So, you want to be a skin care formulator…Yikes! Where to start? Formulating is like building a house, you decide upon the theme you want your house to emulate, then lay the foundation, build up the walls and stories and finally fill it with special things that you love. Creating a formula is the same.
When I first began my journey, I had no idea where to start. In my last blog, I introduced you to Formula Botanica, and online school for all that is skin and haircare, as well as a course on managing your skincare business. One of the first things I learned was that all formulas start out with foundation products such as carrier oils, butters and hydrosols.
Part of the learning curve was to do my research on these multitude of products, and there are a ton to chose from! In the case of carrier or fixed oils I was introduced to (and in my opinion) the bible of carrier oils, Power of the Seed, Your Guide to Oils for Health and Beauty by Susan M. Parker.

Susan M. Parker is the owner and founder of Solum & Herbe, a skincare company that uses a wide range of natural oils to create nourishing, natural personal care products.
Her early background includes art school major, fine art print studio partner, herbalist, and mother.
She used her training in herbalism to become a formulator of herbal products and start a small business that she ran for over 20 years. During that time, Susan wanted more information on the lipid carrier oils so began her study of them.
Twenty two years formulating and creating herbal topical skincare products led Susan to research and write the book on carrier oils, Power of the Seed; Your Guide to Oils for Health and Beauty, to more fully understand and appreciate these often underappreciated oils.
Susan now teaches on-line courses and runs a membership site on all aspects of these important oils. She lives and works in Portland Oregon.
Power of the Seed, Your Guide to Oils for Health and Beauty

Fixed oils play a large part in most all commercial beauty treatments. Power of the Seed offers instruction on how to use these oils to create topical skin care, cosmetics, and massage oils. Additionally, Susan M. Parker presents advice and in-depth information on the different types, sources, uses, and structures of these precious oils. Over ninety rare and common oils are comprehensively treated, along with suggestions on how readers can use them to create their own original “recipes.”
Power of the Seed is the newest release of Process Media’s popular Self-reliance Series that presents important DIY information in a visually enhanced easy-to-read and understand manner.
Not only does Susan share her wealth of knowledge with us through her book, but she hosts online master classes, blogs, and a membership site to all things carrier oil related.

You can reach Susan by e-mail at susan@susanmparker.com and be sure to visit her website at susanmparker.com.
Join the lipid membership: susanmparker.com/membership-registration
Visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/lipidlove
You are in for a treat!
Happy formulating!
