Professionals from the detergents/cosmetics industry in the D-A-CH region (Bachelor's degree or comparable qualification or professional experience) who would like to further their scientific knowledge of the development of new products and regulatory aspects. People from the field of chemistry or pharmaceutical technology who would like to further their education.

• Scientific expertise and practical experience in formulation
• In-depth understanding of the development of sustainable cosmetics
• Overview of regulatory requirements for products
• Dealing with current challenges in the industry such as sustainability and potential regulatory/market requirements
• Scientific work in the laboratory

• Solid, semi-liquid and liquid formulations and aerosol technology
• Main ingredients for detergents and cleaning agents, commercial aspects
• What are surfactants?
• Fragrance chemistry and sensor technology
• Drying processes
• Excipients in the formulation
• Supply chain, raw materials
• Nanotechnology
• Polymers/colloids, surface chemistry
   
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Workload: 114 hours
• ECTS: 4
• Module responsible: Dr. Susanne Kern

• Production in general (emulsions, surfactant products), formulation, stability, sustainability
• Future-oriented production (e.g. emulsions) and development technology (energy efficiency and scale-up/down processes)
• Sensor technology (objective testing and consumer research)
• Raw materials and active ingredients
• Physical aspects (rheology for correlation studies, product stability)
• Analysis of cosmetic products including ingredients (e.g. also hormone-active substances)
• In vitro tests for allergies, skin cell models
   
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Workload: 114 hours
• ECTS: 4
• Module responsible: Petra Huber

• Law and sales/distribution
• Chemicals legislation (REACH)
• Food law/legislation, cosmetics regulation
• Effects of the EU Green Deal
• Import/export regulations
• Fragrance standards such as IFRA protocols, allergens
• Packaging guidelines
• Occupational hygiene
• Environmental compatibility (biodegradability, aquatic toxicity)
• AI for formulations
   
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Workload: 114 hours
• ECTS: 4
• Module responsible: Prof. Dr. Steffi Lehmann

Lectures by acknowledged experts, case studies, practical work in the laboratory, self-study, excursions to various leading companies in the industry and own project work are used to convey, develop and deepen the relevant know-how.

• ZHAW Life Sciences und Facility Management, 8820 Wädenswil, ZH, Switzerland
• HES-SO Life Sciences, 1950 Sion, VS, Switzerland
• The definitive location will be announced in the participation confirmation
• CAS in German: Start fall 2025
• CAS in English: Start fall 2026 
   

The course is designed and implemented in collaboration with the HES-SO and developed with the professional associations Sepawa Switzerland and the Swiss Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SWISS SCC) and other representatives of the industry. 

Study regulations for the CAS Detergents & Cosmetics (PDF 155,0 KB)

Admission requirements for persons with a university degree:

• Degree (diploma, licentiate, bachelor's or master's degree) from a state-recognized university of applied sciences, university and technical colleges or one of the predecessor schools in the fields of chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical and food technology.
• Two years of qualified professional experience at the time of starting the course.

Admission requirements for persons without a university degree:

• Proof of a degree in higher vocational education (tertiary B): BP professional examination (federal certificate) or HFP higher professional examination (federal diploma) or HF higher technical college. In exceptional cases, other persons may be admitted if their eligibility to participate is demonstrated by other evidence.
• Two years of qualified professional experience in the industry at the time of starting the course.
• Admission interview to determine the necessary professional and methodological skills and motivation.