Which ingredients will I need for the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation?

At Formula Botanica, students are taught to formulate their own products rather than simply following recipes. For this reason, we do not provide specific ingredient lists, except in our foundation course, the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation. Students have the freedom to choose the ingredients they wish to work with and create formulations tailored to their preferences. The ingredients listed below are merely recommendations, and you are welcome to select alternatives that suit you.

As you begin your studies, our primary goal is to help you feel comfortable with formulation. We suggest starting with more affordable ingredients and saving the investment in organic options for later, once you’re more confident. Sourcing ingredients locally and using cost-effective options, such as water instead of hydrosols, can also be beneficial during practice. It's often wise to start with smaller quantities, unless it’s more practical to purchase in bulk.

We recognise that purchasing ingredients is a significant part of your journey, and prospective students may need time to prepare for this investment. This list is intended to help you plan ahead, giving you the opportunity to explore the availability and pricing of ingredients before you begin.

Recommended ingredients and quantities: 

ANTIOXIDANTS:

Vitamin E - 50 g

GUMS:

Xanthan gum - 25 g

HUMECTANTS:

Vegetable glycerine - 200 mL

SURFACTANTS:

Coco glucoside - 200 mL

Cocamidopropyl betaine - 100 mL

Sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) powder - 250 g

SOLUBILISERS:

Symbiosolv clear plus MB - 25 g

EMULSIFIERS:

Olivem 1000 - 150 g

Olivem 2090 - 25 g

Sapogel Q or Sucragel AOF Bio - 50 g

ELECTROLYTES:

Magnesium sulphate - 10 g

Salt (sodium chloride) - 10 g

PRESERVATIVES:

Preservative Eco - 100 mL

Geogard 221 - 25 mL

pH ADJUSTERS:

Citric acid or lactic acid

Sodium bicarbonate or L-arginine or sodium hydroxide

We also provide a Supplier Guide as part of our courses, or you are welcome to check the Formula Botanica Amazon stores to find some of the equipment we recommend:

• Formula Botanica Amazon UK Store
• Formula Botanica Amazon US Store 
  
  Disclaimer: Formula Botanica is an Amazon Associate and as such we earn a small percentage on qualifying purchases through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.

Find the recommended equipment for the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation.