By offering a concentration and minor in cosmetic chemistry, the HBCU hopes to bridge the gap between the beauty industry and Black creators of the products.
This post was originally published on Afro
Spelman College has found a way to bridge the gap between the growing beauty industry and the creators of the products. According to the institution, research shows that Black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022. However, Black beauty brands comprise a mere 2.5 percent of the market.
In response to that disparity, the college has announced that they will be expanding their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program to offer cosmetic chemistry as a concentration for chemistry majors and a minor for others. This program marks the first time cosmetic chemistry has been offered on an HBCU campus.
“I am excited that we now offer a course of study that connects students’ Spelman experience to the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students’ competitiveness for advanced study and careers in the field,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for natural sciences and mathematics, in a statement. “I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to offer a culturally relevant perspective that is needed in the convers
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