Cosmetics and detergents technology
Do you want to help shape the future of sustainable cosmetics and detergents? You will gain the expertise in natural sciences and engineering you need to do just that in our bachelor’s degree program, the only one of its kind in Germany. Through practical application and theoretical coursework, you will learn all about industrial development and manufacturing, performance testing and quality assurance for these products.
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
The degree program can also be completed with an additional internship semester.
You will bring one of the following educational backgrounds:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Specialized university entrance qualification
- Advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife)
- Professional qualification
German language level: C1
1st Semester
- Cosmetics Manufacturing and Sensory Analysis
- General Chemistry
- Experimental Physics: Mechanics
- English for Technologists
- Introduction to Business Administration
- Calculus
2nd Semester
- Physiology and Anatomy of the Skin
- Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Experimental Physics: Electrodynamics
- Probability Theory and Statistics
3rd Semester
- Cosmetic Chemistry and Law
- Fundamentals of Industrial Engineering
- Fundamentals of Process Engineering
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Chemical Analysis Lab
4th Semester
- Cosmetic Formulations and Active Ingredients
- Fundamentals of Cosmetic Technology with Lab
- Practicum in Cosmetic Chemistry and Analysis
- Applied Microbiology and Industrial Hygiene
- Process Engineering
5th Semester
- Applied Cosmetic Technology with Lab
- Formulation Technology
- Quality Management
6th semester
- Practical Project
- Bachelor's Thesis
As a graduate, you will learn all relevant fundamental knowledge on cosmetics and detergent technology through lectures and application-oriented internships in well-appointed laboratories.
You will understand
- all significant technological aspects for product groups available on the market, such as creams, shampoos, deodorants, decorative cosmetics, aerosols, soaps, detergents and cleaning agents
- all kinds of cosmetic preparations, as well as the active ingredients and excipients used in them, formulation and manufacturing technologies
- testing methods for effectiveness and tolerability
At the end of your degree program, you will deal with a current topic in a practical project and in your Bachelor thesis – benefiting from our close contacts in industry.
Cosmetic and Detergent Technology is a field with excellent professional prospects. It was developed specifically for the specialized requirements of the industry. You will be a sought-after expert throughout Europe with our bachelor’s degree. Your work areas may include, for instance
- Research and development of innovative products at consumer goods manufacturers
- Advising scale-up and large-scale technical production
- Quality management in production companies
- Testing the quality and effectiveness of products in laboratories
- Customer advising in application engineering
- Technical marketing and developing attractive marketing concepts in interdisciplinary teams
Our program is closely linked to the industry. We collaborate with a wide range of companies in the cosmetics industry, as well as companies in the detergent and cleaning products sector and their raw material suppliers.
We also maintain close ties with professional associations such as SEPAWA e.V. and the DGK (German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics).
This allows you, as a student, to gain valuable insights into numerous fields of application.
Our research focuses on innovative and sustainable technologies. Research topics include, for example:
- The use of microplastics in cosmetics
- Green tensides and other ingredients for sustainable production
- Replacement of silicone composites
- Resource-saving cleaning and washing processes
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to good health and well-being
- directly to industry, innovation and infrastructure
- directly to responsible consumption and production
Studying at Innovation Campus Lemgo
At the Innovation Campus in Lemgo, you’ll study at one of the most exciting technology hubs in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here you’ll find state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, as well as science-to-business factories. Take, for example, the Centrum Industrial IT, where companies from across the OWL region have established branches. Or the Smart Factory OWL, which demonstrates data and AI management. At the Future Food Factory OWL—unique in Europe—similar activities take place, this time focused on food production. New Work and knowledge transfer converge at InnovationSPIN. Here, TH OWL, the district administration, and the skilled trades demonstrate transparent collaboration and a spirit that fosters innovation. In addition to the Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, the campus is also home to two vocational colleges as well as the Bundesliga handball club TBV Lemgo-Lippe. And best of all: the campus features student housing just a short walk from the university and downtown.
Information
- Application and enrollment
- Dates and deadlines
- Semester dues
- FAQ about application and enrollment
- Study plan
- Manual of course modules
Only the details of the currently valid examination regulations of the degree program as published in the promulgation gazette are authoritative and legally binding. You can find the announcement sheets here.
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advisory Service answers questions about studying at the university
- Offers for study orientation
- Get to know your faculty!
- Click here to go to the subject-specific student advisory service of the faculty
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- Information on the enrollment procedure is available from the Enrollment Office
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is there for you!
Still unanswered questions?
Our Student Service Center will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about application and enrollment:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
E-mail: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.