Plants in Cosmetics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
By using a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, the course aims at providing the students with an overview on the main plant species used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, with special focus on their taxonomy, macro-(micro)morphology and phytochemical profile of the used plant parts. Furthermore, attention will be paid to the different sources of plant material used to produce cosmetic ingredients, including conventional horticultural production, wild harvest in developing countries and biotechnological methods. In addition, on account of the variety of sources, the students will deepen several ethical and scientific issues that are generally not considered or underestimated, such as the sustainability of the supply chain, the preservation of biodiversity, etc.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have acquired the basic knowledge and have to demonstrate their understanding of the main plant species used in a cosmetic skin and hair care products, with in-depth insights into their taxonomy, the used plant parts, the morpho-anatomy of the secretory structures, the bioactive compounds contents, as well as their benefits in the cosmetic sector. Finally, this course will provide the students with the knowledge on the different sources of plant cosmetic ingredients, as well as on the ethical and scientific issues posed by the variety of their sources of origin.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
-General principles of plant biology with focus on elements of cytology, histology and organography/anatomy.
-Insights into a selection of the main plant species used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, with special focus on their taxonomy, macro-(micro)morphology and phytochemical profile of the used plant parts, as well as their benefits in the cosmetic sector.
-Presentation of case studies on the selected plant species through the proposal of scientific articles and related critical analysis.
-Focus on the different sources of plant material used to produce cosmetic ingredients, including conventional horticultural production, wild harvest in developing countries and biotechnological methods.
-Focus on several ethical and scientific issues, such as the sustainability of the supply chain and the preservation of biodiversity.
-Insights into a selection of the main plant species used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, with special focus on their taxonomy, macro-(micro)morphology and phytochemical profile of the used plant parts, as well as their benefits in the cosmetic sector.
-Presentation of case studies on the selected plant species through the proposal of scientific articles and related critical analysis.
-Focus on the different sources of plant material used to produce cosmetic ingredients, including conventional horticultural production, wild harvest in developing countries and biotechnological methods.
-Focus on several ethical and scientific issues, such as the sustainability of the supply chain and the preservation of biodiversity.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites are necessary.
Teaching methods
Lessons with audio - slides on MyARIEL.
Teaching Resources
Material lessons are available on MyAriel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written examination consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Time available 30 minutes. The examination will be overcome when the final score is equal or superior than 18.
BIO/15 - PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Giuliani Claudia
Professor(s)