First year fashion journalism students have been discovering how beauty products are created and what ingredients go in their favourite cosmetics.
The group visited the cosmetic science laboratories at University of Sunderland’s city campus where they sampled body butters, oils, creams and make-up.
The products had been formulated in the labs by students on the university’s Bsc (Hons) Cosmetic Science programme.
The three year cosmetic science course allows students to undertake an in-depth exploration of formulation, dermatology and professional practice in the cosmetic industry.
Last year students on the course, along with Programme Leader Dr Kalliopi Dodou, took part in a BBC documentary, The Truth About…Looking Good.
The programme explored the scientific evidence behind claims made on beauty products promising to improve and transform – which the UK spends over £9billion a year on.
The visit was set up as part of a first year module introducing students to the skills of a fashion journalist which includes lectures and workshops on beauty writing.
Liz Lamb, a senior lecturer on the BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism programme, said: “Many of our students have never set foot into a laboratory so this was a great experience. A lot of them have a keen interest in both beauty and fashion and it is really important as journalists that they find out the science behind the products they are writing about it.”
Cosmetics and lotions produced in the labs are not available for sale as a manufacturing licence is needed to sell to the public.
To find out more about Bsc (Hons) Cosmetic Science visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/pharmacy-pharmaceutical-and-cosmetic-sciences/undergraduate-cosmetic-science/
