Unit of competency details

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Apply knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to beauty therapy treatments.

1.1 Identify relevant concepts of cosmetic chemistry  and apply to the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments according to relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures .

1.2 Assess range of organic chemistry  and relate to beauty therapy treatments.

1.3 Relate percutaneous absorption  and role of the skin in acting as a barrier while allowing the passage of chemicals used in beauty therapy treatments.

2 Apply knowledge of cosmetic products to beauty therapy treatments.

2.1 Assess the function of chemical formulations from range of cosmetic emulsions  in relation to action on the skin.

2.2 Assess formulation, function and action of range of cosmetic ingredients  in relation to action on the skin.

2.3 Assess formulation of range of beauty therapy products  in relation to purpose and action on the skin.

2.4 Assess environmental impact of ingredients in range of beauty therapy products.

2.5 Identify contraindications  to the use of some products as they relate to client health and treatment outcomes.

3 Select products to complement beauty therapy treatments.

3.1 Apply knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to beauty therapy treatments to maximise positive outcomes.

3.2 Recognise skin problems or requirements and select cosmetic products based on product formulation, function and action to complement range of beauty therapy treatments.

3.3 Apply the relevant principles of cosmetic chemistry in provision of post-treatment care and advice .

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• technical skills to:

• apply cosmetic chemistry knowledge to the design and performance of beauty therapy treatments
• respond to a range of situations involving use of cosmetic chemicals
• identify client characteristics, and recommend and perform a service, including:

• preparation of service area
• preparation of products and equipment
• preparation of client

• literacy skills to source, read, comprehend and apply relevant information to evaluate potential chemical and physical actions of cosmetic products when designing beauty treatments
• communication skills to 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.

Required knowledge 

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• principles of cosmetic chemistry as they relate to beauty therapy treatments
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to beauty therapy treatments
• cosmetic chemistry in relation to beauty therapy treatments and procedures, including:

• chemical concepts for cosmetic products and skin treatments
• range of organic chemistry applicable to cosmetic chemistry
• percutaneous absorption
• chemical formulation of range of cosmetic emulsions in relation to function on skin
• formulation and functions of basic compositions of facial masks and make-up
• formulation, function and action of cosmetic ingredients on skin
• impact of cosmetic ingredients on environment
• formulation and function of facial peels and exfoliants
• provision of post-treatment care and advice

• workplace product, treatment and equipment range, and manufacturer instructions and material safety data sheets.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• applying the principles of cosmetic chemistry in 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 range of cosmetic emulsions in relation to their function on skin
• formulation and functions of basic compositions of facial masks and make-up
• formulation, function and action of cosmetic ingredients on skin
• formulation and function of facial peels and exfoliants
• provision of post-treatment care and advice

• applying a range of beauty therapy treatments, using a variety of techniques and procedures involving cosmetic products
• accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
• that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.

Assessment must ensure access to:

• text and online resources
• treatment products from a professional range
• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and procedures manuals

• a range of clients with different beauty treatment requirements.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Methods of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of learners performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• identifying the concepts of cosmetic chemistry and developing and maintaining safe work practices
• relating principles of cosmetic chemistry to a variety of treatment processes, according to client and safety requirements

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of the application of cosmetic chemistry to the performance of beauty therapy treatments, including after-care advice and relevant legislation
• completion of workplace documentation relevant to beauty therapy treatments
• third-party reports from technical experts.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIBBBOS402A Provide body treatments
• SIBBCCS301A Apply the principles of skin biology to beauty treatments
• SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework
• SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans
• SIBBFAS405A Provide advanced facial treatments.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

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.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene regulations
• occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• comfort and privacy
• designated time frames for the completion of 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:

• non-saponifiable
• 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 and biological activity
• therapeutic
• cosmetic
• actions of cosmeceutical products.

Cosmetic emulsions  may include:

• types of emulsions:

• simple emulsions
• complex emulsions
• micro-emulsions
• surfactants

• moisturisers
• types of humectants, including:

• glycerol
• sorbitol
• urea
• proteins
• natural moisturising 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:

• 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/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  may include:

• manufacturers' product-specific contraindications based on:

• skin type
• skin conditions
• skin disorders

• known allergic reactions.

Provision of post -treatment care and advice  may include:

• lifestyle changes:

• sun protection
• skin care
• effects of nutrition on skin and hair

• product advice
• advice on further services.