The Cactus Mini Lab

This Mini Lab covers everything formulators need to know about acids in skincare. Moving beyond their reputation as harsh exfoliants it explores key acids like AHAs BHAs PHAs vitamin C and azelaic acid their chemical properties and how pH pKa and molecular size influence efficacy and irritation. Includes strategies for combining acids synergistically selecting effective delivery systems and formulating safe consumer-friendly treatments targeting hyperpigmentation ageing acne and dryness.

The AI Mini Lab explores how artificial intelligence is transforming cosmetic formulation, showing how to use AI tools for ingredient compatibility, stability forecasting, and idea generation. It teaches participants to craft precise prompts, critically assess AI-generated outputs, and understand the limitations of these tools. Ethical and environmental considerations such as bias, privacy, and transparency are also discussed. Throughout the lab, the essential role of human creativity, sensory judgement, and regulatory knowledge is emphasized, reinforcing that AI is a helpful assistant but not a replacement for expert formulators.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators about the science behind free radicals, exploring their effects on us and on cosmetic formulations. In addition it highlights the role of antioxidants in safeguarding against these impacts.

In this mini course, we share some expert advice on how to formulate with azelaic acid effectively and suggest some other active ingredients and plant extracts that work well with this ingredient to boost its benefits.

Bakuchiol is one of the cosmetic ingredients everyone is talking about. In this mini course we explore what bakuchiol is, it's effect on the skin and how to incorporate it into cosmetic formulations.

This Mini Lab explores the key principles of biomimetic beauty, highlighting how natural processes, structures, and ingredients can be replicated to create high-performance, skin-compatible formulations. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how biomimicry enhances product efficacy, sustainability, and innovation in the cosmetics industry.

This Mini Lab introduces formulators to the science and sustainability of biotech beauty. It explores key production methods, fermentation, enzyme and cell-based techniques, and synthetic biology, alongside formulation benefits, ingredient examples, and future trends. Learners gain a clear understanding of biotech’s role in ethical, low-impact cosmetic innovation.

In this Mini course you will learn about the chemistry of botanical oils, their fatty acid profiles and how to understand the environmental impact of growing botanical oils for skincare.

Branding is key to a succesful business. In this Mini Course we teach you how to work with a designer and how to use tools such as mood boards to generate the look and feel you want for your beauty brand.

CBD and hemp have been trending ingredients for some time now. Learn about some of the key aspects of these ingredients that you need to know to use them succesfully as a cosmetic formulator.

Centella asiatica also known as Gotu kola is taking the beauty world by storm and although this ingredient is now new, it has never been more on trend. In this Mini Lab, we give you essential information on this botanical active ingredient and how to formulate with it. This herb is known for its soothing and calming benefits and we look at the current research available that explains how it may work on the skin. You will learn, The history and botanical characteristics of Centella asiatica. The skin benefits of Centella asiatica. How to formulate with Centella asiatica.

This mini course covers the use of ceramides in formulations and understanding their use within the skincare industry. Cosmetic formulators will learn how to formulate using ceramides through a deep understanding on the subject.

In this mini course, you will learn how our natural circadian rhythms affect the functioning of the skin. You will explore how skincare can be formulated to work with these natural rhythms and ingredients that work well for day and night.

This mini course covers everything cosmetic formulators need to know about the circular economy in relation to the beauty industry and how to implement these principles into their own formulations.

Are you looking for a free tool that can help you to grow your network, market your products and more? Clubhouse is a relatively new social media app that the beauty industry has fully embraced for all of those reasons and more. But how do you get the most out of your Clubhouse experience and avoid so many of the time-wasting pitfalls of other social media In this Mini Lab, we will give you all the inside tips and tricks from the Formula Botanica social media team on how you can use this tool, to network, grow your business and practice important key skills such as your "Elevator pitch" and being visible!

Learn the importance of content creation for skincare entrepreneurs. We cover different platforms for content creation, search engine optimisation and more.

Natural deodorants are trending and in this Mini Course we teach you how to formulate your own natural deodorant using botanical active ingredients. Learn about the science of sweat and how deodorants work.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators about what cruelty free means for their business and how legislation impacts cruelty free claims.

This Mini Lab covers everything formulators need to know about how delivery systems enhance formulations by improving ingredient penetration, stability, and performance. It explores key types, selection factors, and regulatory considerations, equipping them with the knowledge to create effective, innovative formulations.

A mini course exploring essential oils for cosmetic formulation. How they are obtained, their chemistry and some unusual essential oils you will want to try as a cosmetic formulator.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators how fermented skincare utilises microorganisms to enhance ingredients. They will learn what fermentation is, its benefits and how to use biofermented ingredients in formulations.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators how to formulate fragrance free cosmetics, why fragrance free is popular on the market and to understand fragrance allergens.

In this mini course, we teach the creation of gel emulsions, which are popular for their lightweight, fast-absorbing qualities while providing the moisturising benefits of a cream. Gel emulsions are in high demand because they feel great on the skin and work well for various skin types. We'll cover different techniques and ingredients to help you formulate natural, effective and appealing gel emulsions that stand out.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators about the function and cosmetic use of hyaluronic acid. It covers types of hyaluronic acid, formulation tips and complementary ingredients.

With over 1 billion users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps and it is becoming increasingly important for businesses and consumers. What started as a simple photo-sharing service, now encompasses a wide range of features, such as the ability to shop directly through the app and much more. In this Mini Lab, we look at some of the recent changes Instagram has made and how you as an indie beauty entrepreneur can grow on the platform. This is one of our most requested business topics and this Mini Lab is going to help you create engaging Instagram content that your audience will love.

In this mini course we look at Lamellar emulsions, what they are, their benefits on the skin and some different emulsifiers capable of forming lamellar emulsions. This is perfect for any cosmetic formulator looking to work on their emulsification skills.

Ever wanted to make your own lipsticks? In this Mini course for cosmetic formulators we teach you how to create lipsticks using botanical ingredients and innovative plant pigments, fantastic for those wanting to expand their skills to colour cosmetics.

This mini course covers the male grooming market for cosmetic formulators. Current market trends and types of formulations that are popular in male grooming.

We explore the deep blue sea in this course on the topic of marine ingredients that are available to cosmetic formulators. Learn the about the benefits of marine ingredients for the skin and how to use them in your formulas.

In this mini course you will learn the effect that hormonal changes in menopause can have on the skin and hair. You will learn about ingredients that are ideally suited to supporting the skin during this time and explore the menopause beauty market.

Learn about one of the hottest trends in the beauty industry, microbiome skincare! In this mini course you will learn about the important role of the skin microbiome and what the current research and evidence is to support microbiome friendly cosmetics.

This mini course teaches cosmetic formulators all about the fantastic benefits of mushroom based ingredients in beauty. It covers all the main types of mushrooms and their properties, showing how to incorporate them into beauty products.