DIY Cosmetic Chemistry: Formulating Longevity-Driven Skincare

​In this hands-on workshop, participants will step into the role of cosmetic chemists to explore the science of skincare from the molecular level up. Designed for beginners and innovators alike, this class demystifies how emulsions, micelles, and active ingredients interact with the skin—empowering you to create your own personalized moisturizer with function and longevity in mind.

​You’ll learn how emulsions—mixtures of immiscible liquids such as oil and water—form the structural basis of most skincare formulations. Specifically, we’ll work with oil-in-water emulsions, where fine droplets of oil are dispersed within a continuous water phase. These are stabilized by micelles, spherical aggregates of surfactant molecules that encapsulate oil droplets, preventing them from separating. Micelles not only enable emulsification but also serve as nanocarriers that can cleanse the skin, maintain hydration, and deliver bioactive compounds efficiently.

​We’ll explore the role of active ingredients such as vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis and neutralizes oxidative stress, and zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against DNA-damaging solar radiation. These ingredients are foundational in the formulation of skincare designed to support cellular longevity, photoprotection, and barrier repair.

​This session blends the spirit of DIY innovation with cutting-edge dermatological science. Participants will leave with a custom-formulated hand moisturizer and a foundational understanding of how topical formulations can be engineered to support long-term skin health.