Curriculum Integration Kernel

Program Values Statement

Students are at the centre of the curriculum integration process. A graduate of Cosmetic Management is expected to be respectful, demonstrate critical thinking, and understand the needs of a very diverse consumer population.

In this program we value respect, and we aim to build safe spaces and collaborative classroom experiences, and provide a platform for students to become responsible individuals and ethical chemists. This means sourcing sustainably sourced materials, ethically sourced products, and using sustainable supply chains. This will foster collaboration, creativity, innovation and peer development.

Curriculum Integration Goal

These activities support the following action item from the program roadmap and Recommended Action Plan (the "RAP"): "Integrate the sustainable sourcing of ingredients into CSP 104: Formulation 1."

Activities

Planning and Materials

Each activity requires minimal planning and can be adapted into practice tasks that build into summative assignments. In some cases, a worksheet or resource document would support students through the activity.

Activity 1: Ingredient Lifecycle Analysis Workshop

Introduction: In this activity, students will engage with equity and sustainability concepts while practicing collaboration and communication and applying critical thinking skills through research and analysis. The professor will have to craft clear goals, instructions and rubrics for this task.

Description: Students select a commonly used cosmetic ingredient (e.g., palm oil, mica, or synthetic fragrance) and research its full lifecycle—from sourcing and extraction to processing and disposal. They present findings in small groups, focusing on:

1. Environmental Impact (e.g., deforestation, water use, palm oil usage);
2. Suitability for diverse consumer base;
3. Highlight ethical concerns (e.g., labour practices, impact on local communities);
4. Propose equitable and sustainable alternatives.

Activity 2: Sustainable Formulation Challenge

Introduction: In this activity, students will use creativity and innovation by redesigning a formulation using sustainably sourced ingredients. This hands-on activity blends creativity with technical knowledge and sustainability principles.

Description: Students are given a formulation brief such as a moisturizing lotion for sensitive skin. They are challenged to evaluate the sustainable elements in the formulation and propose a redesign by incorporating sustainably sourced ingredients. They must justify their choices based on:

• ingredient origin and renewability
• biodegradability, and
• compatibility with formulation stability and performance.

Activity 3: Debate - Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients

This authentic assignment mimics discussions that happen in the cosmetic science workplace. Through this debate, students are practicing communication skills and a deeper understanding of the complex challenges that come with sustainable sourcing of materials.

Description: The professor will facilitate a structured debate where students argue the pros and cons of natural vs. synthetic ingredients in terms of sustainability, safety, performance, and consumer perception. Students will take on roles of formulators, environmental scientists, and marketing professionals.

Assignment: Conduct a Sustainability Audit of a Cosmetic Product

Purpose: To critically evaluate the sustainability of a cosmetic product by analyzing its ingredients, packaging, sourcing practices, and overall environmental impact.

Course Learning Outcomes supported by this assignment are as follows:

• LO1: Apply colloidal and surface science principles to sustainable formulations
• LO2: Evaluate physical and organoleptic properties of eco-friendly alternatives
• LO3: Recommend strategies to improve product stability using sustainable methods
• LO5: Develop inclusive formulations with ethical and environmental considerations

Instructions for Students

STEP 1: PRODUCT SELECTION - Choose a cosmetic product (e.g., moisturizer, cleanser, shampoo) from a Canadian brand—preferably one with a sustainability claim.

STEP 2: INGREDIENT ANALYSIS - List all ingredients and identify the source (natural, synthetic, upcycled), the sustainability certifications (e.g., COSMOS, Fair Trade, RSPO), and environmental concerns (e.g., biodegradability, toxicity, water usage)

STEP 3: PACKAGING EVALUATION - Assess packaging materials (plastic, glass, compostable) and consider recyclability, refillability, and carbon footprint

STEP 4: BRAND PRACTICES - Research the brand's sustainability initiatives: ethical sourcing, waste reduction, community engagement

STEP 5: RECOMMENDATIONS - Suggest improvements to enhance sustainability: ingredient substitutions, packaging redesign, formulation tweaks to improve shelf-life or reduce environmental impact

DELIVERABLES - Audit Report with visuals, tables and references & Presentation that summarizes findings and recommendations

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