Formulating Herbal Skincare

Harness the power of plants and bring centuries of herbal wisdom into your modern cosmetic formulations—supported by both tradition and science.

Herbs have been used in skincare for thousands of years, and today we can combine this traditional knowledge with modern research to better understand how and why they work. In this class, you’ll explore 18 carefully selected herbs in detail, including their traditional uses, key active compounds and scientifically backed benefits, with references to relevant research throughout.

In this class, you’ll build a clear and practical understanding of how to work with herbs in skincare. We’ll cover:

• The traditional use of herbs in skincare
• Different types of herbal extracts and how they are used in modern cosmetics
• How to compare extracts and choose the right one for your formulation

• 18 carefully selected herbs traditionally used in Europe and North America—and now widely cultivated around the world—including calendula, chamomile, elderflower, marshmallow and comfrey—each explored in detail with their properties, applications and scientifically supported benefits.
• A helpful plant index to guide your ingredient choices
• How to make your own infused (macerated) oils at home

You’ll also learn how to incorporate herbs into a wide range of product types, including toners and facial mists, balms and salves, oils, gels, creams and lotions, powdered masks and foaming products.

We’ll explore examples from the market to inspire your formulations and help you understand how herbal concepts translate into real products.

You’ll receive five professionally developed formulations:

• Calming Rose and Chamomile Facial Toner – a gentle, hydrosol-based mist designed to soothe sensitive, redness-prone skin, featuring rose and chamomile hydrosols with marshmallow root for added hydration.
• Soothing Calendula and Plantain Salve – a rich, protective balm made with infused oils to support skin repair, reduce inflammation and protect dry or compromised skin.
• Nettle and Clay Detox Face Mask – a clarifying powdered mask combining mineral-rich clays with nettle and botanical powders to absorb excess oil and calm blemish-prone skin.
• Hydrating Aloe and Echinacea Gel Serum – a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel that hydrates, cools and supports the skin barrier using aloe vera, echinacea and humectants.
• Replenishing Marshmallow Cream – a soothing emulsion designed for sensitive, dry skin, combining marshmallow extract, aloe and nourishing plant oils to hydrate and restore the skin barrier.

Each formulation includes detailed product development insights, full formulas, step-by-step instructions and ingredient explanations—so you can confidently recreate and customize them.

This class includes a beautiful textbook to download and a demonstration video showing you how to make the Replenishing Marshmallow Cream, which you can follow along with step by step.

This class will give you the knowledge and confidence to work with herbs in a practical and inspiring way—so you can create your own effective, herbal skincare products.

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Formulating Herbal Skincare is a 100-credit class. Your membership includes 50 credits each month, giving you the choice to top up 50 credits ($57) for immediate access, or simply wait until next month and unlock it then.