Student Spotlight: How Rina Dean’s MS in Cosmetic Science has “Completely Changed Her Life”

For graduate Rina Dean, UC’s online Master of Science in Cosmetic Science checked every box. It provided her with a world-class education in all aspects of cosmetic science. It also allowed her to do this in a flexible online format while balancing work and family. Best of all, upon graduating, Rina landed her dream job as a Cosmetic Chemist with Malibu Wellness Inc.!

We got the opportunity to speak with Rina about her experience in UC’s program, how she navigated earning her degree online, and how her capstone project led to her dream career.

Beauty and Brains: Where Rina’s Journey Began

Rina’s interest in cosmetic science sparked at fifteen years old, working in a salon as a shampoo girl. She combines this passion with her background in materials engineering, which focuses on finding uses for materials in other fields and industries.

“I always knew that I wanted to formulate hair care products,” Rina says. “I have a passion for science and engineering, but I also require a creative outlet.” Through the MS in Cosmetic Science program, Rina has found a “perfect blend” of her varied interests.

As an adult working part time, Rina began exploring online cosmetic science programs. “I was seeking a well-known, well-established program that had flexibility to complete online.” This search led her to UC—a choice that “only fueled my passion and drive.”

Rina’s Online Learning Experience

Despite her background in the sciences, Rina was excited to find herself challenged by UC’s online cosmetic science program. The program offers several opportunities to attend one-week, on-campus laboratory courses; aside from that, all coursework for the program is completed asynchronously and online. Along with electives, some of Rina’s core classes included:

• Skin, Hair, and Oral Products
• Introduction to Skincare and Haircare Science
• Introduction to Surface, Colloid and Membrane Science
• Advanced Surface, Colloid, and Formulation Science

As for the online learning experience, Rina wasn’t fazed. Having taken online classes previously, she’s never struggled with the online format. She particularly enjoyed the cosmetic science program’s modules and pre-recorded lectures, as well as the flexibility provided by the format.

“The online learning experience was extremely organized,” Rina says. “The courses are well-designed so you can work at your own pace. This allowed me to complete my coursework in my free time. The professors are also very attentive and responsive, allowing for extension deadlines if needed.”

Laboratory Experience

While Rina experienced exciting growth through her online courses, her in-person laboratory experience was a game-changer. The cosmetic science program offers several one-week, hands-on laboratory formulation sessions. They are considered optional, but for Rina, her laboratory experience cemented cosmetic science as her desired field.

The three in-person laboratory sessions are:

• Cosmetic Science Laboratory. In this course, students learn formulation principles and gain experience making and testing the stability of skin and hair care products.
• Introduction to Cosmetic Color Science Lab. Students learn experimental techniques to characterize physical and chemical properties and evaluate colorant properties such as hue, value, and chroma. Other topics covered in this session include color-mixing, color-matching, and incorporating color additives within development for other cosmetic products.
• Introduction to Fragrance Science Lab. This course covers basic olfactive understanding for formulating cosmetic products, with an emphasis on the art and science required to produce successful scents. Topics covered in this session include olfactive language and fragrance families, basic raw materials, stability, and dosing and regulatory considerations.

Dreams Becoming Reality

Rina’s experience on UC’s campus was more than fun; it gave her invaluable experience that she wouldn’t have otherwise gained through her online experience. “I learned how to formulate shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other products that I never would have gotten the opportunity to make until I got a job in the industry,” Rina says. “I was also able to see what the raw materials looked and felt like.”

Her in-person lab sessions also allowed Rina to meet faculty, staff, and classmates in person—many of which she keeps in touch with today. Whether online or in-person, Rina also spoke highly of the program’s impressive faculty.

“The faculty in my program were very welcoming, polite, and extremely knowledgeable. They are experts in the field and had no trouble communicating the science behind cosmetics. Dr. Wickett, Dr. Ananth, and Dr. Kelm have been instrumental in my experience.”

A Life-Changing Capstone

Of her experience in the MS Cosmetic Science program, Rina says, “This degree has completely changed my life. The UC program was a significant and influential part of my professional journey to achieving my dream job.” Excitingly enough, this opportunity came as a direct result of Rina’s capstone presentation!

The MS Cosmetic Science capstone is a three-course sequence that acts as the culmination of the program. It requires comprehensive evaluation of a topic pertaining to cosmetic science or OTC drug development, and it involves extensive research and development related to personal care or topical drug products. By the end of this process, students complete their Capstone Paper and present their final project in an open, online format.

For her capstone project, Rina combined her materials engineering knowledge with cosmetic science. Her presentation centered on the effects of different products and ingredients on the mechanical properties of hair.

Rina recalls, “Toward the end of the program, I began looking for companies that I would like to work for. I found my current company online and recognized them from my time working at a hair salon. I knew this was the company I wanted to be employed at. Unfortunately, the company did not have any cosmetic chemist openings, so I took a leap of faith and contacted them and invited the CEO to attend my virtual capstone presentation. When I saw their names in the meeting room, I couldn’t believe it! I was hired almost immediately after the presentation, and the rest is history.”

Inspired by Rina’s Journey? Contact UC and Start Yours Today

Rina’s capstone experience at UC helped her step into her dream career—and the same journey could happen for you! If you have a strong interest in cosmetic science and want to thrive in the industry, a master’s degree may be in your future. At UC, the MS in Cosmetic Science program is designed to help you achieve your goals at the perfect pace for your life.

Still have questions about the program? Contact your personalized Enrollment Services Advisor today! Don’t wait to pursue your dream career in the cosmetic science field.