- Research and development chemist
- Cosmetic formulation chemist
- Regulatory affairs associate
- Quality assurance associate
- Technical sales associate
- Product development coordinator
Cosmetic Science (CSP)
About the Program
The Cosmetic Science program is the only one-year laboratory-based graduate certificate of its kind in Ontario. This program enables you to combine your knowledge of science with art and business aspects to develop cosmetic and personal care products. As part of this program, you will focus on various aspects of formulation, including leveraging chemistry concepts to understand formulation from raw materials to finished products. You will have the opportunity to use industry-relevant equipment to create products and develop an in-depth understanding of the industry’s evolving regulatory landscape. The program also explores additional key topics including the product development process, sales and marketing, global regulations/challenges, quality and biological systems.
To further support career exposure and industry experience, you will also have the opportunity to participate in an optional work term after successful completion of your first academic semester in the program.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (1 Year)
Starts
May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Apply the cosmetic development process to manufacture and market a product
- Formulate various cosmetic products to include sensory modifications
- Analyze products to ensure they meet regulatory requirements for sale
- Create product evaluation strategies for safety and product life
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset to succeed in the cosmetics industry
Work Experience
Optional Work Term
This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.
Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the Cosmetic Science (Work Term) (CSPC) program.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| CSP102 | Product Evaluation and Biological Targets | 4 |
| CSP103 | Pigments, Powders and Poured Products | 7 |
| CSP104 | Formulation I | 5 |
| CSP105 | Regulations and the Cosmetic Industry | 3 |
| CSP111 | Raw Materials | 5 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| CSP441 | Cosmetic Science, Work Term * | 30 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CSP106 | Formulation II: Advanced Concepts | 5 |
| CSP107 | Fragrances | 2 |
| CSP108 | Actives | 2 |
| CSP109 | Product Development, Marketing and Sales | 3 |
| CSP110 | Capstone Project: Rouge | 5 |
| PQA713 | Introduction to Cosmetic Quality Assurance | 3 |
- *
Work-Integrated Learning option CSPC only
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply the steps of the cosmetic development process to be able to navigate the decision making required to formulate, manufacture and market a cosmetic product.
- Utilize concepts of functional classes of raw materials in sourcing and selection of ingredients for synthetic, natural and organic cosmetic products.
- Modify cosmetic formulations to achieve stable products with prescribed sensory properties.
- Analyze a finished product against regulatory requirements to ensure compliance for sales and marketing in global jurisdictions.
- Summarize current literature of product components and packaging to communicate ethical, health and environmental concerns to relevant stakeholders.
- Construct an appropriate product evaluation strategy for claims substantiation, safety and shelf life documentation.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario university/college degree, three-year college diploma or equivalent in biochemistry, pharmacy, chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing or a related field of study.
- English proficiency for graduate certificates.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada credential evaluation.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.