London College of Fashion has taught beauty and hair since its technical college days over 100 years ago. Now students in the Fashion Business School can learn MSc Cosmetic Science, and go on to become key players in the beauty industry which is worth £17billion to the UK economy.
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The history of Cosmetic Science
Back when London College of Fashion was made up of three technical schools, science was taught as part of the curriculum (as was maths and english) and pupils were as young as 12. As the College evolved to teach older students and became part of University of the Arts London, it continued to teach beauty and hairdressing. Now we no longer have the beauty spa rooms at John Princes Street but have science and research laboratories instead. We teach MSc Cosmetic Science as part of the Fashion Business School.
Hairdressing in 1925 (1934) by UnknownLondon College of Fashion
1925 Women´s hairdressing class
An evening student creating “water wave” on wig
c.1920s Women´s hairdressing class: student client getting a permanent wave (1934) by UnknownLondon College of Fashion
c.1920s Women´s hairdressing class
Student client getting a permanent wave
Science in 1963 (1934) by UnknownLondon College of Fashion
1963 Science Class at John Princes Street
Science in 1967 (1934) by UnknownLondon College of Fashion
1967 Science Class at John Princes Street
A Day in the Life
See inside the cosmetic science laboratories in Oxford Street, as the students make products for the beauty industry.
MSc Cosmetic Science Class (May 2015) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Hair
Here the student is testing the efficacy of cosmetic ingredients for hair in hair tresses.
How to make a lipstickLondon College of Fashion
How to make a lipstick
MSc Cosmetic Science Class (May 2015) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Making Toothpaste
Weighing the powder which gives toothpaste its chalky texture.
MSc Cosmetic Science Class (May 2015) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
MSc Cosmetic Science Class (May 2015) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Formulating Toothpaste
Here the student is mixing glycerine, which is a humectant that prevents the toothpaste drying out.
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Jasmine Lim
What’s the position of science in fashion?
"Science is an integral part of the fashion industry and many don’t realise that! From the engineer who designs new materials using a new polymer, to the perfumers and cosmetic scientists who formulate the fine fragrances and make up that is used to create unique looks and concepts. All of which require science and technology, which fits so seamlessly into fashion, that it becomes unnoticeable."
Find out about Jasmine's experience of the course and her placement year in industry on LCF News
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Bethany Dean, MSc Cosmetic Science
"I had a real interest in science and went on to take chemistry and biology at A-Level along with textiles to incorporate my art and design side. I wanted to combine the two and really push myself to go BIG! It was actually my mum who came across MSc Cosmetic Science and as soon as I saw it I was like – yes! This is me!"
Read more about Bethany's experience studying Cosmetic Science on LCF News
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
When this base, made by MSc Cosmetic Science students, is mixed with different colours, it becomes a coloured lip gloss.
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
These are the pigments which are mixed with the lip gloss base to produce different colours.
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Hadley Matthews
Three words all cosmetic scientists should live by?
"Thoroughness, flexibility, creativity."
Read Hadley's profile on LCF Student Voices
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Visitors could try the scratch and sniff hair wall.
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Alumna Kristin Katakami
"My favourite thing about my job is seeing my product through from concept to launch and then to finally see it in the shops or in press coverage – that’s the ultimate."
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
LCF Formulates Cosmetic Science Exhibition 2016 (October 2016) by LCFLondon College of Fashion
Interview with LCF Cosmetic Science alumna Florence AdepojuLondon College of Fashion
Meet alumna Florence Adepoju
After graduating from MSc Cosmetic Science, Florence founded cosmetics company MDMFlow, making lipsticks in a workshop in her garden shed.
Her brand has gone on to huge success, and is now stocked all over the world.
Read a recent article about MDMFlow on Teen Vogue
MSc Cosmetic Science at London College of Fashion, UAL is an Integrated Masters course. Integrated Masters courses combine undergraduate and postgraduate study allowing you to continue on to a Masters year without having to reapply. You are covered by student finance for the duration of the degree too.
Programme Director: Danka Tamburic
Course Leader: Diogo Balthazar
With special thanks to alumna Florence Adepoju, as well as Odette Toilette who curated LCF Formulates, and LP Studio for the LCF Formulates exhibition design.
