Cosmetic Science Fair Project Ideas

Cosmetic chemistry can be of particular interest to students interested in that vocation, as well as any student interested in serious chemistry. The world of cosmetics involves just that: formulas analyzed carefully for safety, observations of the effects of chemical agents and includes the growing field of organic chemistry. From demulsifiers and solvents to stabilizers and antioxidants, cosmetic chemistry holds some interesting possibilities for science fair projects.

Lip Gloss Formula

Comparing lip gloss formulas requires experimentation with thickening agents, solvents and emulsifiers. Charting out chemical reactions from one homemade mixture to another can help students understand the delicate and complicated balance among chemical compounds.

Organic Cosmetics

Natural ingredients are used in a wealth of products to include soaps, body creams, perfumes, and even hair coloring formulas. Students can research these ingredients and recipes by visiting websites of natural and organic product manufacturers. Key ingredients used in the organic cosmetics industry are often located in their own backyards and include honey, beeswax, almond oil, caster oil, peppermint, and lavender.

Make-up Science

Some make-up combinations are more prone to bacterial growth than others.Testing agents, such as active metals like copper used in lotions and hair dyes, for their effect on proteins can involve observation, graphing, and some interesting scientific results.

Hair Cosmetics

Can use of a shampoo with certain ingredients change a user's genetic hair quality? Examining the ingredients of some common shampoos, both expensive and inexpensive, can make for interesting shopping comparisons, and lead to discoveries of some real chemical effects on hair.

References

• Discovery Education - Science Fair Central
• The National Health Museum Resource Center - Access Excellence
• Science Buddies: Lessons in Cosmetic Chemistry

Resources

• The Franklin Institute