Plant Chemistry for Skincare Formulators

Creating truly effective botanical skincare starts with understanding the chemistry of plants.

When you formulate with botanical ingredients, you’re not working with plants in a general sense—you’re working with the chemical compounds they contain. These compounds determine an ingredient's properties, how it behaves in a formulation, how it interacts with the skin, and what benefits it can realistically deliver.

In this class, you’ll explore the chemistry behind botanical ingredients and learn how to link plant composition to formulation function. This knowledge helps you move beyond guesswork and create products based on evidence-based benefits.

You don’t need a scientific background to take this class. We explain plant chemistry in a clear, practical way so you can confidently apply it in your formulations, whatever your starting point.

You’ll discover how plants function as complex chemical systems, and why factors like species, growing conditions, plant part used, and extraction method can dramatically change how an ingredient performs in your formulations.

We’ll explore the key types of compounds found in plants and what they do for the skin, including:

• Plant oils and lipids that provide emolliency, softness, and barrier support
• Flavonoids and other polyphenols known for their antioxidant and calming properties
• Tannins that contribute to astringency and oil-balancing effects
• Carotenoids that support skin radiance and protect against oxidative stress
• Sugars and plant gums that hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier
• Proteins and amino acids that help condition and strengthen the skin
• Aromatic compounds that provide scent 

You’ll also gain a clear understanding of how extraction methods influence what compounds are present in your ingredients—and why two extracts from the same plant can behave very differently.

By the end of this class, you’ll feel more confident choosing botanical ingredients with purpose, understanding how they will behave in your formulations, and creating products that are both effective and well-designed.

This class builds an essential foundation for working with all types of botanical ingredients, including carrier oils, essential oils, botanical extracts, and herbal preparations—helping you develop a deeper, more practical understanding of how to work with plants in skincare.

Continue your studies with other classes in our Formulating Botanical Skincare course, including Making Botanical Extracts, Formulating with Botanical Extracts and Formulating Herbal Skincare.

Date: Wednesday 24th June at 6am Los Angeles, 9am New York, 2 pm UK time

Check the time where you live here.

IMPORTANT: To attend the live Zoom class, you need to complete the registration form on the next page. Once you unlock the class using your credits, you will be taken to the class page, where you will find the Zoom registration link.

 Registration closes 4 hours before the class.

If you can't join live, the replay will be available shortly afterward.

👉 You’ll receive:

 🎥 An invitation to join a live presentation on Zoom, taught by our cosmetic scientist, Tina Svetek, with the chance to ask your questions during the interactive Q&A (we strongly encourage attending live for the best experience!).

 🔁 Access to the full replay to watch anytime.

 📑 A downloadable copy of the presentation slides.

 📘 A full transcript of the class to keep and review whenever you need it.

Not a member of the Club? Join now and use your first month's credits to access the Plant Chemistry for Skincare Formulators class

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