
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science is designed for those interested in the formulation and application of cosmetic products, turning that interest into a career. This course was created in recognition of the need for specialised health science training that enables students to quickly enter the sector as professionals.
Made from two units of our Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics), the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science is an unaccredited course that delves into the science behind cosmetics with an emphasis on chemistry and its application to the integumentary system, preparing you for a variety of professional roles.
Course Overview
Course
Duration:
Up to 26 weeks
Course
Delivery:
Online learning
Price:
$4,600
Payment
Options:
Zip Money Payment Plans Available
Accreditation:
This course is unaccredited
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science is ideal for those curious about the chemistry and formulation of skincare and cosmetic products, and turn that interest into a professional qualification. It suits anyone who wants to understand how active ingredients interact with the skin, how products are developed, and how formulation decisions influence performance and safety.
This cosmetic science certificate is also suited for:
The course provides the flexibility to study online while gaining practical scientific knowledge that can be applied in both clinic and product development environments.
Studying the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science with ACHW provides the opportunity to learn from educators who are leaders in dermal therapy, health science, and product formulation. The Australasian College of Health and Wellness is the country’s leading education provider in Applied Health Science and Clinical Aesthetics, ensuring our graduates are experts in the field of dermal therapy.
You can earn your Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science in as little as six months. Our flexible study experience enables you to continue working while developing your professional skill set, giving you a vital advantage to succeed in industry.
Studying at ACHW will set you apart from your peers. Our courses are recognised as the most advanced and comprehensive available, increasing your employment options and giving you the confidence of knowing you are an expert in your field.
ACHW’s faculty is made up of qualified and respected experts in Health, Wellness, Science, Education, Aesthetics, Business Administration, and Digital Marketing. This ensures that our students gain a truly comprehensive learning experience.
Individuals who complete our cosmetic science certificate emerge with a deeper understanding of the chemistry and formulation principles behind modern skincare products, preparing them for technical and advisory roles across the clinical and cosmetic industries.
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science consists of two units that are derived from the Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics):
This subject considers the theories and practices associated with the cosmetic ingredients used in aesthetic practice via the scientific field of cosmetic chemistry, while contrasting this against the marketing ‘hype’ and language often used to promote cosmetic and related products and services. Students will be exposed to the classifications of raw state ingredients and their use in finished products.
This subject introduces students to the complexity of the ‘integumentary system’, the skin and related appendages including nails, hair, glands, and proteins and the variety of mechanical, thermal and environmental impacts that affect the ageing process and general health and functioning of the skin.
As an unaccredited course, there are no formal academic requirements to apply and enrol in the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science.
To ensure you are able to successfully complete this course, we do require our applicants to:
Completing the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science will provide you with relevant skills to work in such areas as:
As the two units that make up the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science are from our higher education degrees, you will be able to receive advanced standing for them if you choose to pursue further study with ACHW after completion.
This will enable you to earn highly valued tertiary qualification without any unnecessary tuition fees for learning you have already successfully acquired.
These two units can provide advanced standing for the:
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science is a great introductory course if you are wanting to get into the skin or cosmetic industry. This course is for people that have an interest in the chemistry behind cosmetics and want to build a career around this interest. Gain an understanding of how cosmetic ingredients work, how formulations are developed, and how these products interact with the skin. This knowledge is valuable in both product development and clinical skincare settings.
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science can be completed in around 3 months if you study both units simultaneously. It will take 6 months if you choose to study each unit individually.
No, you do not need a beauty qualification or industry experience. There are no academic entry requirements. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced professionals who want to understand the scientific principles behind cosmetics and skincare products. Basic computer literacy and an interest in science-based learning will help you succeed in the course.
For each unit there is a one-hour weekly lecture to listen to and additional readings, with additional activities such as quizzes, discussions, assignments, and online exams. Each unit has 3-4 assessment tasks with due dates throughout the semester required to be completed.
It is recommended to spend a few hours each week per unit to listen to the lecture and review all the reading, then additional time for self-study and preparation and completion of assessment tasks.
You could get a job in a salon or a spa, work in skin care retail, or in a role related to the formulation or sale of cosmetic products. Those who complete our cosmetic science Certificate are well-positioned to pursue careers as beauty brand representatives, product consultants, formulation assistants, or cosmetic trainers. The knowledge you gain can also support progression into dermal therapy or clinical aesthetics.
No, this course does not include any face-to-face and all learning is conducted online. This allows you to study from anywhere in Australia while accessing recorded lectures, interactive sessions, and academic support through the ACHW online learning platform.
A laptop or computer with internet access and a working webcam is required. The online learning portal is easy to use and gives you access to lectures, readings, and assessments for your Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science.
Lectures are recorded and therefore not needed to attend live. However, most units have interactive sessions every few weeks that are live with the facilitator to go over any areas students would like more help with. These are scheduled at the commencement of the semester and are recorded if you are not able to attend.
You must complete all assessment tasks and get an overall mark of 50% for the units to pass.
Once you have completed the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science, we recommend progressing to either the Associate Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy) or the Bachelor in Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics). You will be able to receive advanced standing for the units you have already completed.
Yes. While the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science is unaccredited, it is recognised by employers in the skincare, cosmetics, and aesthetics industries as a respected qualification from a leading Australian education provider. Its content is drawn from ACHW’s Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics), which gives it strong industry relevance.
The Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science focuses on both scientific accuracy and real-world application. It bridges the gap between beauty and science by teaching evidence-based formulation principles, the biology of the skin, and critical analysis of cosmetic marketing. Students graduate with a scientific understanding of cosmetics that is highly relevant to today’s clinical and commercial skincare environments.
Turn your curiosity about product formulation into a recognised qualification with the Professional Certificate in Cosmetic Science. Study the chemistry, structure, and science behind modern skincare and cosmetic products while learning from experts in clinical aesthetics and dermal therapy.
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