Cosmetic Product Formulation

The Cosmetic Product Formulation course offered by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam (AMS Vietnam) is a specialized professional training program designed to equip learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical competencies in the research, development, formulation, and evaluation of cosmetic products. The course integrates scientific foundations, regulatory compliance, safety assessment, and efficacy substantiation, reflecting current industry standards and international best practices.

As the cosmetic industry continues to evolve rapidly—driven by innovation, consumer safety expectations, and increasingly stringent regulations—this course provides a structured pathway for professionals seeking to develop, assess, or manage cosmetic formulations with scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.

The primary objectives of the Cosmetic Product Formulation course are to:

• Provide a solid scientific foundation in cosmetic formulation principles
• Develop practical skills in designing stable, safe, and effective cosmetic products
• Enhance understanding of raw materials, active ingredients, and excipients
• Introduce quality control, safety testing, and regulatory requirements
• Support evidence-based substantiation of cosmetic product claims

Upon completion, participants will be able to design cosmetic formulations aligned with regulatory frameworks, quality standards, and market expectations.

This course is designed for a broad range of professionals and learners, including:

• Cosmetic formulators and product developers
• Pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals
• Chemists, biologists, and materials scientists
• R&D personnel in cosmetic and personal care companies
• Quality control and regulatory affairs professionals
• Entrepreneurs and managers in the cosmetic industry
• Researchers and postgraduate students interested in cosmetic science

No prior experience in cosmetic formulation is strictly required; however, a background in science, pharmacy, or related fields is advantageous.

The Cosmetic Product Formulation course is organized into integrated modules that balance theoretical instruction with applied learning.

1. Foundations of Cosmetic Science

This module introduces the scientific basis of cosmetic products, including skin and hair biology, barrier function, and mechanisms of cosmetic action. Participants gain an understanding of how cosmetic products interact with biological tissues while remaining within the non-therapeutic scope defined by regulations.

Key topics include:

• Skin and hair structure and physiology
• Classification of cosmetic products
• Functional versus aesthetic cosmetic effects

2. Raw Materials and Ingredients

Participants are introduced to commonly used cosmetic ingredients and their functions within formulations.

Topics include:

• Emollients, humectants, surfactants, thickeners, and preservatives
• Active cosmetic ingredients and functional additives
• Natural, herbal, and bio-derived ingredients
• Ingredient selection based on product purpose and safety profile

Emphasis is placed on ingredient compatibility, sourcing quality, and regulatory acceptance.

3. Cosmetic Formulation Design

This core module focuses on the principles and techniques of cosmetic formulation.

Key areas include:

• Formulation of creams, lotions, gels, serums, cleansers, and shampoos
• Emulsion systems and stabilization strategies
• Rheology and texture optimization
• pH control and compatibility

Participants learn how to translate product concepts into reproducible formulations suitable for scale-up and production.

4. Manufacturing and Process Considerations

This module introduces production-related aspects relevant to cosmetic formulation.

Topics include:

• Basic cosmetic manufacturing processes
• Equipment selection and process parameters
• Batch consistency and reproducibility
• Hygiene, contamination control, and good manufacturing practices (GMP)

The content emphasizes alignment between laboratory formulation and industrial production environments.

5. Stability Testing and Quality Evaluation

Ensuring product stability and quality is critical to consumer safety and brand credibility.

This module covers:

• Physical, chemical, and microbiological stability testing
• Shelf-life determination and storage conditions
• Quality control parameters and specifications
• Documentation and batch records

Participants gain insight into how stability data supports product safety and market readiness.

6. Cosmetic Safety Assessment

Safety is a foundational requirement for cosmetic products. This module provides an overview of cosmetic safety evaluation frameworks.

Key topics include:

• Safety assessment principles
• Toxicological considerations of cosmetic ingredients
• Skin irritation and sensitization testing concepts
• Regulatory expectations for safety dossiers

The module emphasizes responsible formulation and risk management throughout the product lifecycle.

7. Regulatory Framework and Compliance

Participants are introduced to cosmetic regulatory systems relevant to Vietnam and international markets.

Topics include:

• Cosmetic definitions and product classification
• Ingredient restrictions and labeling requirements
• Product notification and documentation
• Overview of ASEAN and international cosmetic regulations

This module supports compliance-oriented formulation and responsible product development.

8. Efficacy Substantiation and Claim Support

While cosmetics do not claim therapeutic effects, substantiating functional and aesthetic benefits is essential.

Topics include:

• Principles of cosmetic efficacy evaluation
• Instrumental and consumer-based assessment methods
• Clinical research approaches for cosmetic products
• Responsible marketing and claim substantiation

Participants learn how scientific evidence supports credible and compliant cosmetic claims.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam employs a learner-centered approach that integrates:

• Expert-led lectures
• Case studies and real-world examples
• Practical formulation demonstrations
• Interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises

This methodology ensures both conceptual understanding and practical applicability.

The course is delivered by experienced faculty members from AMS Vietnam, including experts in cosmetic science, pharmaceutical formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. Academic oversight ensures that course content remains current, evidence-based, and aligned with professional standards.

Participant assessment may include:

• Knowledge evaluations
• Practical assignments or formulation exercises
• Case-based discussions

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam, recognizing their participation in specialized training in cosmetic product formulation.

Graduates of this course will be better equipped to:

• Participate in cosmetic R&D and formulation teams
• Evaluate product quality and safety
• Support regulatory compliance and documentation
• Contribute to innovation in cosmetic product development

The course supports both career advancement and organizational capacity building within the cosmetic industry.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is committed to delivering training grounded in scientific rigor, ethical standards, and regulatory responsibility. This course reflects the Academy’s broader mission to elevate professional practice and promote safe, effective, and evidence-informed cosmetic products.