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Cosmetics Formulation Studio

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Grades 6-860-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Teams formulate a simple lotion or lip balm, testing how ingredient ratios change its texture, color, and how long it stays stable before separating.

Budget levels

Amazon prices checked Oct 9-10, 2026 and may change

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Quick Start

Digital downloads only.

$0 to buy. Printing noted separately.

Student time: one class period, one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one class period on a single day.

Scale back: Fit it into a shorter period, use fewer effects, or run a demo instead of a build.

Scale up: Add one extra effect, or spread the share-out across another day.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

  • reading cards on ingredient originsPrintinguse what you have

Full Experience

Required materials for the class.

$38.94 per class (class of about 30, 6 groups). Exceeds $25 per class.

Classroom cardboard or boxes can lower the cost.

Student time: one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one school day.

Scale back: Fit the build into one period with fewer effects.

Scale up: Spread the work across days, or add more effects.

  • Petroleum jellyRequired13 x 13 oz$14.97Amazon
  • beeswaxRequired11 lb pellets$13.99Amazon
  • plant oilRequired1 x 4 fl oz bottle4 fl oz bottle$9.98Amazon

Total Transformation

The bigger kit, with every optional item included.

$38.94 per class (class of about 30, 6 groups).

Student time: one day (one session, one-day event).

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one session, a one-day event.

Scale back: Shorten the event, or run a demo for a smaller audience.

Scale up: Spread the build and the event across days, or invite a bigger audience.

Choose your version

Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Student time: 35 min, one class periodTeacher prep / build-ahead: 15 min$0 to buy. Printing noted separately.One table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Print or hand-copy the essential prompt for Cosmetics Formulation Studio, then set out only paper, pencils, and the common or recycled items needed for one test. Use a tabletop representation whenever the original version mentions a room, specialized device, or digital tool; the learning comes from the decisions and evidence, not elaborate scenery.

Activity

  1. Review a base recipe ratio and predict how adding more wax versus more oil will change the final texture.
  2. Melt and mix a batch following the chosen ratio, then pour it into tins to set.
  3. Test the cooled product's texture and color, find it's too greasy or too hard, and adjust the ratio for a second batch.
  4. Present both batches side by side, explaining which formulation worked best and why.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Done when: The group has completed Cosmetics Formulation Studio when it can present both batches side by side, explaining which formulation worked best and why and point to the observation, measurement, comparison, or trial that supports its conclusion.

Materials

coconut oil, beeswax pellets or lip balm base, food-safe pigment, small tins, mixing sticks; Petroleum jelly; plant oil; reading cards on ingredient origins

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change.

As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Steps

  1. Write a spec: criteria (smooth, not greasy, stays solid at room temperature for 7 days without separating) and constraints (safe ingredients, melting points, budget, adult runs the hot water bath). Note impacts on people and the environment.
  2. Research two ingredient options: petroleum jelly or paraffin (made from crude oil) and beeswax or plant oil. Use reading cards or websites to record which natural resource each comes from, how it is processed, and its effects on society (cost, jobs, health, pollution, waste).
  3. Predict how the ratio of wax to oil changes texture for each version.
  4. Melt and mix a synthetic-based batch and a natural-based batch in a warm water bath, then pour into tins to set.
  5. Test each batch on wax paper for texture, color and separation after 1, 3 and 7 days, and record results.
  6. Adjust the ratio for a second batch if one is too greasy or too hard.
  7. Present both batches side by side with an infographic showing where each ingredient comes from and how the synthetic one impacts society.

Standards mapped

  • NGSS · MS-ETS1-1

    Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

  • NGSS · MS-PS1-3

    Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.