Overview:
Starting this fall, Spelman College will offer a concentration in cosmetic chemistry for students majoring in Chemistry, the first of its kind at a Historically Black College University (HBCU).
Starting this fall, Spelman College will offer a concentration in cosmetic chemistry for students majoring in Chemistry, the first of its kind at a Historically Black College University (HBCU). As an extension of their STEM programming, students will be able to take advantage of this offering this fall.
The cosmetic science curriculum was launched as a certificate offering in the eSpelman online program in January 2023. In a little over a year, the program has grown from 150 to 750 applications for its fourth term.
“This expansion of our curriculum speaks to Spelman’s innovation and commitment to giving voice that empowers Black women,” said Spelman Provost Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson. “The program will be far-reaching and will support our students and faculty in making a difference in a field that caters to Black women as consumers, fueled by the scientific expertise in this area. We are thrilled to continue this evolution of creating new academic offerings that address industry demands.”
The cosmetic science program will work to promote careers in the beauty industry by increasing students’ technical knowledge while making sure black women have a perspective in product formulation and development. Research shows that black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022; only 2.5 percent of the market coming from Black beauty brands.
“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,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “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.”
This new cosmetic chemistry curriculum will create a program at Spelman that focuses on the molecular sciences related to product formulation and development, providing a fundamental understanding of the origin, structure, and function of ingredients. Starting this summer, Spelman will offer a one-week Cosmetic Science Summer Lab Intensive that will bring together Black female product developers, formulators, and researchers to convene for informative seminars and panels.
“We believe this exciting new venture will lead to many new research opportunities and collaborations with leaders in the beauty care field,” said Dr. Michelle Gaines, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Spelman. “My research is rooted in studying the surface chemical properties of curly hair. There are many students who are very interested in working on this project with me, and I’m looking forward to growing this research within the new program.”
Additional information on the Summer Lab Intensive will be posted on the Spelman College website in the coming weeks.