Cosmetic Chemistry (B.S.)

What you’ll learn

Students in Cosmetic Chemistry gain a strong foundation in chemistry and biology while learning how scientific principles translate into the formulation, testing, and production of cosmetic and personal care products. The major emphasizes applied, industry-relevant skills such as understanding ingredients and their functions, formulation strategy, stability considerations, and the scientific basis of product performance and safety. Students can also build competence in laboratory methods, quantitative reasoning, and scientific communication—skills that support success in regulated industries and graduate-level study. With coursework aligned to product development contexts, students can develop an understanding of how chemistry informs real consumer products, including how companies evaluate efficacy, quality, and sustainability/innovation in cosmetic product development.

Why study Cosmetic Chemistry at La Salle?

La Salle’s Cosmetic Chemistry major is positioned as a distinctive, career-oriented science degree that connects core chemistry training to an applied industry sector with significant regional and national demand. Students benefit from the breadth of a liberal arts–rooted education paired with a STEM curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and scientific reasoning. The program is designed to leverage La Salle’s strengths in the natural sciences and build pathways to experiential learning opportunities, including labs and potential industry engagement. As a mission-driven institution, La Salle can also frame cosmetic science within broader ethical and societal considerations—product safety, transparency, and responsible innovation—helping graduates communicate and lead effectively.