Example Application of a General Chemistry Laboratory Experiment for Solving Cosmetic Product Formulation: Student Evaluation

Abstract

It is quite important for each individual interested in cosmetic chemistry to apply the steps of formulating a cosmetic product and obtain a prototype product. In this regard, second-year university associate degree students (N = 15) were enabled to produce their own prototype creams in the laboratory environment by examining the contents of 10 different types of hand and body creams, investigating and classifying the purpose of the raw materials, extracting the common raw materials found in 10 different creams, and selecting reliable chemicals together with the training instructor in this study. The results of the individual evaluation report created by the training facilitator for each student in the study revealed that the majority of the students improved their ability to conduct research from a “weak” level in the pre-evaluation to a “good” level in the post-evaluation. In addition, the post-evaluation total average percentile scores of the students were statistically significant compared to the pre-evaluation total average percentile scores (t(14) = −10.753, p < 0.001).The results also showed that the majority of the students were able to create prototype products at a “good” level. At the end of the application, all students expressed completely positive opinions about the application and laboratory process as educational, fun, and interesting and that they could use it in their professional lives in their own fields. This application realized in the research is thought to provide a contribution to the chemistry, health, and engineering education literature. This hands-on approach is innovative, and the significance lies in its potential to enhance the practical skills of students, making them better prepared for industry challenges. It also includes a methodical process provided for students to recreate cosmetic products, which is not commonly found in the literature. In addition, it is useful to chemistry educators, offering a replicable model for integrating practical formulation skills into chemistry courses.