Spelman College is the first HBCU to launch a cosmetic science program

By Ariyana Griffin
Especially for the AFRO

Spelman College has found a way to bridge the gap between the growing beauty industry and the makers of the products. According to the institute, research shows that Black women will have spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022.
beauty brands represent only 2.5 percent of the market.

In response to that disparity, the college has announced that they will expand their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program to offer cosmetic chemistry as a concentration for chemistry majors and a minor for others. This program marks the first time cosmetic chemistry has been offered on an HBCU campus.

“I am pleased that we are now offering a course that connects students’ Spelman experience with the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students’ competitiveness for advanced studies and careers in the field,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and department chair for physical sciences and mathematics, said in a statement. “I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to provide a culturally relevant perspective needed in the conversation about Black hair and skin care and cosmetics development.”

The curriculum, very unique to Spelman College, was developed with an eye toward advancing careers in the beauty industry and advancing the technical knowledge students may need to enter the field. A main goal is to also give students a well-rounded perspective when it comes to developing cosmetic formulas.

“This expansion of our curriculum reflects Spelman’s innovation and commitment to providing a 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 focuses on Black women as consumers, fueled by the scientific expertise in this field. We are excited to continue this evolution in creating new academic offerings that meet industry demands.”

The program, available to students this fall, will focus on the molecular sciences required for product formulation and development while providing a strong fundamental understanding of the origin, structure and function of ingredients used in the cosmetics industry are used.

The cosmetic science curriculum originally launched in January 2023 as a certificate program for students enrolled in Spelman’s online program, eSpelman. Since then, the program has grown exponentially from 150 to 750 applications as it begins its fourth term. That demonstration of interest and need for the subject led to the expansion of the program for students.

“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 chemical surface properties of curly hair. There are many students who are very interested in working with me on this project, and I look forward to growing this research within the new program.”

In addition to the program, the college will host a weeklong Cosmetic Science Summer Lab Intensive from June 2 to 8, which will focus on basic cosmetic formulations. The event will bring together Black women product developers, formulators and researchers to provide participants with informative seminars and panels. The lab will be available to eSpelman students, Spelman students and participants from other HBCUs based on availability. More information about the summer program will follow in the coming weeks.