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There are 4 modules in this course
This course explores the multifaceted world of cosmetic science and quality assurance. You will explore the historical evolution of cosmetic regulatory landscapes, gain insights into cutting-edge safety assessment methodologies, and delve into the principles and practices of quality systems. The course emphasizes a holistic approach, ensuring participants understand the importance of regulations, enhance their expertise in safety assessments, and master the principles of quality control in cosmetic manufacturing.
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the history, evolution, and key dimensions of cosmetic regulations, together with insight into emerging trends shaping the global cosmetic industry. You will examine major international regulatory frameworks, the roles of governing agencies, and the ways regulatory requirements vary across regions. Through this analysis, the module develops the ability to interpret regulatory expectations, evaluate cross-border compliance considerations, and recognise emerging challenges and opportunities influencing safety, transparency, and market readiness in the global beauty landscape. Let’s begin!
History and Evolution of Cosmetic Regulations•4 minutes
Introduction to Cosmetic Regulations•4 minutes
Introduction to Regulatory Agencies in Cosmetics•4 minutes
Composition of Cosmetic Products•5 minutes
Special Category of Regulations: Color Additive Regulations•3 minutes
Special Category of Regulations: Preservatives•4 minutes
Local and National Cosmetic Regulations Variations•3 minutes
Compliance Across Borders•5 minutes
Case Study: Global Compliance Challenge•3 minutes
8 readings•Total 79 minutes
Introduction to the Cosmetic Product Development Syllabus•15 minutes
Meet Your Instructors•5 minutes
How To Be Successful in This Course•5 minutes
Additional Environmental, Chemical, and Advertising Regulations Affecting Cosmetics•8 minutes
How Cosmetic Ingredients Shape Products and Regulation•8 minutes
Labeling•8 minutes
Exemplar: Determine Regulatory Status of Cosmetic Color Additives•15 minutes
Layers of Cosmetic Regulation•15 minutes
5 assignments•Total 170 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 1•50 minutes
Practice Quiz: Introduction to Cosmetic Regulations•20 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Determine Regulatory Status of Cosmetic Color Additives
•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Key Aspects of Cosmetic Regulations•25 minutes
Practice Quiz: Geographical Regulations and Implications•15 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 90 minutes
Getting To Know Your Peers•45 minutes
Regulatory Challenges When Retailing Cosmetics in International Markets•45 minutes
Cosmetic Safety
Module 2•6 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the scientific and regulatory foundations of cosmetic product safety assessment. You’ll explore the determination of appropriate safety testing, core principles of toxicology, irritation and skin testing methods, and the role of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in modern safety evaluation. We will examine ingredient-level safety and extend to finished-product safety assessment across different cosmetic categories. Through this progression, you’ll develop the ability to interpret safety evidence, explain ingredient safety considerations, and apply cosmetic safety knowledge to draw informed conclusions about product use and risk. Let’s begin!
Introduction to Product Safety Assessments•3 minutes
Basic Principles of Toxicology•3 minutes
Basic Skin Safety Test Methods•4 minutes
Occular Irritation•3 minutes
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)•3 minutes
Importance of Ingredient Safety•4 minutes
Special Category—Fragrance Safety•5 minutes
Special Category—Preservatives•3 minutes
Formula Safety Assessment•3 minutes
Product-Specific—Skin and Eye Safety Assessments•4 minutes
Product-Specific—Hair Care Safety Assessments•4 minutes
Nail Care Safety Assessments•6 minutes
How to Read a Toxicological Risk Assessment Report•5 minutes
7 readings•Total 56 minutes
Introduction to Product Safety Assessments•8 minutes
Exemplar: Evaluate Safety Testing Requirements for a Cosmetic Launch•8 minutes
Toxicology and Safety Assessment in Cosmetic Product Development•8 minutes
Ocular Irritation Risk in Cosmetics•8 minutes
Modernizing Cosmetic Safety With New Approach Methodologies•8 minutes
Ingredient Safety Assessment•8 minutes
Assessing Safety Risks in Hair Care Products•8 minutes
6 assignments•Total 195 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 2•50 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Evaluate Safety Testing Requirements for a Cosmetic Launch•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Product Safety Assessment •40 minutes
Practice Quiz: Ingredient Safety •20 minutes
Completion Check•5 minutes
Practice Quiz: Finished Goods Safety•20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 45 minutes
Determining Safety Testing Requirements for Cosmetic Products•45 minutes
Principles of Quality Systems
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
This module examines the principles and practices of quality systems within the cosmetic industry, focusing on how quality management supports the production of safe, effective, and consistent products. Learners explore core quality management concepts, the distinction between quality assurance and quality control, and the processes used to ensure raw-material integrity and finished-goods quality. Through applied examples, case studies, and assessment activities, the module develops understanding of how quality systems operate across manufacturing environments and why they are essential for product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer confidence. Let’s begin!
Overview of Quality Control and Quality Assurance•6 minutes
Customer Focus in Quality Management•6 minutes
Process Approach•5 minutes
Continous Improvement•6 minutes
Overview of Raw Material Quality Control•4 minutes
Raw Material Testing•3 minutes
Storage and Handling Considerations•4 minutes
Case Study: Raw Material Quality Control in a Cosmetic Company•3 minutes
Introduction to Finished Goods Quality Control•4 minutes
Role of Plant Hygiene•5 minutes
Finished Goods Testing•3 minutes
Market Surveillance•4 minutes
5 readings•Total 47 minutes
Quality Management Principles Overview•8 minutes
Exemplar: Overview of Raw Material Quality Control•15 minutes
Managing Raw Material Quality in Cosmetic Manufacturing•8 minutes
Protecting Cosmetic Quality Through Proper Storage and Handling•8 minutes
Finished Goods Quality Control and Batch Release Decisions•8 minutes
5 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Checkpoint: Module 3•50 minutes
Practice Quiz: Quality Management Principles•25 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Overview of Raw Material Quality Control•60 minutes
Practice Quiz: Raw Material Quality•25 minutes
Practice Quiz: Finished Goods Quality•20 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 45 minutes
Quality Control and Cosmetic Safety•45 minutes
Quality in Practice
Module 4•7 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the practical application of quality systems in cosmetic manufacturing, emphasizing statistical analysis, raw-material verification, and the implementation of effective quality control procedures. Learners interpret process-control data, evaluate analytical testing and material specifications, and examine how written procedures, audits, and compliance monitoring support consistent product quality and safety. Through case studies, data-driven activities, and an integrative course project, the module develops the ability to identify effective and ineffective practices and to apply quality assurance and control frameworks to real-world cosmetic production and product-launch decisions. Let’s begin!
OLAY is a worldwide leader in skin care and dermatologist recommended brand that has been trusted by women for over seventy years. OLAY maintains a deep understanding of women’s changing needs and offers products backed by superior science to meet them. OLAY recognizes the importance of gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which is why OLAY is committed to #FacetheSTEMGap by helping to double the number of women in STEM and triple the number of women of color in STEM by 2030. OLAY has developed the Cosmetic Science Specialization to help anyone and everyone who have a passion for skincare to develop their expertise.
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Learner reviews
4.5
89 reviews
5 stars
69.66%
4 stars
15.73%
3 stars
10.11%
2 stars
3.37%
1 star
1.12%
Showing 3 of 89
A
AQ
4·
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
A fairly thorough course on quality control and regulation. Would have given 5 stars if more feedback was given under wrong answers, especially written answers.
B
BT
5·
Reviewed on May 10, 2025
Informative and fun, a must for anyone looking to get a deeper dive into cosmetics and skincare - for science!
M
MM
5·
Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025
The Quality Control and Regulatory in Cosmetic Science was very informative and meets the objectives.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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Is financial aid available?
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