Cosmetic Science. If the term has you thinking about cosmetology, you are not alone.

“I found out about the program when I was studying to be a pharmacist,” said Alison Wery, an assistant lecturer in the University of Toledo’s Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program.

“I started off in pharmacy because I wanted to design drugs,” Ms. Wery said. “I learned about the cosmetic science program when I got my white coat. I never wore makeup, but my mom did. The more I thought about it, this program really allowed me to create the products my friends and family were using.”

The UT College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences was the first school in the country to develop a cosmetic science and formulation degree at the baccalaureate level.

Ms. Wery earned her bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science and formulation design from UT in 2014. She earned her master’s degree in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati in 2020.

Gabriella Baki, associate professor of pharmaceutics and director of the Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program, said the program will graduate its 10th class in May.

“I started as a part-time, visiting professor when I began developing this program,” Ms. Baki said. “Our students learn to design, produce, test, and market cosmetics and personal care products. They get to develop products, choose fragrances, colors, and decide on the packaging. We have had many corporations tell us our students are really well trained and ready to jump into their work.”

Since the undergraduate program’s introduction in 2013, graduates have gone on to earn internships and full-time positions at some of the most well-recognized cosmetic companies in the world, including the Estee Lauder Companies and L’Oreal.

“The course is unique because they must take sales and marketing courses as well as work in the lab,” she said. “They can work in cosmetic marketing and sales, regulatory science as a compliance manager, as well as in third-party contract manufacturing companies. Our strong point is that our students spend two years learning formulation. No other university teaches this.”

Ms. Baki said students who are thinking of cosmetology but also like science and math would be good candidates for the program.

“Those who are interested in STEM, chemistry and biology, and who like makeup and hair products would really thrive in this program,” Ms. Baki said. “This program is a blend of art, science, and business. There are also many men in the industry. The possibilities are endless when it comes to where you could work.”

Beginning in May, the master’s degree program, which received final approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education in late October, will begin.

The 30-credit, fully online program will be under the direction of Ms. Baki and Ms. Wery. Ms. Wery, who has significant industry experience as a project manager, research and development chemist, formulation scientist, merchandise and service coordinator and operations lead, will be in charge of the new graduate program.

“Many people working in the cosmetics industry have degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering,” Ma. Baki said. “They were not necessarily formally trained in formulation and the science behind how you craft and test a new cosmetic or personal care product. A specialized education in cosmetic science will make them more competitive as they look to advance in their career.”

“The master’s program is very flexible since many students may be working full time while they seek a master’s degree,” Ms. Wery said. “There will be two seven-week courses per semester so students can take one course at a time while still completing two courses per semester.”

UT is also offering a four-plus-one pipeline program for undergraduate face-to-face students to continue their education and graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. UT is the only program in the country with this unique offering.

Juniors Karissa Richards and Anna Spaulding are two students enrolled in the pipeline program.

Ms. Spaulding graduated from Copenhagen Central High School in Copenhagen, N.Y.

“I did think about going into cosmetology while I was in high school,” Ms. Spaulding said. “I was interested in cosmetics and started researching the types of education available. I found the UT program in an Instagram ad.

“Now I want to get my master’s degree and work in product development from the business perspective. I would love to help develop and market products to consumers.”

Ms. Richards graduated from Campion College in Kingston, Jamaica. She said she learned about the bachelor’s program when doing research on the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ website.

“I always liked makeup and perfume because it just made me feel good,” she said. “I liked the idea of being part of the process of making the products. Maybe I will get a PhD? I definitely want to work in a lab/research setting.”

For more information on the cosmetic science programs, go to utoledo.edu/Programs/undergrad/Cosmetic-Science-and-Formulation-Design/.

First Published March 17, 2024, 6:27 p.m.