Learning to Formulate Green Cosmetics - Options and Choices

(THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED JUNE 2021)
I'm guessing I am not alone in barely remembering any of my teachers from school days past.

Except, there was this one...

He was only at our school for a semester before moving on. He taught Egyptian history (of all things).

I wasn't a fan of history as a teenager, but this fellow was so passionate about the subject, he literally 'infected' the whole class with his enthusiasm. Everyone looked forward to his lessons. We were 100% engaged, enthusiastic, and hung on every word as if he was some kind of rock star.

A history teacher.

I think of this fellow every time people ask me about mentoring them.

Mentoring

Some want to learn to formulate 'green', some are interested in my take on marketing and branding, and some are looking for 'an overall guide' to help advance their product development.

If there were more hours in the day and I could duplicate myself a few times, I would be inclined to say yes to everyone, but even a compulsive formulator such as myself has to manage energy levels.

Because so many of you have asked me about mentoring / how to move forward / how to learn more, I'm going to give you my recommended sources for these things today.

Shall we get started?

Learn with LisaLise: Options

Books - an Inspirational Kickstart

My own e-books are intended as inspirational kickstarting-guides for self education with hands-on, tried and tested formulas to get you started on solid ground.

I hope you are able to find something inspirational among them! I'm forever working on new publications (as I keep getting requests), so if you want first peek at what's in the works at any given time, do sign up for my newsletter.

For an overview of my e-books, please visit this page.

Note: the price of my ebooks includes updates (even if it's years old).

One on One Consultations

If you are interested in my input on anything cosmetics-related, it is possible to book consultations with me 'as needed'.

Some use this as a kind of 'mentor-to-go' feature and it is the preferred option for some of the folks I do regular consultations with.

I offer half hour and full hour consultations which are conducted via online video hookup and they are all 100% confidential.

LisaLise Courses: Natural Cosmetic Formulation

If you're interested in learning formulation skills with me, I teach at Tisserand Institute. As Tisserand Institute is the leading source of essential oil research, safety and use, it almost goes without saying that there is a special focus on how to incorporate essential oils into formulations of all kinds both safely and effectively.

My main focus is to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to start creating their own formulas after taking a course with me.

We learn to understand raw materials and how to combine them into functional effective products.

Courses are designed to be as all-inclusive as possible when it comes to skill level.

Students include aromatherapists, essential oil enthusiasts, natural cosmetics enthusiasts, folks with some experience making products, and even beginners. Common to everyone who enrolls is an interest in empowering themselves with a skill set that helps them move forward on their own.

There's an overview of my courses and tutorials on my website.

Tutorials: No Enrollment Required

Try a tutorial to get a feel for how the courses at Tisserand Institute work - they include unlimited access and there is no need to enroll, so you can hop right in and get started.

The Fresh Lavender Hand Bar is a one hour tutorial where you learn to make a beautiful solid lotion bar with a bespoke essential oil blend by Robert Tisserand.

Good Formulation Practice is a one hour tutorial that helps you get your artisan lab set up and started - whether you are working at home or have your own dedicated workspace.

Essential Calculation is a one hour tutorial for those who want to get a handle on converting drops (essential oils, preservatives, and actives) into percentages and weight. Hana Tisserand is the tutor and does a great job of helping you get comfortable with formulation math and numbers.

Courses: Enrollment Open Annually

Essential Formulation is an 8 week certificate course that equips you with the skills to formulate everything from serums, balms, butters, and bath products to aqueous sprays.

Emulsion Essentials takes you through the process of natural, hand-stirred lotions and creams.

Aromatic Formulation is a certificate program that encompasses both of the above and spans a full 12 weeks.

And

There's a BRAND NEW 4-WEEK COURSE opening for enrollment in AUGUST 2021

Sign up for my newsletter or the newsletter at Tisserand Institute to stay updated on enrollment times and course schedules.

Additional Courses: Natural Cosmetics

Learn About Herbs and Plants

If you are excited about going roots and want to learn how to recognize plants, forage, process and use them for everything from food to skincare, Medical Herbalist Vivienne Campbell at the Herbal Hub is a top notch teacher.

Her Learn With the Seasons Courses are educational, inspirational, and fun!

She also has a wonderful Natural Cosmetics Class that is focused on botanicals and herbs.

Tip: sign up for Vivienne's newsletter – it's free and every one is chock full of fabulous information. I save every single one.

Learn About Lipids

Susan M Parker is the leading authority on understanding and working with fixed / carrier / fatty oils and her book The Power of the Seed is an absolute must-have.

She also offers online courses at her Lipid Oils Academy.

Susans Facebook group (mentioned below is absolutely also worth a visit)

Tip: get a free online mini course from Susan right here.

Learn About Essential Oils - Nature's Active Ingredients

Robert Tisserand has spent his life studying and researching essential oils. His iconic book: Essential Oil Safety is a comprehensive and indispensable resource and quite simply a must-have if you want to work with essential oils.

There are numerous essential oil course options at Tisserand Institute:

Essential oil Kinetics with Petra Ratacj, PhD

Beyond the Bottle with Petra Ratacj, PhD

Essential Oil Safety Masterclass with Robert Tisserand

Aromatic Chemistry with Dr. E. Joy Bowles, PhD, BSc

Essential Oils for Healthy Skin, with Robert Tisserand

Visit Tisserand Institute to get an overview of all the courses offered.

Start a Business: Enroll in a School

There are many online schools to choose from. Here are a few places to start shopping. Please note, I am self taught, so I have not taken any of these programs. I do know the folks behind Formula Botanica and therefore have more input about their program.

Formula Botanica is an award winning accredited online school that has stood out above the crowd in many ways. Their positive trust pilot reviews and the amount of graduates who have started their own businesses puts them at the top of the list for those who want to start a natural skincare business. They are highly recommended.

The School of Natural Skincare is also recommended by many for starting a business.

If you are interested in learning how to formulate Natural Hair Care, Joan Morais is recommended by many.

Free Stuff For Self Education

There are numerous freebie possibilities in the form of blogs and online journals written by professionals willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

I did a blog post on how to get started educating yourself right here.

Blogs and Online Journals

On a blog, you do have to do your own digging for information, but there is quality information to be had from these sources – all written by knowledgable and talented colleagues:

Botanical Formulations Blog by Rebecca Wright - loads of great freebies, inspiration, and tips from a seasoned professional
Colins Beauty Pages by Colin Sanders - the science of cosmetics explained
Formula Botanica has numerous free formulations and tips on their blog (among them, this one about glycerites written by yours truly)
Swettis Beauty Blog Cosmetic Science and formulations - this links to the public blog (there is also a pay-for members area)
The Herbal Hub's Blog by Vivienne Campbell
Humblebee & me by Marie Rayma who works with both green and petrochemical ingredients. If you are looking for strictly green, she has over 900 formulas labeled as 'simpler' well as a super useful ingredient encyclopedia. Also, if you prefer video, visit her YouTube channel for detailed easy-to-follow instruction on loads of different types of cosmetics. Finally, Marie has a FREE MINI COURSE that is perfect if you want to get started right away.
Realize Beauty (thoughts, observations and enlightening in-depth explanations by Cosmetic Scientist Amanda Foxon-Hill)

Forums and Online Groups

Many professional formulators are also participants, moderators, and/or administrators of online forums and groups.

Join a forum where you can exchange information and learn from (and with) others.

I would like to emphasize the exchange information part.

Even if you are a newbie - there is no reason to be shy or embarrassed. Everyone has something to offer! Be a good participant - be ready to contribute and bring a positive, friendly attitude.