By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO
Spelman College has found a way to bridge the gap between the growing beauty industry and the creators of the products. According to the institution, research shows that Black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022. However, Black
beauty brands comprise a mere 2.5 percent of the market.
In response to that disparity, the college has announced that they will be expanding their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program to offer cosmetic chemistry as a concentration for chemistry majors and a minor for others. This program marks the first time cosmetic chemistry has been offered on an HBCU campus.
“I am excited that we now offer a course of study that connects students’ Spelman experience to the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students’ competitiveness for advanced study and careers in the field,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for natural sciences and mathematics, in a statement. “I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to offer a culturally relevant perspective that is needed in the conversation on black hair and skin care and the development of cosmetics.”
The curriculum, highly unique to Spelman College, was developed with an eye toward promoting careers in the beauty industry while advancing the technical knowledge that students may need to enter the field. A main goal is to also allow students to have a well-rounded perspective when it comes to developing cosmetic formulas.
“This expansion of our curriculum speaks to Spelman’s innovation and commitment to giving voice that empowers Black women,” said Spelman Provost Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson. “The program will be far-reaching and will support our students and faculty in making a difference in a field that caters to Black women as consumers, fueled by the scientific expertise in this area. We are thrilled to continue this evolution of creating new academic offerings that address industry demands.”
The program, available to students this fall, will focus on the molecular sciences needed for product formulation and development while providing a strong fundamental understanding of the origin, structure and function of ingredients used in the cosmetics industry.
Originally, the cosmetic science curriculum was launched in January 2023 as a certificate program for students enrolled in Spelman’s online program, eSpelman. Since, the program has grown exponentially from 150 to 750 applications as it comes up on its fourth term. That demonstrated interest in and need for the subject led to the expansion of the program for undergraduate students.
“We believe this exciting new venture will lead to many new research opportunities and collaborations with leaders in the beauty care field,” said Dr. Michelle Gaines, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Spelman. “My research is rooted in studying the surface chemical properties of curly hair. There are many students who are very interested in working on this project with me, and I’m looking forward to growing this research within the new program.”
To go alongside the program, the college will host a one-week Cosmetic Science Summer Lab Intensive that will focus on and highlight fundamental cosmetic formulations from June 2-8. The event will bring together Black women product developers, formulators and researchers to provide participants with informative seminars and panels. The lab will be available to eSpelman learners, Spelman students, and participants from other HBCUs based on availability. More information will be forthcoming in upcoming weeks regarding the summer program.
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