Create the Future of Beauty, Wellness and Personal Care
Turn your passion for beauty, skincare, makeup, haircare, wellness and innovation into a career through the Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design program at The University of Toledo.
As the nation’s first undergraduate cosmetic science degree of its kind, UToledo combines science, creativity and hands-on formulation experience to prepare students for careers in the growing beauty and personal care industry.
Students learn the science behind the products people use every day while gaining practical laboratory experience developing, testing and formulating cosmetic and personal care products.
Program highlights
- 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Nation’s first undergraduate cosmetic science program of its kind
- Hands-on formulation and laboratory training
- Internship experience included
- Industry-focused curriculum
- Accelerated 4+1 master’s pathway available
Top Reasons to Study Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design at UToledo
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A One-of-a-Kind Program.
The Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design program at UToledo is the only undergraduate degree in the United States with a major focus on cosmetic formulation science. Students graduate with specialized skills that are highly sought after across the cosmetic, skincare, wellness and personal care industries.
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Hands-On Laboratory Experience.
Students spend significant time in the laboratory gaining real formulation experience using professional equipment and industry techniques.
You won’t just study formulas — you’ll create them.
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Industry-Focused Curriculum.
The curriculum blends:
- Cosmetic chemistry
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Formulation design
- Product development
- Regulatory science
- Marketing and business concepts
Students learn how to:
- Develop and formulate products
- Evaluate ingredient functionality
- Assess product safety and quality
- Understand cosmetic regulations
- Test product performance
- Translate scientific concepts into consumer-ready products
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Internship Opportunities.
Every student completes an internship before graduation, gaining valuable professional experience and industry connections.
Students have completed internships in:
- Product formulation
- Research and development
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory affairs
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Accelerated 4+1 Master’s Degree Pathway.
Highly motivated students may continue their education through UToledo’s streamlined 4+1 pathway, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design and a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science in just five years.
The flexible online master’s program allows many students to begin working in the industry while continuing their education.
Advanced study areas include:
- Formulation science
- Product development
- Cosmetic chemistry
- Research and innovation
Meet Ava Perkins
'23, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
“Before attending college, I had always been interested in makeup, but I also loved chemistry and pharmacy. After a quick Google search, I discovered The University of Toledo’s Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program and loved how it perfectly blended all three of my interests.”
Read MoreWhat jobs can I get with a cosmetic science and formulation design degree?
- Formulation Chemist
- Quality Control Chemist
- Research and Development Chemist
- Regulatory Scientist
- Technical Marketing Manager
Companies who hire our Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design graduates:
- Amway
- Azelis
- Bath & Body Works
- Estée Lauder
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kao Corporations
- KDC/One
- L'Oreal
- MANA Products
- Mary Kay
- Pfizer
- Procter & Gamble
- Wacker Chemical Corporation
Personalized Learning Environment
Students benefit from:
- Small class sizes
- Faculty mentorship
- Collaborative learning experiences
- Student organizations like the UToledo Cosmetic Chemist Society
What You’ll Study
Years 1-2
Build a strong scientific foundation in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Formulation principles
Students also begin exploring the cosmetic and personal care industry through introductory coursework and laboratory experiences.
Years 3-4
Advance into specialized coursework and hands-on learning in:
- Cosmetic formulation
- Product development
- Safety evaluation
- Quality assessment
- Specialized laboratory techniques
Internship Experience
Apply classroom knowledge in real-world industry settings while working alongside professionals in the cosmetic and personal care field.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!
The Rocket Career Center can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Choose Ohio First scholarship
Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
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