Elements and Performance Criteria

Concepts of cosmetic chemistry may include:

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
pH and buffering.

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:

Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations

Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
comfort and privacy

designated time frames for the completion of the service
quality assurance.

Organic chemistry may include:
carbon structures
bonds between carbon structures

saturated and unsaturated bonds
types of organic chemicals
major skin chemicals

proteins
soluble and insoluble proteins

lipids:
nonsaponifiable
saponifiable
common fatty acids
complex lipids:
phospholipids
sphingolipids.

Percutaneous absorption may include:
skin as a barrier
skin and the percutaneous absorption process

absorption pathways
rates of penetration
use of vehicles or carriers

measuring percutaneous absorption

bioavailability/biological activity

therapeutic

cosmetic

cosmoceutical.

Cosmetic emulsions may include:

emulsions
types of emulsions:
simple emulsions
complex emulsions
micro-emulsions
surfactants

moisturisers
types of humectants including:
glycerol
sorbitol
urea
proteins
natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
glycosaminoglycans(GAGs)

occludents:
hydrocarbons
lipids
non organic oils

emollients
anti oxidants.

Cosmetic ingredients may include:

liposomes

liposome structure
types of liposomes:
unilaminate
multilaminate
uses of liposomes

oils

semisolid emollients

polyethylene glycols (PEGs)

waxes

surfactants

thickeners.

Range of beauty therapy products may include but are not limited to:
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:
mascara:
block mascara - wax, soap, and pigment
cream mascara - pigment, cold cream or vanishing cream base
liquid mascara - alcohol and resin solutions
eyeshadows and eyeliners:
anhydrous creams
oil/water
wax crayon
pressed powders
liquid suspensions, pigment dispersion in oil, gum or alcohol
colour in cosmetics:
pigment
dyes
lakes
colour interaction
colour regulation
colour codes.

Contra-indications to products may include:
allergic reactions.

Provision of aftercare service and advice

lifestyle changes:
sun protection
skin care
effects of nutrition on skin and hair
product advice
advice on further services.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures.
Knowledge and consistent application of Federal, State and local health and hygiene requirements/regulations and skin penetration legislation.
Knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment including the use of preventative measures, according to manufacturer safety manuals and Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.

Knowledge and consistent application of the principles of cosmetic chemistry as they apply to beauty therapy treatments, including:

chemical concepts for cosmetic products and skin treatments
range of organic chemistry applicable to cosmetic chemistry
percutaneous absorption
chemical formulation of a range of cosmetic emulsions in relation to their function on skin
formulation and functions of basic compositions of facial masks and make-up formulations
formulation, function and action of cosmetic ingredients on the skin
formulation and function of facial peels and exfoliants
provision of aftercare service and advice.
Knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of beauty therapy treatments, using a variety of techniques/procedures involving cosmetic products.
Accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the beauty therapist and/or cosmetic chemistry specialist and may be in a simulated environment.
Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite for a range of beauty therapy units. It requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of the application of knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to the performance of one or more beauty therapy treatments.

This unit must therefore be assessed in conjunction with one or more of the following related units:

WRBBS407B Provide body treatments
WRBBS509A Plan the spa program
WRBBS510A Provide the spa program
WRBBS512A Blend a range of aromatic plant oils for beauty treatments
WRBFS407B Provide advanced facial treatments
WRBSS504B Perform diathermy service
WRBSS505B Design and perform cosmetic tattooing/micropigmentation procedures
WRBSS506A Provide upper body piercing

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying the concepts of cosmetic chemistry and developing and maintaining safe work practices
relating the performance of a variety of treatment processes to cosmetic chemistry, according to client and safety requirements.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of the application of cosmetic chemistry to the performance of beauty therapy treatments, including aftercare advice and relevant legislation.
completing workplace documentation relevant to beauty therapy treatments.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria
Applying cosmetic chemistry to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.
Responding to a range of situations involving the use of cosmetic chemicals.

Identifying client characteristics and recommending and performing a service including:

preparation of the service area
preparation of products and equipment
preparation of the client.

Communication techniques including:

using open and/or closed questions
speaking clearly and concisely
using appropriate language
non-verbal communication
written communication.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene regulations/requirements and skin penetration legislation.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of cosmetic chemistry as they relate to beauty therapy treatments.
Workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.

Knowledge of cosmetic chemistry in relation to beauty therapy treatments/ procedures including:

chemical concepts for cosmetic products and skin treatments
range of organic chemistry applicable to cosmetic chemistry
percutaneous absorption
chemical formulation of a range of cosmetic emulsions in relation to their function on skin
formulation and functions of basic compositions of facial masks and make-up formulation
formulation, function and action of cosmetic ingredients on the skin
formulation and function of facial peels and exfoliants
provision of aftercare service and advice.
The workplace product, treatment and equipment range and manufacturer instructions/data sheets.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
Access to a range of clients with different requirements.
A range of equipment and products appropriate to the beauty workplace.
Product labels and sources of product information.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Evaluating treatment and advising on future treatments will require the communication of ideas and information. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identifying client needs and characteristics to design beauty therapy treatments using cosmetic chemicals will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a range of beauty therapy treatments utilising cosmetic chemicals, providing aftercare service and advice according to client requirements, manufacturer instructions, health and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures will require activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Maintaining knowledge of workplace procedures and relevant legislation will require reporting to other staff members. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Selecting the appropriate ratios of product concentrations will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Recognising skin problems and selecting appropriate cosmetic chemicals will require problem solving skills (3)

Using technology
Selecting and using appropriate ventilation equipment will require the use of technology.. (2)