SHBBCCS007 — Interpret the chemical composition and physical effects of cosmetic products

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• access and document information on chemical composition and effects of cosmetic products from a comprehensive professional range for at least one of the following: nail care, make-up, skin care
• apply organic chemistry knowledge to the design of beauty therapy treatments for at least five clients with varying skin types and requirements
• for each of the above clients: identify client needs and constraints
• identify contraindications
• assess formulation, function and action of range of cosmetic ingredients for suitability
• select suitable cosmetic products with formulation and functions to suit client skin types and requirements
• advise on features, benefits and action on the skin
• provide accurate treatment and post-treatment care advice
• develop or update treatment plans and records for each of the above clients, specifying: skin type and conditions, areas requiring special treatment, contraindications, cosmetic products, formulations, types and strengths, treatment sequence, treatment duration, expected actions on skin, after-care advice

Knowledge evidence

• sources and format of cosmetic product information: manufacturer support materials: product leaflets, brochures, booklets; internet sites; product labels; product and service manuals; discussions with customers, staff members and product suppliers
• legal requirements relevant to advice on cosmetic products: state or territory and local health and hygiene regulations; occupational health and safety
• workplace policies and procedures relevant to cosmetic products: health and hygiene; comfort and privacy; quality assurance
• concepts of cosmetic chemistry: atoms; bonds; ions; molecules; chemical compounds; matter; chemical change; neutralisation and buffering; organic chemistry; chemical reactions; acids and bases and their effect on human health; cosmetic ingredients; liposomes; liposome structure; types of liposomes: unilaminate, multilaminate; uses of liposomes; oils; semisolid emollients; polyethylene glycols (PEGs); waxes; surfactants; thickeners
• organic chemistry: carbon structures; bonds between carbon structures; saturated and unsaturated bonds; types of organic chemicals; major skin chemicals; proteins; soluble and insoluble proteins; lipids: non-saponifiable, saponifiable; common fatty acids; complex lipids: phospholipids, sphingolipids
• effects and benefits of cosmetic product ranges: cleansing; toning; moisturising; exfoliating; moisturising; occludent treatment; remedial treatments
• percutaneous absorption: skin as a barrier; skin and the percutaneous absorption process; absorption pathways; rates of penetration; use of vehicles or carriers; measuring percutaneous absorption; bioavailability and biological activity; therapeutic; cosmetic; actions of cosmeceutical products
• beauty therapy products: types of face masks: wax-based; rubber-based; hydrocolloid-based; earth-based; vinyl; protein; fruit and vegetable preparations
• facial and body powders: slip powders; covering powders; absorbency powders
• lipsticks: solvents; waxes; emollients and waterproofing agents; dispersant agents; perfumes; colours
• eye make-up: block mascara made from wax, soap, and pigment; cream mascara made from pigment, cold cream or a vanishing cream base; liquid mascara made from alcohol and resin solutions; eyeshadows and eyeliners: anhydrous creams; oil and water; wax crayon; pressed powders; liquid suspensions made from pigment dispersion in oil, gum or alcohol
• colour in cosmetics: pigment; dyes; lakes; colour interaction; colour regulation; colour codes
• contraindications: manufacturers’ product-specific contraindications based on: skin type; skin conditions; skin disorders; known allergic reactions
• post-treatment care and advice: lifestyle changes; sun protection; skin care; effects of nutrition on skin and hair; product advice; advice on further services

Foundation skills

• Reading skills to: interpret unfamiliar and detailed documents which describe product contents, performance, purpose and directions for use; source, read, comprehend and apply relevant information to evaluate potential chemical and physical actions of cosmetic products when designing beauty treatments.
• Writing skills to: accurately and legibly record relevant data on treatment plans.
• Oral communication skills to: use active listening, and open and closed probe questioning to determine client requirements and preferences; translate information on actions of products and treatments when providing advice, responding to questions, and providing information and reassurance to clients on beauty therapy treatments or home-care products; select and use appropriate terminology in consultations with clients and discussions with team members.
• Learning skills to: learn meaning and terminology of uncommonly used and difficult chemicals and formulations.
• Problem-solving skills to: identify suitable cosmetic products for diverse skin types, treatment requirements and problems.
• Technology skills to: access online publications and internet resources that build knowledge for providing advice to clients.

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Questions about assessing SHBBCCS007