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PHA-10038 - Module Specification
School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

PHA-10038 - Introduction to Cosmetic Science
Coordinator: Neil Grazier Room: HORN 2.24 Tel: +44 1782 7 33793
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module will address the key aspects of the cosmetic industry, including human anatomy and how cosmetic products interact with it, both in a positive sense and also how we understand and deal with issues of possible toxicity. The chemical sciences will focus on how to apply this to cosmetic formulation design and manufacture, including aspects of bioformulation and compatibility within formulations. This will be considered in the legal and regulatory framework (including advertising) in significant major territories, along with the quality systems required to ensure product quality and safety. Finally, you will be introduced to concepts of marketing and how it sits with the key areas of science in the cosmetic and related sectors.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary and complex area of cosmetic sciences. The module will begin with the legal and regulatory framework that defines, in a range of key territories, what we mean by a cosmetic product and how cosmetics and associated home and personal care products are designed from the marketing perspective to product formulation and production. Within this framework the key aspects of formulation science, anatomy, pharmacology and toxicology will be introduced in the context of consumer need.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/pha-10038/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the key aspects of anatomy and physiology as they relate to the design, application and use of cosmetic products: 1,2
explain the key concepts in physical chemistry that underpin successful cosmetic formulation design: 1,2
describe the key aspects of pharmacology and how they relate to the administration and uptake of cosmetic product ingredients: 2
understand the current regulations and rules governing the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products in key territories: 1
appreciate and describe the role of analytical sciences in assuring the quality of cosmetic products: 1,2
appreciate the key concepts in consumer marketing and how they influence product manufacture and sales of cosmetic product, and how different cultures and territories differ in their approach to approving cosmetic products.: 2

Study hours

Active Learning:
Lectures, workshops and seminars 44 hours
Seminars and feedback sessions to support assessments (6 hours)
Independent Study:
- anatomy, physiology and pharmacology in the context of product application and safety / toxicity (6 hours)
- the key chemical aspects of cosmetic formulation design and manufacture, including bioformulation and compatibility considerations (to include routes of delivery (2 hours), types of products and their formulation (16 hours))
- the current regulatory and legal requirements in major territories (6 hours)
- the quality systems used to ensure product quality and safety (8 hours)
- marketing and claims for cosmetic products (6 hours)
- 56 hours independent learning

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 50%
Claim substantiation for cosmetic products
Students will be given a cosmetic product and asked to review the claims made and how those claims are substantiated scientifically or in clinical / consumer studies. This assessment will be introduced in a seminar (1 hour) and supported by feedback sessions (2 hours). The essay will be 1,000 words in length.

2: Exam weighted 50%
End of module examination
The end-of-module assessment will be two hours in duration and completed under invigilated conditions in a university facility with access to computers. Students will answer questions and submit their responses electronically. This cumulative assessment will evaluate the breadth of learning across the module by testing students’ ability to recall key scientific principles, apply qualitative and quantitative methods, interpret and analyse data, and present clear, well-reasoned responses. The exam may include a combination of objective and written response formats.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025