Programme Summary
| Programme Code | SC - NCPD |
| Awards | Certificate (Distinction) in Natural Cosmetic Product Development |
| Certificate (Merit) in Natural Cosmetic Product Development | |
| Certificate in Natural Cosmetic Product Development | |
| Mode of Delivery | Lectures, Group works, Hands-on Practical sessions, Class Room Activities, Presentations, Assignments |
| Medium of Instruction | Sinhala & English |
| Date of Commencement | August, 2025 |
| Awarding Institution | NDH LIFESTYLE CAMPUS |
| Programme Specification | June, 2025 |
| Programme Director | Dr. Erandi Gunathilaka |
| ndhlifestylecampusnlc@gmail.com | |
| Phone Number | +94707079323 |
Contents
- Course Overview and Aims
- Learning Outcomes
- Programme Structure
- Modules
- Admission Criteria
- Teaching and Learning Methods
- Evaluation methods
- Awarding Criteria
1. Course Overview
and Aims
Course Title: SHORT COURSE IN NATURAL COSMETIC PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Duration: 32 Hours (8 Sundays)
Course Overview:This hands-on course introduces participants to the safe and effective manufacturing of chemical-free skincare, haircare, and makeup products using locally sourced natural ingredients. Rooted in traditional herbal knowledge and guided by modern formulation science, it provides a Sri Lankan-centered approach to clean, conscious beauty manufacturing.
AIMS
- To explore the foundations of herbal and natural cosmetic product development
- To understand raw material properties, safety standards, and preservation techniques
- To build hands-on formulation skills using Sri Lankan ingredients
- To equip participants with the knowledge to safely manufacture products at home or for small-scale business
- To provide essential guidance on product quality control and local regulatory compliance
2. Learning
Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key principles of natural and herbal cosmetic product development
- Identify harmful and banned ingredients in commercial products
- Choose appropriate oils, butters, waxes, and botanicals for formulations
- Manufacture stable emulsions with proper preservation
- Customize a wide range of skincare, haircare, and colour cosmetics
- Conduct pH and patch testing to ensure product safety
- Navigate the process of registering natural cosmetic products in Sri Lanka
3. Programme
Structure
The course is delivered over 1 month and includes both asynchronous theory and in-person or live virtual practicals.
| Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| In-Person Practical Sessions (with integrated theory) | 32 |
| Bonus Online Module (Self-Paced) | 2 Hours (Optional) |
4. Modules
| Module Code | Module Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| SCNCPD-M01 | Foundations of Natural Beauty | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M02 | Ingredient Selection, Formulation & Preservation | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M03 | Moisturizers, Creams & Balms Product Development | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M04 | Body Lotions, Lip Balms & Scrubs | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M05 | Haircare Products: Oils, Shampoo & Herbal Colouring | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M06 | Herbal Masks & Natural Makeup | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M07 | Custom Formulation Project & Peer Review | 4 hrs |
| SCNCPD-M08 | BONUS: Quality Control & Product Registration in Sri Lanka | 4 hrs |
Please refer module descriptors for module learning outcomes, detailed subject content and teaching & assessment strategies.
5. Admission
Criteria
TThis course is open to:
- Beginners and herbal product enthusiasts
- Wellness and spa professionals
- Holistic and Ayurvedic practitioners
- Small business owners and startup founders
No prior cosmetic science or Product Development experience required.
6. Teaching and
Learning Methods
- Hands-On Product Making: Learn to formulate a variety of natural beauty products using simple tools and easily available ingredients.
- Live Demonstrations & Ingredient Handling: Step-by-step guidance on safe measuring, mixing, and preparation of herbal formulations.
- Collaborative Learning: Group discussions, Q&A sessions, and peer sharing to deepen understanding and build confidence.
- Practical, Accessible Approach: Ideal for home-based or small-scale production—no need for a high-tech lab. Focus on setting up a clean, functional, and affordable workspace.
- Comprehensive Digital Handbook: Includes recipes, ingredient profiles, safety guidelines, and checklists to support continued learning and home practice.
7. Evaluation
Methods
- Hands-On Participation & Product Outcomes (40%): Active involvement in demonstrations and successful completion of assigned product formulations.
- Final Product & Kit Presentation (30%): Showcase a set of completed products with clear labeling, packaging, and presentation.
- Mini Project: Custom Formulation Sheet (30%): Submit a detailed formulation sheet for a chosen product, including ingredient rationale and basic quality checks.
Note: All components must be completed to earn the certificate.
Grading Criteria
A candidates performance in each module will be graded according to the following grading scheme.
| Range of Marks | Grade | Grade Point | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85-100 | A+ | 4.0 | Distinction |
| 70-84 | A | 4.0 | |
| 65-69 | A- | 3.7 | Merit |
| 60-64 | B+ | 3.3 | |
| 55-59 | B | 3.0 | Pass |
| 50-54 | B- | 2.7 | |
| 45-49 | C+ | 2.3 | |
| 40-44 | C | 2.0 | |
| 35-39 | C- | 1.7 | N/A |
| 30-34 | D+ | 1.3 | |
| 25-29 | D | 1.0 | |
| 00-24 | E | 0.0 |
8. Awarding Criteria
Participants who have received an aggregate average of 40or above are considered as pass and will be awarded a certificate, if the mark is above 60 will be awarded a merit certificate and if the mark is above 70 for each module will be awarded a distinction.
- Distinction: 70% and above
- Merit: 60%-69%
- Pass: 50%-59%
Participants must achieve an aggregate average of 50% or above to receive certification.
Academic Integrity
All exams and assessments (except where team effort is required and as such specified) are to be individual work with no discussion or collaboration with others permitted. In-class assignments may be either individual or group work as directed by the lecturer. Students are expected to adhere to the code of conduct as outlined in the NDH lifestyle campus. Any incidents of academic misconduct such as cheating, plagiarism, copying others’ work, or other inappropriate assistance on examinations will be treated with zero tolerance and will result in a grade of "F" for the course. Breaches of academic integrity may also result in other actions being taken by the Institute.
9. WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Natural beauty and DIY enthusiasts
- Wellness coaches and holistic therapists
- Aspiring herbal manufacturers and spa owners
- Health-conscious homemakers
- Youths and students exploring sustainable beauty practices
- Entrepreneurs planning a small-scale beauty brand
12. MATERIALS REQUIRED
- Writing materials for notes
- Apron or lab coat for sessions
- All cosmetic raw materials and containers are provided
Are you interested in the study programme? View our course brochure for more information
View Brochure
Courses
Join now and improve your quality of life by learning to Eat Good, Feel good and Look Good.
Lifestyle Design
Lifestyle design is the process of designing your life aligned with your nature, capabilities, values, dreams, passion, and purpose. You are free to design your life the way YOU want. It’s a way to enlighten your life and achieve your expectations within a shorter period time. Lifestyle designer programs support you to change your lifestyle to meet your lifegoals in your personal and professional lives.
Organic Living
Organic living is a lifestyle which is dedicated to making more informed choices when confronted with decisions that influence your health and the environment. What exactly is an organic lifestyle? Many an individual think that eating organically is organic living. Organic lifestyle is not only related to organic foods, but also many other aspects of our lives are also considered as organic living. Organic living programs help you to meet your organic lifestyle changes and to create real happiness in your life.
Natural Beauty
Natural Beauty means real beauty which is in its original or inherent form. Nature & beauty are the compartment of the same journey of life. Nature has a grace, beauty, offering the calmness and creating a pleasurable surrounding in the environment. The same is equally true for the women as women have equally graced & charm in the life & their presence everywhere in the social surrounding create a pleasurable and enjoyable environment. These programs support you to build your own beauty and the surrounding.
Wellness Management
Wellness management is a process of supporting, training, and encouraging others in the pursuit of well-being in all dimensions of a person's life, including Social, Physical, Emotional, Occupational, Intellectual, Environmental and Spiritual. Personal health behavior is significant, as individuals are persuaded to adopt and maintain positive lifestyles through a variety of awareness, educational and motivational techniques, and strategies.