Part 1: Botanical Facial Oils & Waterless Skincare
Take control of what you put on your skin by learning how to create your own high-performing botanical facial oils and oil-based serums from scratch.
In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided through the process of formulating anhydrous (waterless) skincare designed to feel elegant, absorb beautifully, and support the skin’s natural barrier without unnecessary fillers. Instead of relying on expensive, pre-made products, you will learn how to select and combine botanical oils with intention. We will explore how different oils behave on the skin, including their fatty acid profiles, and how they influence texture, absorption, and overall performance. You will also learn how to incorporate antioxidants to help protect the skin, reduce moisture loss, and extend the life of your formulations. This workshop includes a foundational introduction to oil-based formulation, giving you the knowledge to confidently create your own blends beyond the classroom. You will learn how to choose oils based on skin needs, balance light and rich textures, and build formulas that are both effective and cost-efficient. We will also cover an important principle of waterless skincare: why anhydrous products typically do not require traditional preservatives. Because these formulations do not contain water,
they do not support microbial growth in the same way water-based products do. Instead, you will learn best practices for maintaining product quality, including proper storage, handling, and the use of antioxidants to help slow oxidation.
Each participant will create four full-size (1 oz or equivalent) facial oil products - an industry-standard size designed for regular use. The combined retail value of these products is estimated at approximately $80 - $150, depending on the ingredients selected. More importantly, participants will leave with the foundational knowledge to formulate and customize future products for themselves, family, and friends.
What You Will Create: Daily Facial Oil – A lightweight blend customized for your skin type (dry, oily, or mature), Antioxidant Serum – A concentrated oil blend designed to support radiance and overall skin health, Deep Recovery Treatment – A richer formula to help protect and support dry or environmentally stressed skin, Solid Serum Bar – A travel-friendly, waterless format introducing heat-controlled formulation and molding techniques.
Part 2: Water-Based Facial Serums
Build on the skills learned in Part 1 and move beyond oil-based skincare by learning how to create your own high-performing water-based serums from scratch.
In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided through the process of formulating lightweight, elegant skincare designed to deliver deep hydration and high-performance active ingredients for visible results. Instead of relying on expensive, pre-made products, you will learn how to build effective formulas using humectants, botanical extracts, and performance-driven active ingredients. We will explore how different ingredients interact with water, how they contribute to hydration and skin feel, and how thoughtful formulation can improve both product performance and user experience.
This workshop includes a practical introduction to modern water-based formulation, giving you the knowledge to confidently create your own serums, hybrid treatments, and lightweight lotions beyond the classroom. You will learn how to select and combine ingredients with purpose, balance hydration and skin feel, and build formulas that are both effective and cost-efficient. Unlike anhydrous formulation, water-based products require a different approach to preservation and stability. You will learn why water creates an environment that can support microbial growth, how preservatives help protect your formulations, and how proper manufacturing practices contribute to product safety and quality. We will also introduce pH monitoring and adjustment, an important skill when working with many modern cosmetic ingredients and active compounds. Throughout the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience working with multi-dimensional humectants, advanced hydration systems, and active ingredients commonly used in professional skincare formulations. You will learn how to incorporate these materials correctly to maximize performance while maintaining product elegance and stability. Each participant will create four full-size skincare products with a combined retail value estimated at approximately $100–$180, depending on the ingredients selected. More importantly, participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to formulate sophisticated water-based skincare products for themselves, family, friends, or future business ventures.
What You Will Create: Multi-Level Hydration Treatment: A foundational serum using diverse humectants to lock in moisture, an Active Brightening Serum: A high-potency treatment focused on evening skin tone and boosting collagen, a Silky Hybrid Serum: An introduction to emulsification, marrying a small amount of oil with water for a skin-softening finish, and a Weightless Botanical Lotion: A deep-reaching hydration treatment with a refined, matte finish.