Schools and teachers
In-class or after-school sessions that fit a physical science unit on matter and its properties. We handle the materials and cleanup.
Every jar is a chemistry lesson.
The Chemistry of Self-Care
A hands-on science workshop for grades 6–8.
Melting points, polarity, oxidation, measuring by percent. Middle schoolers already use all of it every morning at the bathroom sink. We bring the lab to their classroom, and they leave with a balm they formulated, measured, and labeled themselves.
Divine Comfort Body Butter400 g batch
35%
Shea Butter
Tap a layer to see what it does and the science behind it.
Science they can hold in their hands
Chemistry can feel abstract at twelve. A butter that melts on your wrist, an oil that stays liquid on the counter, a scent that fills the room — those aren't abstract. They're questions students already want answered.
The workshop is built and taught by a chemist who took the long way into skincare: a chemistry degree from Michigan State, an esthetician license, and a business that formulates every product in small batches. Students see the path as well as the science.
Skin Ascension is rooted in faith, and this work is where that faith turns into service: showing up for young people and helping them see how much they’re capable of.
“I want every student to walk out knowing that the products on their shelf were made by someone who understood chemistry — and that someone could be them.” Aaliyah, founder of Skin Ascension
The workshop, station by station
Five lab stations, in order, each one answering a question students can test for themselves.
Meet your skin
Why does skin need oil at all?
The skin barrier as bricks and mortar: cells held together by lipids, and what happens to that mortar in dry winter air.
Oil meets water
Why won't they mix?
Polarity in a clear cup. Students shake, watch, and discover why lotions need an emulsifier and butters don't need water at all.
The melt test
Why is shea solid and almond oil liquid?
Students time how fast butters, oils, and beeswax melt, then connect the results to how fatty acid molecules pack together.
Measure like a formulator
How do you turn a recipe into a formula?
Percentages, grams, and scaling a batch up or down. Real math on a real digital scale.
Make it and label it
What goes on the jar, and why?
Each student pours a 2 oz balm and writes its ingredient label in order of weight, the way the pros are required to.
- Grades
- 6–8
- Format
- One 90-minute session or a three-part series
- Group size
- Up to 24 students
- Supplies
- Lab kits, goggles, and jars provided
What students take home
Their own formula
A 2 oz balm they measured, poured, and labeled, with ingredients and percentages they chose.
A lab journal
Observations, data from the melt test, and the math behind their batch, ready to share in science class.
A path to picture
A conversation with a working chemist and business owner about the careers hiding inside the products they use.
Bring the lab to your students
We work alongside the people already showing up for young scientists.
Nonprofits and youth programs
STEM organizations, community centers, churches, and summer programs. We can co-design a series around your students and schedule.
Sponsors and funders
Underwrite workshop seats and lab kits so the school or program pays nothing. Every dollar is tracked and reported back to you.
Every product funds a student
A set amount from every jar and bottle we sell goes into a dedicated fund for chemistry education for underserved youth, held separately and reported openly.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your students and what you have in mind. We'll reply within a few days with dates, format options, and costs or sponsorship availability.
