Botanical Skin Care | Featured

The Cleanser Lab

Master the Art & Science of Creating Professional-Quality Facial & Body Cleansers

Is your cleanser secretly damaging your skin?

Discover the science of skin-friendly cleansers and learn how to formulate products that work WITH your skin’s natural chemistry, not against it.

THE PROBLEM WITH MOST CLEANSERS

Most commercial and DIY cleansers (including beloved “natural” options like castile soap) have a pH around 9—dramatically more alkaline than your skin’s natural pH of 4.5-5.5.

While your skin works to restore balance after each use, research shows these repeated disruptions create lasting damage to your skin’s protective “acid mantle,” leading to:

✖ Increased dryness and tightness

✖ Compromised barrier function

✖ Growth of acne-causing bacteria

✖ Heightened sensitivity and irritation

✖ Reduced effectiveness of your entire skincare routine

INTRODUCING: THE CLEANSER LAB

A focused, comprehensive course teaching you exactly how to formulate gentle, effective cleansers that respect your skin’s natural chemistry while delivering the cleansing power you need.

“Understanding the science behind pH balance has been a game-changer for my products and my customers’ results. Learning to formulate cleansers properly changed everything about my skincare approach.” — Maria T.

This online course is self-paced. Begin as soon as you sign up!

Watch the videos and read the lessons on any device at your own pace and convenience.

The Cleanser Lab | Online

 

Course Outline

Module 1

FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES

Introduction to the Cleanser Lab Your roadmap to mastering cleanser formulation and setting up for success.

Lesson 1: Understanding Your Skin The science of skin biology and how cleansers interact with different skin types on both face and body.

Lesson 2: About Cleansers Core principles and functions of effective facial and body cleansers, with key differences highlighted.

Lesson 3: The Surfactant Palette Deep dive into surfactant chemistry and how to select the perfect ingredients.

BONUS: What Type of Water to Use? Critical insights on water quality and its impact on your formulations.

Lesson 4: About pH and Why It’s Important The science of pH balance and creating skin-friendly formulations.

BONUS: pH Video Tutorials Visual demonstrations of pH testing and adjustment techniques.

Lesson 5: Preservatives for Cleansers Essential knowledge for creating safe, stable products with appropriate shelf life.

Module 2

FORMULATION MASTERY

Lesson 1: Formulating Lathering Cleansers Create luxurious, effective cleansers with the perfect foam consistency for both facial and body applications.

Lesson 2: Formulating Emollient Cleansers Develop nourishing cleansers that cleanse without stripping the skin.

Lesson 3: Formulating Cream Cleansers Master the art of rich, creamy formulations that comfort and cleanse.

Lesson 4: Formulating Gel Cleansers Create refreshing, effective gel formulations with professional results.

Lesson 5: Formulating Foaming Cleansers Develop lightweight, satisfying foaming products for all skin types.

BONUS: Complete Formulation Worksheets Professional worksheets to guide your formulation process from concept to finished product.

Module 3

SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES

Lesson 1: Formulating Oil Cleansers Master the art of oil-based cleansing systems that effectively remove makeup and impurities while nourishing facial and body skin.

What you will learn

$

How to select the perfect surfactants for different cleanser types and skin needs

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The science of pH balancing and why it’s crucial for healthy skin

$

Formulation techniques for 5 different cleanser types: lathering, emollient, cream, gel, and foaming

$

How to create oil cleansers that effectively remove makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin

$

The differences between facial and body cleansers and how to adapt formulations accordingly

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Which preservative systems work best for different cleanser formulations

$

How to customize cleansers for specific skin types and concerns (sensitive, acne-prone, mature, etc.)

$

How to evaluate and improve your formulation

$

Cost-effective sourcing of quality ingredients and packaging options

Our Online Cleanser Lab Course comes with:

aromatherapy certificate course inclusions

Comprehensive Video Lessons – Clear, detailed instruction for every aspect of cleanser formulation

Formulation Worksheets – Professional templates to develop your own signature formulations

Downloadable Worksheets: Practice your skills with structured formulation exercises

Complete Recipe Collection – Proven starter recipes for each type of cleanser to get you creating immediately

Supply Resources – Our curated guide to quality ingredients and equipment sources

Certificate of Completion – Document your expertise and commitment to professional standards

Lifetime Access to Course Material and Video Content

In Course Student forum

This online course is self-paced. Begin as soon as you sign up!

Watch the videos and read the lessons on any device, at your own pace and convenience.

Who is this course for?

The Cleanser Lab is perfect for everyone interested in formulating pH balanced cleansers that support skin health and resiliency!

This course is your doorway into the world of professional-quality, skin-supportive cleansers. Whether you’re:

 

  • A beginner taking your first steps into creating cleansers that work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes
  • A DIY enthusiast wanting to make gentle, effective cleansers that don’t compromise skin health for yourself, your family, and friends
  • An established formulator looking to perfect the delicate balance between effective cleansing and skin barrier protection
  • A conscious consumer interested in creating cleansers that truly support long-term skin resilience rather than quick, harsh results
  • A skincare formulator who wants to understand the science of pH and its critical role in maintaining the skin’s protective barrier

The Cleanser Lab provides the perfect blend of skin physiology knowledge and practical formulation techniques, making it possible to create cleansers that clean effectively while supporting your skin’s natural protective mechanisms.

No matter where you are on your formulation journey, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise to create cleansers that maintain optimal pH balance and promote healthier, more resilient skin for both face and body.

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What our Students Say

Jade enriched my knowledge both in aromatherapy and product formulating

I am grateful for the knowledge which I gathered over the years which prepared me for product creation. I have met many wonderful teachers who generously shared their invaluable knowledge with me. Our beautiful Jade here at Aromatic Studies is one of those teachers. She enriched my knowledge both in aromatherapy and product formulating. Her product formulating course is wonderful, perfectly structured and beyond generous with information. It helps not only with learning how to formulate but also covers the technical and legal aspects of running small production. This part is not so much fun to learn for many of us but is absolutely essential to run successfully and efficiently.

Magdalena Tomczak (woman divine)

Love this program!

Absolutely loving your Cleanser lab. I have not really enjoyed the Castille soap it was so drying on my skin. I have been exploring the course and I have watched it through to the ph adjustment video which was brilliant. It brings science to my kitchen in a really safe and interesting way. Thank you for bringing courses that are new, refreshing and engaging. I really enjoy studying with you.

Lisa Bebee

I have learned step by step how to make natural and organic skincare products

I have learned step by step how to make natural and organic skincare products and started using a lot of new and amazing ingredients. I have deepened my knowledge about essential oils, vegetable oils, herbal oils and how to use it to support and enhance the skin health. All this knowledge has been extremely valuable to my life, family and my business.

Cintia Wess

Payment Details

One Payment

$129.00

Two Payments

$67.00

*Supplies not included, for a complete listing of materials covered in this course, click here: The Cleanser Lab Supply List

Meet Your Instructor

Meet Jade:

Jade Shutes is an aromatherapist, herbalist, author, researcher, gardener, and aromatic distiller.

She holds a Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology, and Reflexology from the Raworth College of Natural Medicine in Dorking, UK, and a Diploma in Aromatherapy from the International Therapist Examining board (ITEC). She also holds a certificate in herbal medicine.

An aromatherapy practitioner, researcher, and educator for over three decades, Jade is passionate about aromatics and believes the sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses for healing the mind/body/psyche in this era of upheaval and change. She is considered to be a thought leader in the aromatherapy community and is highly respected for her balanced, progressive and inspiring education.

Jade is the founder and visionary of the School for Aromatic Studies. She is the past president for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (2000-2003 and 2013-2015), author of “Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers”, co-author of “The Carrier Oil Palette”, and the main author of the “Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy”.

FAQs

Do I need to take this course if I am in the Botanical Body Care Products course?

No. This course is included in the Botanical Body Care Products course. 

Are there prerequisites?

This course is open to everyone with an interest in formulating natural cleansers that support the skins health and resiliency. A basic knowledge of essential oils to formulate into cleansers is recommended.

Is this course all online?

Yes. The Cleanser Lab program is an online course designed as a self-paced course of study. You can complete the course on your own time and based upon your own schedule and goals.

Online learning is makes learning easy and accessible. With online education you can take your course with you on any device you choose. Download pdf files to read later, watch video content, or view course content on your device.

 

How long do I have to complete the program?

As long as you need! The average time to complete is: 1-2 months.

Does this course offer CE hours for Aromatherapist?

Yes. This course offers 20 CE hours for aromatherapist. You can earn CE hours for AIA, NAHA, IFPA, and aromatherapy organizations worldwide.

How do I complete my certification?

To receive your certification for the Cleanser Lab, you will need to complete each lesson and mark complete. We also highly recommend you make at least two different types of cleansers to begin experience. 

What supplies do I need?

Did you say I have access to the course for Life?

Yes, once you register for an online course, it is yours for life of the program!

Can I sign up if I don’t live in the United States?

Yes! We have students from all over the world taking courses with us. The presentation is in English.

Will I be able to connect with other students?

Yes, the course comes with a private student forum inside the course where you can communicate with other students in the program. The student forum offers you the opportunity to share your experiences or product formulation, knowledge, questions, and inspiration!

What makes your program different from all the others?

The School for Aromatic Studies is one of the leading schools in North America. We are often asked, What makes our school unique? I believe one of the most unique features is our balanced, progressive & inspiring education that leads to the cultivation of a new generation of aromatherapists to emerge and succeed!

Refund Policy

Refund Policy — Online Courses

We want you to feel confident in your enrollment decision. Please review our refund policy carefully before registering for any online course or program.

Eligibility for Refund

A full tuition refund is available if you submit your refund request within 48 hours of enrollment OR prior to logging in to access course materials, whichever comes first. Requests must be submitted in writing to studentsupport@aromaticstudies.com 

No Refund After Course Access

Once you have logged in to the course platform and accessed course materials, the tuition is considered non-refundable, regardless of the date of enrollment. Because our courses are delivered entirely online and content is made available immediately upon access, we are unable to offer refunds once a student has begun coursework.

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund within the eligible window, please contact us at studentsupport@aromaticstudies.com with your name, the course name, and your date of enrollment. Approved refunds will be processed within 14 business days to the original payment method.

Payment Details

One Payment

$129.00

Two Payments

$67.00

*Supplies not included, for a complete listing of materials covered in this course, click here: The Cleanser Lab Supply List

All material provided on this website is provided for informational or educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

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