Putting on a good face – the chemistry of cosmetics
Activities
The Helix
Cosmetic chemistry by Leanne West and Peta Stewart (No. 75, December 2000/January 2001, page 33) – instructions for making facial soap and lip balm.
University of Sydney, Australia
Lifestyle chemistry – complete learning module in which students investigate how the performance of consumer products depend on the chemical properties of their ingredients.
Association for Science Education (United Kingdom)
Perfumes – a set of activities designed to teach chemical separation techniques through the making and testing of fragrance oils.
Science NetLinks, USA
The chemistry of hair care – an investigation of how understanding chemistry, particularly the role of pH, helps in the development of better hair-care products. Students determine the pH of different shampoos, treat hair samples with solutions of varying pH and do an online exploration of hair care.
Science upd8, UK
Shampoo claims – truth or lies – this activity asks students to evaluate data from hair strength trials, and to decide what the data shows (if anything!). They then examine other advertisers' claims.
Image lab (Wellcome Trust, UK)
Activity resources – students investigate the science behind three beauty products then prepare a short film advertising a beauty product.
Post-activity resources – provides a range of activities including a critique of scientific claims from beauty product advertisements, testing mascara, and making perfume and aftershave.
Illinois Institute of Technology Smile Program, USA
Making mayonnaise: An edible emulsion – students learn how emulsifying agents (an essential ingredient of many cosmetics) are used to stabilise a mixture of two substances that normally do not combine.
What is soap? – students investigate the properties of soap and how it is made.
Kentucky Coal Education (USA)
Makeup – a wealth of minerals – students learn how a variety of minerals are used in cosmetics.
A paste with a taste – students make toothpaste and compare it with commercially available products.
Page updated August 2009.