The Complete Formulation Program
We believe that formulation skills are essential. Knowing how to make a safe and stable product that fits your own formulation brief gives you peace of mind as well as opening up exciting new avenues to pursue.
The three modules that are included give you exactly the kind of solid knowledge base you need to start formulating your own face and body care products. Join Robert Tisserand and Lise Andersen, who will guide you through a range of expert creations for you to add to your aromatherapy toolkit. Sixteen lessons filled with of step-by-step instruction, customizable formulas for balms, salves, masks… and now also emulsions and gels.
This is the ultimate formulation program for anyone who wants to make the best out of their essential oils with a full range of products!
Next enrollment: 2024
Complete Formulation Program
Bundle price - payment in fullSave $165 on the bundle (regular price $960)
Complete Formulation Program
Payment planFive payments of $159 over 5 months
Oil-based Products and Aqueous Sprays (Module 1)
This is an eight week course. During seven fascinating lessons, expert cosmetic formulator Lise Andersen will share her passion, know-how and professional techniques for creating silken whips, balms, serums, mists and more. You’ll explore the pros and pitfalls of plant oils, waxes and butters, and discover how and where to procure the right equipment and fresh, raw ingredients.
There is also one lesson on Essential Oil Blending with Robert Tisserand. Offered in week two, Robert will personally guide you in creating safe and beautifully scented therapeutic and cosmeceutical blends for adding to your formulations.
Hand-stirred Lotions and Emulsion (Module 2)
In this four week course Lise Andersen expertly walks you through the process and equips you with the knowledge to make your own safe, stable, hand-stirred emulsions without having to invest in pricey lab equipment.
The need for preservatives, emulsifiers, and pH testing makes some artisan formulators hesitate about taking the big leap. Yes you do need them, and yet there are creative solutions! Lise Andersen will guide you through each process – with her signature enthusiasm and her wealth of knowledge to help, you can do this!
Essential Gels and Serums (Module 3)
In this four week facilitated course, Lise Andersen expertly shows you how to make gels for all kinds of therapeutic and cosmetic applications – from cooling after-sun care to a soothing chest rub.
Gels are great for therapeutic application as they increase essential oil absorption into the skin. But how can you be sure a gel base you purchase is the right one for what you want to do? We want you to not only be sure, but also be able to customize your gel medium to be exactly what you need it to be, with confidence. Make great therapeutic gels with the latest addition to the Tisserand Institute Formulation series.
What You Get in the Program
WEEKLY LESSONS
Module 1: Eight 60-minute pre-recorded lessons.
Module 2: Four 60-minute pre-recorded lessons.
Module 3: Four 60-minute pre-recorded lessons.
Q&A SESSIONS
Module 1: Four live Q&A sessions (one with Robert Tisserand)
Module 2: Two live Q&A sessions
Module 2: Two live Q&A sessions
PRINTABLE COURSE MATERIAL
Extensive downloadable handouts and course notes with links to additional research and resources.
DEDICATED GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Access to our private online forum to ask questions and interact with your teachers and classmates.
SHOPPING LISTS AND SUPPLIER LISTS
Easy reference for the materials needed and where to get them, wherever you are in the world. Lise Andersen has carefully selected ingredients that are globally available, easy to work with, and that can be combined using regular kitchen tools and equipment.
ONGOING COURSE ACCESS
Ongoing access extended access for 8 weeks after the last lesson, and 6 months of view-only access.
Lise Andersen
Formulator | Founder of LisaLise Pure Natural Skincare & Formulators’ Kitchen
A self-professed ‘green’ formulator, Lise works with luxurious natural plant-based ingredients – preferably as raw and unprocessed as possible. Entirely self-taught, she has years of experience in researching, testing, and developing cosmetics.
Lise is the author of several DIY e-books on making skincare and haircare products, herbal extracts, and more. She also offers consultation and bespoke formulation for beauty brands. Visit her blog where she journals her experiments and shares know-how on everything from making no-soap cleansers to pressed eye shadow.
Robert Tisserand
Author | Speaker | Founder of Tisserand Institute
Robert is one of the world’s leading experts in aromatherapy with over 40 years of experience. He is a speaker, educator, author, and consultant on the science and benefits of essential oils and their safe and effective application. Robert has inspired audiences in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan on topics ranging from the therapeutic foundations of essential oils to examinations on essential oils and the skin.
Robert wrote one of the first books to bring awareness to aromatherapy in 1977, The Art of Aromatherapy, and is a co-author of Essential Oil Safety (2nd Edition, 2014), a book that sets industry standards for the safe use of essential oils.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
ESSENTIAL FORMULATION (Module 1)
Lesson 1 - Formulation Basics (June 13, 2023)
- Evaluation of raw materials, including sourcing, storage and safety
- Tips for procuring the right tools and equipment
- The ins and outs of containers and packaging
- The importance of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Working with weight vs. volume and calculating percentages
Lesson 2 - Essential Oil Blending taught by Robert Tisserand (June 20, 2023)
- Essential oil scent profiles and affinities – or ‘what blends with what’
- Considerations: nice scent or therapeutic efficacy? Can you blend for both?
- Natural perfumery basics: top, middle and base notes in relation to volatility of essential oils, C02 extracts, absolutes and resinoids
- The process: brainstorming, testing, reviewing and testing again
- Blending know-how: measuring, melting, diluting, recording
Products: Essential oil formulations for scent and skin application
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson & Robert Tisserand (June 22, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson and Essential Oil Expert Robert Tisserand for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 1 & 2. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
Lesson 3 - Formulating with Fatty Oils (June 27, 2023)
Understanding skin lipids, and fatty acids as components of skincare
- The differences between plant, animal and petrochemical oils
- Pros and cons of using fatty oils for skincare and health (yes, there are cons!)
- Combining the most effective fatty oils for different skin types
- Making and ‘testing’ the final product
Products:
Basic Massage Oil (unscented nutrient-rich base oil)
Moisture-Rich Facial Serum for Dry Skin (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Balancing Facial Serum for Oily Skin
Age-Defy Facial Serum for Mature Skin
Lesson 4 - Formulating with Waxes (July 04, 2023)
- Understanding the nature of waxes and their uses
- Pros and cons of wax and oil-based products (balms and ointments)
- Overview of main principles involved in making a smooth balm
- Creation of balms for lips, face and body massage
- Troubleshooting tips for wax and oil formulations
Products:
Basic Ointment
Luxurious Lemon and Rose Lip Balm (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Cappuccino Lip Balm (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (July 06, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 3 & 4. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
Lesson 5 - Formulating with Butters (July 11, 2023)
- How to recognize natural plant butters
- Pros and cons of using butters
- Overview of main principles for formulating with butters
- Creation of buttery balms and whipped butters for massage, hands and feet
- Troubleshooting tips for using butters – including how to combat graininess
Products:
Calming Shea Butter Balm (Skin Repair EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Soothing Body Serum (Skin Repair EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Whipped Body Butter
Lesson 6 - Formulating Safe Bath Products (July 18, 2023)
- Introduction to surfactants: mixing oil and water safely
- The challenges of creating and using bath products
- Overview of main principles for composing and customizing bath oils
- How to make bath bombs and salts with essential oils that safely disperse in water
Products:
Basic Bath Oil
Bath Bombs (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Bath Salt Soak
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (July 20, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 5 & 6. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
Lesson 7 - Formulating Safe Aqueous Sprays (July 25, 2023)
- The complexities of making water-based sprays with essential oils
- Understanding solubilizers, emulsifiers and dispersants
- Introduction to preservatives: what does ‘broad spectrum’ mean and why do we need it?
- Creation and customization of an aqueous spray using essential oils
Products:
Basic Body Spritzer (customizable spray)
Bug Off Spray (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Refreshing Room Spray
Lesson 8 - Formulating Facial Masks (August 01, 2023)
- Understanding natural clays and their properties
- How to ensure you’re working with the best raw materials
- Creating clay masks with essential oils and hydrosols
- How to incorporate fresh foods (avocado) for optimal results
- Shelf-life and storage of fresh-made cosmetic products
Products:
Fresh Honey and Avocado Mask for Sensitive Skin
Deep Cleansing Mask (EO blend by Robert Tisserand)
Ultra Moisture Boosting Mask
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (August 03, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 7 & 8. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
EMULSION ESSENTIALS (Module 2)
Lesson 1 - Elements of Emulsion (August 15, 2023)
- Understanding the nature and benefits of an emulsion
- Requirements for a safe and stable emulsion
- Discussion of emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers
- Selecting a preservative or preservative system
- Guidelines on using active ingredients in your emulsion
- Packaging options
Lesson 2 - Light Lotions and Creams (August 22, 2023)
- What constitutes a light emulsion
- About the emulsifiers we’ll be using in this lesson
- Step by step heating and cooling methods for optimal results
- Tips on the hand stirring techniques shown in this lesson
- How to measure the pH of your product
- Creating an emulsion for the eye area – ingredient highlights
Products: Eye serum, Body lotion
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (August 24, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 1 & 2. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
Lesson 3 - Viscous Emulsions - Creams and Salves (August 29, 2023)
- The elements of rich emulsions and where they are optimally applied
- Creating emulsions for the face – ingredient highlights and tips
- Identifying and working with quality multifunctional emulsifiers
- Demonstration of the heating and cooling methods for these formulas
- Transferring to containers – tips and tricks
- Customizing your cream and salve
Products:
Rich Face cream
Soothing Salve for Dry Skin
Lesson 4 - Cold Mix and Anhydrous Emulsions (September 05, 2023)
- What constitutes a cold mix and an anhydrous emulsion
- About the emulsifiers we’ll be using in this lesson
- Fail-safe stirring techniques for cold mix emulsifiers
- Emulsions as cleansers and scrubs
- Tailoring your formula to your needs
Products made:
Cleansing Milk
Body Scrub
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (September 07, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 3 & 4. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
ESSENTIAL GELS AND SERUMS (Module 3)
Lesson 1: Understanding Gels (September 19, 2023)
What makes a gel?
Gel components – biopolymers and texturing agents
Texture, feel and function – how to choose ingredients
Preservation options
Lesson 2: Oleogels (September 26, 2023)
Oil-based gels definitions and examples
Advantages and disadvantages
Choice of ingredients and formula considerations
Working with: thickeners, hydrogenated oils and amulsifiers
Formulas: Gel-to-milk cleanser, Chest rub
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (September 28, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 1 & 2. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
Lesson 3: Gels with Alcohol (October 03, 2023)
Working with alcohol
Compatible and balancing ingredients
High vs. low alcohol content gels and uses
Working with: isopropyl alchol, ethanol, methyl-cellulose, xanthan gum, glycerin
Formulas: Hand gel, Cooling serum gel
Lesson 4: Water-based Gels (October 10, 2023)
Ingredient consideration
pH considerations
Working with guar gum
Options for combining oil and water
Formulas: Guar gel – 5 different versions from a single template
Live Q&A Session with Lise Anderson (October 12, 2023 at 10am PST)
Join Cosmetic Formulator Lise Anderson for a live Q&A break-out session, where you can receive feedback and have your questions answered from Lesson’s 3 & 4. You will always receive a replay of live sessions in the event you are unable to attend. We also have student forums where you can submit questions anytime, and you are welcome to email questions to be answered in the next live Q&A.
What previous students say about our courses:
When You Complete the Program
FORMULATION CERTIFICATION
A signed Certificate of Completion issued by the Tisserand Institute for each course.
UNIQUE KNOWLEDGE
The program will empower you with thorough, evidence and experience based information.
The COMPLETE AROMATIC FORMULATION Certificate
Your certificates will be signed by Lise Andersen and Robert Tisserand. These demonstrate your knowledge of formulating products with oils, butters and waxes (Module 1: Essential Formulation), hand-stirred emulsions (Module 2: Emulsion Essentials), and gels and serums (Module 3: Essential Gels and Serums).
Don’t miss your chance to learn formulation from one of the most experienced natural skincare formulators!
Add a whole new palette of products to your aromatherapy toolkit!
FAQs
Will there be notes for me to review?
I am a certified aromatherapist. Will I learn anything new?
I am new to essential oils. Is this course for me?
“The information presented is appropriate for all levels, and although I am just beginning my aromatherapy journey it all makes sense.”
Will there be assessments or exams? What kind?
Each weekly lesson is followed by a multiple choice quiz, and there is a summary test at the end of each course. Passing both the weekly quizzes and the final tests is a requirement for certification.
You will be given enough time to prepare for the test as well as three attempts to pass.
Will I be able to ask questions?
Absolutely! In addition to the live Q&A sessions, you can post your questions in the dedicated student forums where the tutor and the TI team will address them.
What if I cannot participate on a live session?
All of our live sessions are recorded and are posted on the learning platform within 24 hours so you can watch them, or rewatch as needed during the course.
How long will I have access to the recordings?
You will have access to all the videos for at least four weeks after the last lesson (see course description for clarification as this changes for individual courses). All the printable materials (notes, handouts, charts, etc.) are of course yours to keep for reference forever.
Do you offer continuing education credits?
Because we have students from all over the world and of many professions we are not able to offer credits for specific organizations – there are simply too many. However, we issue a confirmation of CE hours gained on the course that you can apply with your professional organization and will be happy to assist with any additional documentation.
At the moment, we are an Approved Continuing Education Provider with NAHA.