatherapists who wish to refresh or further their existing knowledge of this therapeutic medium, to benefit their clients.

Recognition by Professional Associations:

Validated by IPTI – (Independent Professional Therapists International) and widely accepted by most Professional Bodies

More Information

Duration:  1 day

Course fees include:
~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
~ 5 cpd points

The cosmetics industry continues to expand globally but the consumers are now taking a more holistic approach to their health and beauty. As a result of the growing public awareness and concern about the possible unwanted side effects of the chemical substances commonly used in cosmetics, the market for natural and especially organic toiletries is now the fastest growing section of the beauty industry. Many of us are hugely concerned about what we put in and on our bodies – and rightly so! We do not want anything harsh or containing infamous parabens, SLS or other toxic but still commonly used chemicals. And we do not want our products to be tested on animals either! What we really want are REAL natural products – simple and pure – for our everyday skin care regime. The good news is there are plenty of wonderful options AND not only they do not have to be expensive but can even be organic!

As a result, many take it a step further and prepare their own home made natural preparations. It may seem easy to make one’s own ‘cream’ but how effective is it going to be? And most importantly could this be sold as a part of a successful new brand of products? Unfortunately, without appropriate training and in-depth knowledge, the answer is no. So, if you ever dreamed about having your own brand of products ‘out there’, it will require a lot more than some emulsifying wax, sweet almond oil and spring water.

Course Details

This is what this Diploma Course is all about – it is designed to inspire, empower and equip you with current knowledge and understanding of the field of skincare products, its language, high-performance speciality ingredients, formulation and safety. You will also learn the importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients – the ever growing issue of sustainability and ecological concerns, which you cannot afford to ignore.

Oh, and yes, rest assured, we will not be teaching you how to use any controversial ingredients, like fragrance oils or parabens!

During the 10 day course we will be studying the following:

1. Underpinning knowledge:

• Understanding the language of the cosmetic field
• Types of products and their function – toners, cleansers, etc
• Types of ingredients and their role in cosmetics – humectants, emulsifiers, etc
• Commonly used and controversial ingredients in ‘high street’ products
• The importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients
• Sustainability and Ecological issues
• Antioxidants – the roles and types
• Preservatives for different types of natural and organic products, what to choose and how to use.
  

2. Equipment for small scale product making

• Basic equipment – what to choose and why
• Other equipment.
• Safety and sterilisation in a nutshell.

3.  Study of the raw ingredients:

• Water and hydrophilic ingredients
• Lipid ingredients – understanding Vegetable Oils, Butter and Waxes
• Composition and other characteristics, their application and use in products, suitability for different phases of formulations, product types and skin types, activity in skin care, etc.

4. Essential oils and herbal extracts in natural products

• Blending skills, essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic properties
• Allergens/sensitisers, IFRA and EU guidelines in essential oils and legislation
• Top 25 essential oils relevant to skin care
• Herbal extracts for the use in cosmetic preparations

5. Formulation of natural skincare products

• Formulation skills – developing your own skincare formulas for the following:

~ Lipid based formulations:

• Speciality ingredient
• Formulation
• Serums
• Balms & Butters
• Other preparations

~ Water based formulations:

• Gums and thickening agents
• Speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Toners
• Various gels and other preparations

~ Emulsions:                                      

• The science of emulsification
• Emulsifying agents
• Formulation and preservation
• Creams and lotions
• Other preparations

~ Detergent based (foaming) products:

• Foaming ingredients and speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Bath and shower products
• Shampoo
• Other foaming products

This training will give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to create a unique brand of phyto-skincare cosmetics, free from synthetic substances and unnecessary fillers they will only contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy.

A clever and often surprising combination of plant oils and other natural ingredients can not only produce cosmetic effect but also bring forth amazing results and offer natural solutions to some common problems.

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

Who Can Attend?

This course is designed for those who are truly serious about developing their own range of products and prepared to go through with what it involves.

You MUST demonstrate a good understanding and command of spoken and written English and have basic numeracy skills (calculating %, understanding the idea of ‘ratio’) and some knowledge of common raw ingredients and some experience of product making (home / hobby use) together with moderate IT literacy would be very useful.

Assessment

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

More Information

Course Duration: 10 days (10.00am-5.00pm)

Course fees include:

• • In-class tuition
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • An MSCM Diploma in the Development of Phyto-Skincare Cosmetics
  • 30 cpd points

2 Bonus On-line Courses

FREE OF CHARGE

to all those attending the Diploma in the Development of Phyto-skincare Cosmetics 

On-line Course 1 – The Study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin:

The structure of the skin

Functions of the skin

Skin types and skin care regime elements; racial variations

Ageing process, ageing factors, effects of ageing on skin, prevention

Skin permeability and absorbency

Skin sensitivity vs. allergy; cross-sensitisation

Raw ingredient and product patch testing 

On-line Course 2 – Good Manufacturing Procedures for Small Cosmetic Making Companies:

European Cosmetics Directive and ISO standard 22716 (2007)

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – ISO 22716:2007

Key elements

How to ‘do it’ – your Good Manufacturing Practice File

Personnel

Premises

Equipment

Raw materials and packaging materials

Production

Quality control

Product release

The cosmetics industry continues to expand globally but the consumers are now taking a more holistic approach to their health and beauty. As a result of the growing public awareness and concern about the possible unwanted side effects of the chemical substances commonly used in cosmetics, the market for natural and especially organic toiletries is now the fastest growing section of the beauty industry. Many of us are hugely concerned about what we put in and on our bodies – and rightly so! We do not want anything harsh or containing infamous parabens, SLS or other toxic but still commonly used chemicals. And we do not want our products to be tested on animals either! What we really want are REAL natural products – simple and pure – for our everyday skin care regime. The good news is there are plenty of wonderful options AND not only they do not have to be expensive but can even be organic!

As a result, many take it a step further and prepare their own home made natural preparations. It may seem easy to make one’s own ‘cream’ but how effective is it going to be? And most importantly could this be sold as a part of a successful new brand of products? Unfortunately, without appropriate training and in-depth knowledge, the answer is no. So, if you ever dreamed about having your own brand of products ‘out there’, it will require a lot more than some emulsifying wax, sweet almond oil and spring water.

Course Details

This is what this Diploma Course is all about – it is designed to inspire, empower and equip you with current knowledge and understanding of the field of skincare products, its language, high-performance speciality ingredients, formulation and safety. You will also learn the importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients – the ever growing issue of sustainability and ecological concerns, which you cannot afford to ignore.

Oh, and yes, rest assured, we will not be teaching you how to use any controversial ingredients, like fragrance oils or parabens!

During the 10 day course we will be studying the following:

1. Underpinning knowledge:

• Understanding the language of the cosmetic field
• Types of products and their function – toners, cleansers, etc
• Types of ingredients and their role in cosmetics – humectants, emulsifiers, etc
• Commonly used and controversial ingredients in ‘high street’ products
• The importance of the responsible sourcing of ingredients
• Sustainability and Ecological issues
• Antioxidants – the roles and types
• Preservatives for different types of natural and organic products, what to choose and how to use.
  

2. Equipment for small scale product making

• Basic equipment – what to choose and why
• Other equipment.
• Safety and sterilisation in a nutshell.

3.  Study of the raw ingredients:

• Water and hydrophilic ingredients
• Lipid ingredients – understanding Vegetable Oils, Butter and Waxes
• Composition and other characteristics, their application and use in products, suitability for different phases of formulations, product types and skin types, activity in skin care, etc.

4. Essential oils and herbal extracts in natural products

• Blending skills, essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic properties
• Allergens/sensitisers, IFRA and EU guidelines in essential oils and legislation
• Top 25 essential oils relevant to skin care
• Herbal extracts for the use in cosmetic preparations

5. Formulation of natural skincare products

• Formulation skills – developing your own skincare formulas for the following:

~ Lipid based formulations:

• Speciality ingredient
• Formulation
• Serums
• Balms & Butters
• Other preparations

~ Water based formulations:

• Gums and thickening agents
• Speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Toners
• Various gels and other preparations

~ Emulsions:                                      

• The science of emulsification
• Emulsifying agents
• Formulation and preservation
• Creams and lotions
• Other preparations

~ Detergent based (foaming) products:

• Foaming ingredients and speciality ingredients
• Formulation and preservation
• Bath and shower products
• Shampoo
• Other foaming products

This training will give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to create a unique brand of phyto-skincare cosmetics, free from synthetic substances and unnecessary fillers they will only contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy.

A clever and often surprising combination of plant oils and other natural ingredients can not only produce cosmetic effect but also bring forth amazing results and offer natural solutions to some common problems.

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

Who Can Attend?

This course is designed for those who are truly serious about developing their own range of products and prepared to go through with what it involves.

You MUST demonstrate a good understanding and command of spoken and written English and have basic numeracy skills (calculating %, understanding the idea of ‘ratio’) and some knowledge of common raw ingredients and some experience of product making (home / hobby use) together with moderate IT literacy would be very useful.

Assessment

There is no formal examination but to complete the course you will be required to successfully complete a number of both theoretical and practical projects and assignments.

More Information

Course Duration: 10 days (10.00am-5.00pm)

Course fees include:

• • In-class tuition
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • An MSCM Diploma in the Development of Phyto-Skincare Cosmetics
  • 30 cpd points

2 Bonus On-line Courses

FREE OF CHARGE

to all those attending the Diploma in the Development of Phyto-skincare Cosmetics 

On-line Course 1 – The Study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin:

The structure of the skin

Functions of the skin

Skin types and skin care regime elements; racial variations

Ageing process, ageing factors, effects of ageing on skin, prevention

Skin permeability and absorbency

Skin sensitivity vs. allergy; cross-sensitisation

Raw ingredient and product patch testing 

On-line Course 2 – Good Manufacturing Procedures for Small Cosmetic Making Companies:

European Cosmetics Directive and ISO standard 22716 (2007)

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – ISO 22716:2007

Key elements

How to ‘do it’ – your Good Manufacturing Practice File

Personnel

Premises

Equipment

Raw materials and packaging materials

Production

Quality control

Product release

This one day workshop is for anyone already making, or planning to make, products of any type that are used on the skin, e.g. soaps, perfumes, creams, ointments, balms, etc. Whatever the scale of your intended or current business in the UK – whether you are a hobbyist, a ‘crafter’ or an industrial scale producer – you are legally bound to comply with European Union (EU) cosmetics legislation.

As you may be aware, on the 11^th of July 2013 new legal requirements – EU Regulations EC No 1223/2009 (Previously EU Cosmetics Directive) – came into force.

Reading and trying to understand technical jargon of the legislative documents may be a daunting prospect. This is why we have designed this workshop to help you understand the current legal requirements and lead you step-by-step through the compulsory procedures. The last thing we wish is for you to give up your dream just because of the new regulations.

Trust us – it is not a rocket science!

It is perfectly do-able and not as difficult as you think!

Course details

We will cover:

• Step-by-step guide to understanding the regulations
• Sections of the new regulations: Articles and annexes
• The definition of the term ‘cosmetic’ – which products does the law apply to?
• Responsible person and/or distributor and their obligations
• Product testing and safety assessment
• Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS)
• Batching
• Product information file (PIF) – records keeping
• On-line Product Notification Process (CPNP) – formulations, restricted and prohibited substances, allowed colorants, preservatives, UV-filters, substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, etc)
• International Fragrance Association’s (IFRA) standards for the use of fragrances and/or essential oils
• Animal testing
• Labelling requirements including list of ingredients and allergens, warnings, ‘best before’ dates, etc
• Claims of efficacy
• Other aspects
• Helpful templates

Who Can Attend

Open to all. Useful for anyone starting a business selling natural products. This specially designed workshop is a ‘must’ for all product makers. It will help you to overcome legal obstacles and enable you to move forward with confidence, knowledge and understanding of your obligations within the law.

More information

Course fees include:
~ All class tuition
~ Extensive course manual
~ MSCM Certificate of attendance
~ 5 CPD points

If you are serious about launching your own range of natural products the key to success is branding!! It is as important as the product itself and in fact it is what sells the product.

What is branding?

Branding is the process involved in creating a unique name and image with a consistent theme for a product in the consumers` mind. In short, “your brand is a promise of the value the customer will receive.”

The MSCM Branding workshop will give you the necessary skills to create a brand that is uniquely yours:

Branding is a fascinating subject – there is a lot more to it than we think. It is a lot more than a box or a bottle in our favourite colour.
Did you know? Visual information is more important than the written word! Did you know? 80% of the communication we ‘take in’ about the product comes from the packaging! The colours, the logos, the fonts – they all talk and send a very clear message. Will they attract your dream client?

You may have created the most amazing range of products, perfected your formulation skills, completed all your research, adopted all the necessary legal requirements and even sorted out your pricing strategy but without a strong brand you may struggle to sell your range.

Many small organizations and start-ups neglect spending necessary time thinking about their brand and the impact it has on their business. Don’t be one of them! It is critical to be aware of the importance of branding and have a plan to create the brand experience that you want to have… a good brand doesn’t just happen… it is a well thought out and strategic plan. It can be overwhelming when starting out but it is essential!

Why is branding so important for your business?

• Branding promotes recognition. – it needs to be consistent and easy to recognize
• Your brand helps set you apart from the competition.
• Your brand tells people about the kind of company that you are
• A strong brand generates referrals.
• A strong brand helps customers know what to expect.
• Your brand represents you and your promise to your customer.
• Your brand helps you create clarity and stay focused.
• Your brand helps you connect with your customers emotionally.
• A strong brand provides your business value.

Course Details

The MSCM Branding workshop will give you the necessary skills to create a brand that is uniquely yours:

During the course we will cover the following key elements:

• Identifying your dream client
• Trend Spotting
  • Packaging
  • Ingredients
  • Fragrance
• Semiotics
  • colour
  • shape
  • symbols
  • words
• It’s all in a name! – Naming your company/naming your range
• Protecting Intellectual Property:
  • Trade Mark
  • Patent
  • Copyright

• Three distinctive areas that MUST match the dream client:
  1. Visual identity (Logo/Brand colours/House fonts /Brand Imagery)
  2. Strategy  (Brand personality/Brand market positioning/The brand beliefs)
  3. Brand Tone (Copyrighting tone/ Social media tone)

Packed with practical tips and links to useful resources, this workshop will take you through the process step by step, will identify possible pitfalls, and will give you the skills and confidence to create a brand perfect for you and your skin care range.

Who Can Attend?

Open to anyone – no previous experience necessary. This specially designed workshop is a ‘must’ for all product makers (Skincare, soaps, candles, perfumes, etc). It will help you to create a strong brand essential for success as you launch your new business.

More Information

Duration: 1 day

Course fees include:
~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
~ 5 cpd points

Handmade soap is truly unique and beautiful. Rich in natural glycerine, it is much better for the skin and if made properly, should not be too drying on the skin. As people become more and more conscious of what they use on their body and are looking to protect themselves from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, the natural skin care and natural soap making industry has grown. Handmade soap as a product and soap making as a craft has increased in the last few years. For the soapaholics, it is very addictive to make.

Handmade soaps come in so many different types and recipes that the possibilities are endless. For most people though, soap making is still something of a mystery. With our step-by-step practical and hands on course you will learn the secrets of the natural skin care industry and discover how to make beautiful moisturising soaps using all natural ingredients.

Course details

This special soap making course is the first step to enable you to consider starting your own profitable soap making business, make natural soaps tailored to yourself, your family, and your friends, create your own unique and beautiful handmade gifts or maybe just learn a new, enjoyable and rewarding hobby.

During this special 1 day course you will learn about

• The many types of soaps
• History of soap making
• The process of soap making – saponification – what`s it all about?
• Necessary materials, ingredients and equipment
• `Cold` method, hand milled soaps, glycerine soap – what they are and pros and cons
• Raw ingredients – choosing oils for hardiness, lather and conditioning
• Emollients
• Exfoliants
• Colourants
• Botanicals
• Useful essential oils and all important ratios – how much to add?
• Health and Safety Aspects
• Trouble shooting during the soap making process
• The moulds – the good, the bad and those `on a shoestring` – what to look for and what to avoid
• Soap making ideas and recipes
• Choosing commercial melt and pour soap bases avoiding unwanted, harsh chemicals
• Correct storage for different types of soap
• Information about what to study next in order to turn your soap making into a business.
• Melt and pour soaps
• Rarely taught so called `cold` process – traditional methods of making soap from raw ingredients

Who can attend?

Open to anyone – ideal for aromatherapists. Our Soap Making Course is suitable for complete beginners and for those wishing to expand their skills. There is no prior experience required just a willingness to experience the joy of creating your own soaps from scratch.

More Information

This is a practical course and you will be making a selection of soaps yourself. You will learn hands on under supervision in small friendly groups. A full workshop handout, including recipe sheets, main ingredients and moulds will be provided, along with a wealth of information as well as the lovely products you have made for you to enjoy and take home.

Please note: You will be required to bring some items of equipment to class, details of which will be sent with the joining details upon booking. Please closely follow the guidelines and start gathering the equipment straight away allowing enough time to collect the necessary items.

Duration:  1 day

Course fees include:
~ Ingredients and moulds for use during the course
~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio

There is something about candles – they set the scene for relaxation or meditation, add a romantic touch to a meal or lend a cosy atmosphere to an evening in. And who does not enjoy candle lit relaxing bathing……?

In the past candle making was a task almost every family would undertake on a regular basis. The candle business has gone through quite some changes in the recent years. Machine made candles are being bought in through the Far East and have cornered the market. Nowadays they are readily available from many shops and we are spoilt for choice! But is it all as ‘nice’ and ‘relaxing’ as it seems….?

Did you know?:

o Paraffin based candles emit a mixture of chemicals that are carcinogenic – including benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and naphthalene. “Candles are fast becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality,” says Diane Walsh Astry of the American Lung Association of Minnesota.

o Some candles have metal wicks. Lead emitted by this type of candle is a serious health hazard. It has been associated with Attention Deficit Disorder in Children and many health problems!

o Aromatic candles may be scented with synthetic oils that are petroleum based, rather than with the natural essential oils that most people expect. This provides an additional source of exposure to petroleum based fumes. Those most at risk from the fumes released by scented candles are pregnant women, children, and pets.

The good news is that all those problems can be avoided!

Course Details:

Come and join us for a fun day of truly natural and safe candle making! Save yourself a fortune and learn how to make your own candles for pleasure or to sell on our 1 day workshop. Making handmade candles is a rewarding and fun skill for all abilities.

Learn how to make your own poured soy candles! Once you have discovered the many benefits of soy candles you will never look back. You will be able to produce high quality soy candles that are non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally safe.

These soy candles are clean burning candles that produce little to no soot. You will use high quality soy wax that is not derived from oil refining, but instead comes from a natural grown renewable resource, the soybean. In addition, with such a huge variety of fragrance options using essential oils you can make candles to suit your needs.

Learn all about:

• Health & Safety Issues
• Equipment required to make candles
• Understanding wicks and waxes
• Colouring and fragrancing candles correctly
• Packaging and decoration techniques

By the end of this hands-on candle making course, you will be able to design your own handcrafted candles to treasure and enjoy as well as gaining the confidence to create many more on your own at home. We will explore the ins and outs of candle making and make some poured candles to take home with you.

Who can attend?

Open to anyone

More Information

Please note: Some materials will be provided by the school. You will also be required to bring some items of equipment to class, details of which will be sent with the joining details upon booking. Please closely follow the guidelines and start gathering the equipment straight away allowing enough time to collect the necessary items.

Duration:  1 day

Course fees include:

~ All class tuition
~ A comprehensive course manual
~ An MSCM Certificate of Attendance for your professional portfolio
~ Candles made in class to take away