Spelman College to Offer Cosmetic Science Concentration

Image Credit: Spelman.edu

Spelman College, an all women's HBCU in Atlanta, Ga., announced they will be offering a new cosmetic science curriculum. Cosmetic science is a field of study that teaches students how to use raw materials to develop and formulate beauty and personal care products. It is largely chemistry based and has many similarities with the pharmaceutical industry. Because of this, colleges and universities often house it in their pharmacy department, like the University of Cincinnati, or its chemistry department, which is what Spelman has done.

According to Spelman's press release, "The goal of the cosmetic science program is to promote careers in the beauty industry, enhance the technical knowledge of students seeking to work in the beauty industry or pursue advanced studies in cosmetics, and ensure a gendered and racial perspective in product formulation and development (Spelman.edu)." Cosmetic science is unique as it blends both art and science. If you love science but are artsy and creative, this may be a field to research.

Dr. Leyte Winfield, biochemistry and chemistry professor at Spelman, had this to say about the inaugural program, “I am excited that we now offer a course of study that connects students' Spelman experience to the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students' competitiveness for advanced study and careers in the field. I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to offer a culturally relevant perspective that is needed in the conversation on black hair and skin care and the development of cosmetics" (Spelman.edu). 

I couldn't agree more. Haircare has close cultural ties to the Black community, especially the subcommunity amongst Black women. It is beyond functionality and hygiene. Because of our unique hair textures and propensity to change styles often, the products used are vast as is the language used to describe the products and the styles they help create More of that cultural nuance is needed in the lab environments before something even comes into fruition.

 Spelman College is offering a cosmetic chemistry concentration for students majoring in chemistry and a cosmetic science minor for non-chemistry majors. Spelman offered a cosmetic science certificate before announcing their new curriculum offerings. The increasing popularity in the e-certificate is was initiated the program expansion. For more information, head to Spelman.edu to learn more.

Photo and Article Credit: Spelman.edu)