Formula Botanica’s History
Follow our story of becoming the world’s leading organic formulation school
Welcome to Formula Botanica. Our school was founded in 2012 as an online organic formulation and business school – nothing of its kind existed at the time and Formula Botanica is still the market leader in its huge global market today. Through its accredited and award-winning online courses, Formula Botanica has seen thousands of its graduates learn how to formulate and launch indie beauty brands, many of which are now stocked by retailers globally, have won awards and receive rave reviews from their customers.
Formula Botanica is on a mission to teach the world to formulate. Not only is formulation fun, easy and empowering, but we can become more sustainable by formulating what we need, when we need it – stepping away from an industry that tells us we can only be good enough if we buy their products.
Our school’s award-winning free and formal online courses have been instrumental in shaping a generation of hundreds of thousands of formulators, as well as thousands of indie beauty brands globally. We look forward to welcoming you into our student community soon.
The Formula Botanica Story
FORMULA BOTANICA WELCOMES ITS 20,000TH STUDENT
In January 2024, we were delighted to enrol our 20,000th student to our wonderful community. The 20,000th student at Formula Botanica is from Spain, and we’re so excited to see their formulations!
9th year in THE WHO’S WHO IN NATURAL BEAUTY
October 2023 saw our CEO chart for the 9th consecutive year in the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty Awards. This year, it wasn’t just Lorraine receiving industry recognition either – 3 of our amazing graduates charted too!
Our formulation tutor Brooke Medhurst is recognised in the industry’s 30 under 30
As Formula Botanica’s team expands, so does its influence. Our Formulation Tutor Brooke Medhurst was recognised in the natural beauty industry’s Thirty under 30 and we’re so proud of this recognition for her excellent work!
FORMULA BOTANICA RECEIVES ITS 2,000TH REVIEW ON TRUSTPILOT
In September 2023, Formula Botanica received its 2,000th review on independent third-party review site Trustpilot. We have consistently received 5-star reviews from our students over the years and are very proud to showcase our amazing reviews.
THE GREEN BEAUTY CONVERSATIONS PODCAST REACHES 1M DOWNLOADS
We celebrated at Formula Botanica this month when our Green Beauty Conversations podcast reached 1,000,000 global downloads! Thank you to all of our listeners and subscribers.
FORMULA BOTANICA HAS TAUGHT IN 190 COUNTRIES
In May 2023, Formula Botanica welcomed in its first ever student in Palau, meaning that the School has taught in a total of 190 countries around the world. We love the way that formulation is spreading around planet Earth through our online courses!
FORMULA BOTANICA WELCOMES ITS 19,000TH STUDENT
In May 2023, we were delighted to enrol our 19,000th student to our wonderful community. The 19,000th student at Formula Botanica is from the USA, and we can’t wait to see how formulation will change their life.
FORMULA BOTANICA WELCOMES ITS 18,000TH STUDENT
In November 2022, we were delighted to enrol our 18,000th student to our thriving community. The 18,000th student at Formula Botanica is from the USA, and we can’t wait to see how formulation will change their life.
TOP 5 WIN AT THE WHO’S WHO IN NATURAL BEAUTY AWARDS 2022
September 2022 saw Lorraine come second in the coveted Who’s Who in Natural Beauty Awards. Named by Who’s Who in Natural Beauty as the ‘Formulation Favourite’, it’s fantastic to see Formula Botanica recognised as the world’s leading formulation school.
30 MINI LABS IN THE LAB
Our Mini Lab’s are short courses within the Lab at Formula Botanica. They focus on either a formulation, an ingredient or a business topic. In September, we celebrated the 30th Mini Lab going live. Our 30th Mini Lab was all about natural peptides!
THE LAB IS CPD ACCREDITED
The Mini Labs in the Lab at Formula Botanica are now certified by the accrediting body CPD (Continuing Professional Development) UK! Every Lab member who completes a Mini Lab will receive their own badge and certificate to demonstrate their continuing professional development.
FORMULA BOTANICA IS 10 YEARS OLD
April 2022 saw Formula Botanica celebrating its 10th birthday! A massive milestone and a testament to the fantastic quality of the courses and support we offer. That’s 10 years of teaching students that formulation is fun, easy and empowering.
The Green Beauty Conversations podcast reaches 500k downloads
Formula Botanica’s Green Beauty Conversations podcast reaches the ear buds of thousands of listeners each month, so we were thrilled to reach our 500,000 downloads milestone, as well as learning that we hit the #1 beauty podcast spot in 50 countries to date.
Formula Botanica teaches natural makeup formulation for the first time
Formula Botanica has added natural makeup formulation using plant pigments in an industry-first by launching a natural lipstick formulation module in its exclusive membership site, the Lab at Formula Botanica.
Formula Botanica enrols its 15,000th student (in the USA!)
In January 2022, Formula Botanica welcomed its 15,000th student to the community. A student in the USA joined Formula Botanica as the 15,000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica plants 100k trees in its forest fundraiser
In November 2021, Formula Botanica donated another £30k to its two preferred charities: Plantlife and TreeSisters. Not only did this donation contribute to restoring threatened UK juniper tree habitats from overgrazing and fungal infections resulting from a changing climate, but we also reached 100k trees in the Formula Botanica Forest.
Lorraine Dallmeier is voted into the Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities for 2021
Our CEO Lorraine was again voted into the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty – back in the top 5 for the 5th year! We’re so pleased to see our school recognised in this industry hotlist for the 9th year running, in amongst so many of our graduates and friends in..Read More
Formula Botanica launches its brand new e-learning platform
In August 2021, Formula Botanica brought 2 years of hard work to fruition with the launch of its upgraded Moodle e-learning platform. The school consistently reinvests in its students, its systems and its platforms to deliver the highest quality online learning experience.
Formula Botanica reaches 100k followers on Instagram
After consistently providing amazing value to our followers for years as part of the school’s mission to teach the world to formulate, Formula Botanica welcomed its 100,000th follower on Instagram.
Formula Botanica enrols its 14,000th student (in the UK!)
In July 2021, Formula Botanica welcomed its 14,000th student to the community. A student in the UK joined Formula Botanica as the 14,000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica launches its affiliate programme
In June 2021, Formula Botanica opened the doors to its brand new affiliate programme, allowing both the school’s alumni and friends throughout the industry to take part in our enormous global launches and earn a commission for recommending our courses.
Formula Botanica receives its 1,500th review on Trustpilot
In June 2021, Formula Botanica received its 1,500th review on independent third-party review site Trustpilot. We have consistently received 5-star reviews from our students over the years and are very proud to showcase our amazing reviews.
Formula Botanica Has Taught in 175 Countries
In January 2021, Formula Botanica welcomed in its first ever student in Tunisia, meaning that the School has taught in a total of 175 countries around the world. Green beauty is taking over and Formula Botanica is honoured to drive forward the global formulation movement!
Formula Botanica Enrols its 12,000th student (in the USA!)
In January 2021, Formula Botanica welcomed its 12,000th student to the community. A student in the USA joined Formula Botanica as the 12,000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica Grows Its Team to 40 Staff
As the School and its student intake continues to grow at a rapid pace, the Formula Botanica Team reached 40 staff in 12 countries at the end of 2020 to further lead the global green beauty movement.
Formula Botanica Donates Record-Breaking £30,000 to Sustainability Charities
Formula Botanica donated a record £30,000 over the past year shared between two charities – Plantlife and TreeSisters – working in the field of sustainability and conservation to fulfill their aims of protecting and regenerating the environment and promoting sustainable use of its resources.
The Lab at Formula Botanica Reaches Its First 1,000 Members
Formula Botanica exclusive membership site, the Lab at Formula Botanica, reaches its first 1,000 members within only 6 months of launching in 2020. Its members now receive expert mini courses and research profiles every month from the Formula Botanica team or its guest lecturers.
Formula Botanica Hires Chief Growth Officer Wayne Moussalli
To manage its expansion and drive Formula Botanica to its goal of 150% growth over the next two years, Formula Botanica hired experienced digital marketer and former external consultant Wayne Moussalli as its Chief Growth Officer to join its senior leadership team.
Lorraine Dallmeier Voted the Most Influential Person in Natural Beauty for 2020
Our CEO Lorraine Dallmeier was voted as the most influential person in natural beauty for 2020, by hitting the number one spot in the international Who’s Who in Natural Beauty! We’re so pleased to receive this amazing recognition for our 8th year in this industry hotlist.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 10,000th Student (In the USA!)
In July 2020, Formula Botanica welcomed its 10,000th student to the community. A student in the USA joined Formula Botanica as the 10,000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 9000th Student (In the UK!)
In April 2020, Formula Botanica welcomed its 9,000th student to the community. A student in the UK joined Formula Botanica as the 9,000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica announced as official indie beauty partner for in-cosmetics Global 2020
In 2020, Formula Botanica was announced as the official indie beauty partner at in-cosmetics Global 2020. In-Cosmetics Global is the world’s largest cosmetic ingredients event and brings together over 800 exhibitors annually from over 115 countries.
Formula Botanica receives its 1,000th review on Trustpilot
In January 2019, Formula Botanica received its 1000th review on independent third-party review site Trustpilot. We have consistently received 5-star reviews from our students over the years and are very proud to showcase our amazing reviews.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 8000th Student (In the USA!)
In January 2020, Formula Botanica welcomed its 8000th student to the community. A student in the USA joined Formula Botanica as the 8000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica Publishes its 2019 Yearbook
At the start of 2020, Formula Botanica published its third ever yearbook, in which we showcased our graduates, their stories, their formulations, their brands and their awards. Click to read your copy of the 2019 Formula Botanica Yearbook.
Formula Botanica starts planting the Formula Botanica Forest with TreeSisters
In December 2019, Formula Botanica partnered with TreeSisters and started planting the Formula Botanica Forest. We have committed to planting 250,000 trees by 2025 and we want you to join us in the reforestation revolution! Let’s grow a forest together.
Lorraine Dallmeier Is Voted Into The Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities For 2019
Our Director Lorraine was again voted into the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty – now charting at number 4! We’re so pleased to see our school recognised in this industry hotlist for the 7th year running, in amongst so many of our graduates, peers and friends in the industry.
Formula Botanica enrols its 7000th student (in Nigeria!)
In July 2019, Formula Botanica welcomed its 7000th student to the community. A student in Nigeria joined Formula Botanica as the 7000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica spends the summer refilming its Masterclass videos
We regularly work with professional camera crews, but the filming we undertook in June 2019 was one of our biggest filming sessions to date. With a 7-strong crew, Lorraine and her team filmed a dedicated Masterclass on how to become an organic skincare entrepreneur.
Formula Botanica’s Podcast hits its first 100k downloads
Our #1 Green Beauty Conversations podcast reached its first 100,000 downloads in June 2019, after a little more than a year of being broadcast to the world. We have tackled topics to do with formulation, indie beauty business and general industry challenges.
Formula Botanica enrols its 6000th student (in South Africa!)
In January 2019, Formula Botanica welcomed its 6000th student to the community. A student in South Africa joined Formula Botanica as the 6000th person to go through our courses. Our students continue to tell us how our courses change their lives.
Formula Botanica Has Taught in 150 Countries
In January 2019, Formula Botanica welcomed in its first ever student in Algeria, meaning that the School has taught in a total of 150 countries around the world. Green beauty is taking over and Formula Botanica is honoured to drive forward the global formulation movement!
Formula Botanica Publishes its 2018 Yearbook
At the end of 2018, Formula Botanica published its second ever yearbook, in which we showcased our graduates, their stories, their formulations, their brands and their awards. Click to read your copy of the 2018 Formula Botanica Yearbook.
Lorraine Dallmeier wins major CEW beauty industry award
Formula Botanica school director Lorraine Dallmeier won the prestigious Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) UK Digital Achiever Award 2018, sponsored and awarded by Google. In this photo, you can see Lorraine together with Jacqui Owens, Head of Beauty UK at Google. Click here to read the full press release.
Lorraine Dallmeier Is Voted Into The Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities For 2018
Our Director Lorraine was again voted into the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty – now charting at number 3! We’re thrilled to see our school recognised in this industry hotlist for the 6th year running.
Formula Botanica receives 500 reviews on Trustpilot
In July 2018, Formula Botanica received its 500th review on independent third-party review site Trustpilot. We have consistently received 5-star reviews from our students over the years and are very proud to showcase our amazing reviews.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 5000th Student (In the USA!)
In July 2018, Formula Botanica welcomed its 5000th student to the community. A student in the USA joined Formula Botanica as the 5000th person to go through our courses. We continue to grow quickly, as students from across the world flock to enrol for our courses.
Formula Botanica launches its Green Beauty Conversations Podcast
In February 2018 we launched our Green Beauty Conversations podcast, bringing the world of green beauty to your earbuds. Within the first 24 hours we hit the #1 spot in the Fashion & Beauty category in iTunes! Subscribe to our podcast.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 4000th Student (In India!)
In January 2018, Formula Botanica welcomed its 4000th student to the community. A student in India joined Formula Botanica as the 4000th person to go through our courses. We continue to grow quickly, as students from across the world enrol for our courses.
Formula Botanica publishes its 2017 Yearbook
At the end of 2017, Formula Botanica published its first ever yearbook, in which we showcased our graduates, their stories, their formulations, their brands and their awards. Click read your copy of the 2017 Formula Botanica Yearbook.
Lorraine Dallmeier Is Voted Into The Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities For 2017
Following on from her 2015 and 2016 successes, our Director Lorraine was again voted into the top 25 Natural Beauty personalities for 2017 – now entering the top 5! We’re thrilled to see our school recognised in this industry hotlist for the 5th year running.
Formula Botanica Enrols Its 3000th Student (In Vietnam!)
In April 2017, Formula Botanica welcomed its 3000th student to the community. A student in Vietnam joined Formula Botanica as the 3000th person to go through our courses. We continue to grow quickly, as students from across the world flock to enrol for our courses.
Formula Botanica wins the Gold Award at the Learning Technologies Awards
Formula Botanica is honoured to announce that we won the Gold Award for the “Excellence in the Design of Learning Content” category at the 2016 Learning Technologies Awards. We beat many major multinationals from around the world, in recognition of the quality of our online teaching methods and learning materials.
Formula Botanica teaches in 100+ countries
October 2016 was a busy month for us! We enrolled new students in Brunei, Armenia, Slovenia, Peru and Fiji. These were all new countries for us and brought our total to over 100 countries taught around the world. We are incredibly proud to host our global community.
Lorraine Dallmeier Is Voted Into The Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities For 2016
Following on from her 2015 success, Lorraine was again voted into the top 25 Natural Beauty personalities for 2016 – this time at number 24. It is fantastic to see Formula Botanica and Lorraine recognises in this great industry hotlist!
Formula Botanica enrols its 2000th student (in India!)
In July 2016, Formula Botanica welcomed its 2000th student to the community. A student in India joined Formula Botanica as the 2000th person to go through our courses. We’re so proud!
Formula Botanica moves its e-Learning platform to Moodle
In March 2016, Formula Botanica moved its entire eLearning platform over to Moodle after a year of preparation. This powerful eLearning platform delivers the Formula Botanica community with a set of student-centric tools that empower both teaching and learning.
Formula Botanica receives distance learning accreditation
In December 2015, Formula Botanica achieves its accreditation with the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council. This accreditation demonstrates that Formula Botanica’s teaching methods and educational materials meet the highest standard.
Formula Botanica is shortlisted as a Finalist for the Digital Business of the Year
In late 2015, Formula Botanica was shortlisted as a Finalist at the UK’s National Business Awards – the Oscars of the Business world – for the Digital Business of the Year Award. Unfortunately we didn’t take home the trophy but we were deeply honoured to be shortlisted amongst industry giants.
Lorraine Dallmeier is voted Into The Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities For 2016
Formula Botanica’s Director Lorraine Dallmeier was voted into the top 25 Natural Beauty personalities for 2015 – charting as a new entry at number 12. What an honour to be recognised on this prestigious natural beauty industry hotlist for her work with Formula Botanica!
Formula Botanica enrols its 1000th student (in Portugal!)
In May 2015, Formula Botanica welcomed its 1000th student to the community. A student in Portugal joined Formula Botanica as the 1000th person to go through our courses. What a milestone!
Formula Botanica is recognised by the Guardian for its business innovation
In 2015, the Guardian newspaper in the UK published a profile on Formula Botanica under its ‘home business innovation’ section, recognising the significant achievement made by the school in its Small Business section.
Formula Botanica becomes a corporate member of Plantlife International
Since 2014 we donate a percentage of our students’ course fees annually to Plantlife International – the organisation that is speaking up for our wild flowers, plants and fungi. Formula Botanica has been Plantlife’s biggest corporate patron since 2019.
Formula Botanica featured in Vogue’s Education Guide
In 2014 we were invited to be featured in British Vogue’s Education Guide, who only showcase the best in beauty education and courses in the UK. Formula Botanica was featured in three issues of the Education Guide and is proud to have been showcased by such a prestigious publication.
Lorraine Dallmeier takes over Formula Botanica as CEO
In February 2014 Lorraine Dallmeier, Biologist and Environmental Scientist, took over Formula Botanica as its CEO. Lorraine had worked at the school as a Lecturer for a year by this point, helping to create new course material and grading coursework for students.
Formula Botanica launches its flagship International Organic Skincare Entrepreneur Program
December 2013 was the first time that Formula Botanica opened enrolments for its flagship course program: the International Organic Skincare Entrepreneur Program, teaching you everything you need to know in order to go from complete beginner to organic skincare formulator and indie beauty entrepreneur.
Formula Botanica voted into the Top 25 Natural Beauty Personalities for 2014
At the end of 2013, Formula Botanica’s Founder Star was voted into the Top 25 Personalities in the Natural Beauty Sector for 2014. Formula Botanica was now starting to grab people’s attention and this saw the School rise up the charts to number 11 in the industry hotlist.
The School of Holistic Cosmetology is rebranded to Formula Botanica
We rebranded in September 2013 to Formula Botanica. We embrace the concepts of botanical skinfood, simplicity and science – we wanted our students and our followers to understand exactly what we stood for and we felt that the name ‘Formula Botanica’ suited us much better.
The School of Holistic Cosmetology opens its doors
The School of Holistic Cosmetology opened its doors in April 2012, following the huge demand for online courses for organic skincare formulators. Initially courses were delivered by email and laminated certificates sent by post. In its first year, the School enrolled 49 students.
The Holistic Beauty Book is published
It all started with a book! Star Khechara, the original Founder of Formula Botanica, published The Holistic Beauty Book in 2008 after having made her own lotions and potions for 20 years.
