The Dean of the faculty of Pharmacy: "Cosmetology, which is the comprehensive study of cosmetics, was included in the programs of the Italian University at the beginning of the '70s (teaching of Chemistry of Cosmetic Products as complementary examination in the course of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology) and has enjoyed a major development in the last decades for its commercial, economic and social implications.
The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Siena with great intuition and timeliness and anticipating the new didactic regulations issued shortly after, established the School of Specialization in Cosmetic Science and Technology.
Distinguished and enthusiastic teachers coming from academia, public and private institutions and industries, contribute to the activities of the School.
Graduates are therefore given a valuable opportunity to start a career in the field of cosmetology by undergoing a specific training which ranges from research of new natural and synthetic active ingredients, to study of analysis, technology and marketing methodologies"
A Message from the Director: "A school based on scientific research"
The School of Specialization in Cosmetic Science and Technology was founded at the University of Siena in 1991 thus fulfilling our project of a center dedicated to research in the areas of chemistry, formulation and technology of cosmetic science and to the theoretical and practical training for specialists in Cosmetic Science and Technology .
To date, the School has carried out projects and programs funded by the National Research Council (CNR) which most of all enabled us to bridge the distance between the academic and the industrial realms and to deepen our insight into what research in cosmetic science currently necessitates.
Our opinion is therefore that scientific research in our field needs to be further promoted, for only through thorough knowledge of raw materials, final products and interaction mechanisms, may cosmetics guarantee the safety standard and innovative features today demanded by the market.
The establishment of the P.H.D in Cosmetic Science and Technology by the Ministry of the University and the Scientific Research - which partly funds cosmetic research in Italy - was therefore a major step forward. It was an objective which the University of Siena highly valued and accomplished in cooperation with other Universities engaged in cosmetic research.
Our focus on research also distinguishes the curriculum of the School: the final thesis must be experimental and may be carried out at the University of Siena, in cooperation with other Universities or by means of training stages in institutional or industrial laboratories linked with the School.
The School program requires students to attend several classes of analysis practice, microbiological control and formulation technique both during the first and the second years. Students are also to engage in hands-in experience in various areas ranging from phytocosmesis (natural derivatives) to silicone cosmesis, by formulating topical formulae and systematic methods. Such load of laboratory work is aimed at the in-depth investigation of innovative raw materials, instrumental in the training of specialists capable of developing novel and advanced cosmetic products. Furthermore, students are provided with all the necessary theoretical knowledge and appropriate equipment for the monitoring of raw materials and cosmetics, as required by law.
The distinguishing feature of our School is therefore the association of scientific research with the training of specialists equipped to work professionally in the world of cosmetology.
General Features and Curriculum
The program lasts 2 years. Each year comprises at least 300 hours of theoretical lessons and 300 hours of supervised practical activity.
The School may enroll a maximum of 20 students for each year of course, for a total of 40 students.
Admission to the course is limited to graduates with degrees in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, Biology including those with the equivalent diplomas awarded by foreign universities.
The School awards the diploma of Specialist in Cosmetic Science and Technology.
The curriculum of the School is as follows:
I year
Anatomy, histology, histochemistry and skin appendages
Skin and skin appendages physiology physiopathology and biochemistry
Applied microbiology and cleanliness, hygiene and microbiological control in manufacture
Physical chemistry in cosmetology
Chemistry of cosmetic products I
Cosmetic technology and formulation I
Chemical quality control
II year
Regulatory foundations and documentation
Education in cosmetology, marketing and advertising
Cosmetic manufacture equipment
Microbiological quality control
Cosmetic pharmacology and toxicology
Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the School Council may validate training courses relating to the School’s field of interest, carried out in University or extra-University laboratories abroad. These stages would be included in the final account of activities.
The University of Siena, following the School Council’s proposals, draws up agreements with public and private institutions in order to raise funds and utilize facilities outside the University to perform the didactic activity of the students.
Course of cosmetic technology and formulation I - Prof. Carla Scesa
The course has been designed to provide the students with the knowledge of the main cosmetic products (hygiene, treatment, protection products, make- up and alcoholic perfumery) and of the raw materials which compose them.
The aim of the course is to guide the students through the complex world of cosmetology, helping them to develop the capability to apply key systematic methodologies for the achievement of cosmetic functionality and pleasantness.
Laboratory work is based upon preparation of the chief cosmetic systems (oleolites, lotions, idrogels and lipogels, shampoos, bath foams and special personal detergents) in conformity with the good manufacturing processes. Functional characteristics, sensory impact and stability tests of the products are also investigated.
The students will be requested to identify the INCI name of every cosmetic preparation they make and compile relative reports.
The notions acquired during the course, completed in the Course of Cosmetic Technology and Formulation II, will enable them to undertake a career as formulators and controllers both in industry and public administration and to acquire the necessary experience to become an agent and product manager in the field of cosmetology.
Course of cosmetic technology and formulation II - Prof. Silvia Gatti
The course comprises 70 hours of laboratory work to create over 200 topical biphasic forms (partly acqueous, and lipidic anhydrous creams and O/W and W/O emulsions) .
The course focuses on the study of the various chemical types of builders and of the other components of biphasic systems (lipids, reological additives, preservatives, etc)
Special attention is dedicated to the problem of preserving and assigning a function to cosmetics through the addition of active substances (from deodorants to UV filters, from vegetal to biotechnological derivatives)
Course of marketing and communication of cosmetic products – Dr. Antonio Argentieri
The course is based on the analysis of the management of operational and strategic marketing by cosmetic industries, on the planning of communication strategies and realization of advertising campaigns by advertising agencies.
Several comprehensive examples and references are made to the industrial realm, by highlighting differences between multinational and small/medium sized companies.
Teaching staff
Members of the teaching staff come from the academic world, from the industrial world (UNIPRO), from public institutions (Ministry of Health, EU Commissions, etc.) and are all expert in cosmetology.
As regards the teaching staff the School is open to contacts and exchange with Europe.
The schedule of theoretical and laboratory classes is divided into two periods (for a total of 6 weeks); each day comprises full-time didactic activity (9 a.m.-7 p.m.) with a lunch break.
Furthermore, the students are given the opportunity to participate in practical training courses in public and private institution laboratories which collaborate with the University of Siena.
Students are also allowed to attend laboratories and library facilities of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
Other activities of the School
Our School carries out specific activities pertaining to its field of interest and cooperates with other public and private institutions.
ĻIt promotes and stimulates research, organizes seminars, training and refresher courses, Congresses etc.
The School also organizes the permanent "Annual Refresher Course".
Annual Refresher Course
Every year the School offers graduates from the School of Specialization in Cosmetic Science and Technology (either from the University of Siena or other Universities) an opportunity to keep up to date on scientific, technical, marketing and regulatory aspects of cosmetology.
The Seminar is open to all practitioners in the field of cosmetology.
The participants will be awarded a certificate of participation.
Calendar of events
July 2002
Cosmetic Products Chemistry
Cosmetic Products Analysis
Cosmetic Products Technology
Evaluation and Control Methodologies
The registration form for the admission exam is available at the "Segreteria Scuole di Specializzazione" along with the announcement of the selection.
Segreteria Studenti delle Scuole di Specializzazione
(for registration and administrative procedures)
Sig. Giuseppe Giordano
Tel. + 39 + 0577 + 232447
fax + 39 + 0577 + 232337