Campus
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Credential Awarded
Bachelor Degree

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. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

About 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

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Raw material research
  • Cosmetic formulation and manufacturing

  • Quality mindset 

  • Global regulations 

  • Product development process

  • Sustainable practices in the cosmetic industry

Work Experience

Mandatory Degree Work Term

A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.

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.

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

Renewable Scholarship

Receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.

Qualify for a renewable scholarship based on your grades.

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