Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Campus
Delivery
HybridDuration
6 Semesters (3 Years)Study Option
Full-timeCredential
Bachelor DegreeAbout the Program
The Bachelor of Science – Cosmetic Science program is the first degree of its kind in Canada and is designed to equip you with industry-relevant skills and experience for careers in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
This innovative three-year degree program intersects elements of science and art by providing a strong foundation in core sciences, such as biology and chemistry, alongside a specialization in cosmetic product formulation, including colour cosmetics. Foundational concepts are further explored through courses in organic and analytical chemistry, as well as the anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails.
Through the program’s sensorial and comprehensive curriculum, you will exercise your creative skills and gain hands-on experience with raw materials and colour theory. You will learn how to design and develop cosmetic formulations — from skin care to colour cosmetics — participate in regulatory applications, oversee quality assurance and more. The curriculum also includes a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), through the exploration and formulation of products that embrace different skin tones, conditions, genders and ages.
In addition to cosmetic product formulation, you will learn about sustainability through the study of responsible manufacturing practices and examine how these topics are addressed within the scope of marketing, social media and package design.
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Skills
- Raw material research
Cosmetic formulation and manufacturing
Quality mindset
Global regulations
Product development process
Sustainable practices in the cosmetic industry
Work Experience
Mandatory Work Term
This program includes a mandatory work term to provide you with valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. A mandatory work term is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. It is typically completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. Successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation.
The work term search is student-driven and participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term. Additional fees are required for programs with a mandatory work term, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Seneca@York | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person as the option to attend online does not apply to you based on IRCC policy. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Cosmetic formulation chemist
Research and development chemist
Quality assurance associate
Quality control technician
Regulatory affairs associate
Sales/technical representative
Product development associate
Marketing opportunities also exist in the packaging, product development, advertising and media fields.
Affiliations/Associations
Canadian Cosmetic Cluster
Cosmetics Alliance Canada
Society of Cosmetic Chemists
The Seneca Polytechnic Difference
Pharmaceutical Labs
You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art pharmaceutical labs, preparing you for your in-demand career.
Experiential Learning
Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has a mandatory co-op to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
Renewable Scholarships
You may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
Prior Experience
Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.
Student Experiences
Graduate Career-Ready
Take the next step in your academic journey at Seneca. Join thousands of graduates who are making a difference here and around the world.
Applied Research Spaces & Labs
As part of this program, you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs at Seneca@York including the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences (SCILS) — a first-of-its-kind applied research facility, where students, faculty and industry partners can collaborate to develop, enhance and validate innovations in diagnostics and cosmetics.