The Lipid Formulators

Inner Circle

study & Learn with Susan M Parker

Join us in studying the art &  science of formulating the most potent and effective all-natural, waterless skincare products.

yes! I want to join

Month-to-month cancel anytime

You've already been working with lipids and plant oils in your skincare formulations, you’ve learned how to combine oils effectively and you've seen the results.

Yet it can feel like there’s a constant barrage of conflicting information on which oils are safe and effective, shifting horror stories about ecological impact and heated debates about seed oils vs lipid skincare oils.

In all the noise, sometimes you just need a trusted place where you can get the real science, the real benefits and the real formulations that get results for yourself and your clients and customers. 

Create your own trusted, science-backed herbal and oil based skincare products that stands out in a crowded market

Join The Lipid Formulators Inner Circle where we focus 100% on formulating with the lipids and plant oils, herbal extracts and natural plant compounds to make sustainable, natural, skin barrier friendly and waterless skincare formulations. 

Move beyond “What oil should I use?” and into a more complete understanding on the science behind why lipids and plant oils are the foundation of effective skincare.

Whether you’re formulating skincare for a product line, working with essential oils and herbs or getting started with oils in your own daily routine, you’ll find a path that fits where you are and the monthly guidance to keep going.

And with live workshops and our community of formulators, you'll never be learning alone.

I'm Susan M Parker

And I want to welcome you to the wonderful world of herbs and plant oils. I have been studying herbalism, skincare formulation and the lipid plant oils since the early 1990's when I did my first herbal apprenticeship with Pam Montgomery. 


From those early days in the herbal world to the publication of my book Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty I have been deep in the study of how these plant compounds found in both herbal infusions and lipid plant oils affect the skin. And over and over again I see people who's lifelong skin struggles resolve with the right plant oils. 


In our Lipid Formulators Inner Circle I share my ongoing research, courses I am developing for our Academy and formulas I'm working on. Sharing information, answering your questions and helping you make simple, effective skincare with plants and oils is something I love. I want to invite you to join us for our monthly masterclasses and workshops inside the Inner Circle

Susan's abundant knowledge and evident love of oils should be acknowledged and aspirational to prospective students. The program was terrific, and I'm constantly going back to it to reference something. I love the membership; it's like my personal oil encyclopedia! 

Naudia Lorraine

Yes! I want to join

Where plant wisdom meets scientific study

Live Classes & Workshops

We get together regularly for live workshops, and each month I host a masterclass where I go deep on a single topic.

When you join, you'll also have access to years of lessons, deep dives, and recordings on everything from skin barrier repair to ceramides to herbal infusions.

I love being able to log on and get whatever information I need when I need it. I don’t know how anyone who formulates with oils goes without being a part of the membership.


Mary Jane Poole

Yes! I want to join

Monthly Topic Deep Dives

  • Topic of the Month
    Each month inside the studio, Susan chooses a single focus, something she’s actively researching, revisiting, or refining in her own work. 
  • Live Session
    At the end of the month, we gather for a live teaching session and open Q&A, bringing the month’s work together and answering your questions in real time.
  • All Recordings Included
    Every session is recorded and added to your member archive so you can revisit anytime or catch up if you miss a live call.

Recent Topic Deep Dives

  • Vitamin A to Carotenoids
    Carotenoids are nature's antioxidants, protecting skin from oxidative damage and converting to vitamin A in the body. In this series, we break down how they work and why they matter for your formulations.
  • Skin Barrier Function, Support & Repair
    An in-depth study on skin barrier function and repair, how the barrier works, what causes damage and how to formulate products for skin barrier care.
  • Herbal Skincare & Infused Oils
    Learn how to macerate botanicals in oil, from choosing your plants and carrier oils to mastering infusion methods that give you reliable results every time.
  • Saponins & Hyperpigmentation
    Saponins are plant compounds that help even out skin tone and fade dark spots. In this series, we dig into how they work and how to use them in your formulations.
  • Squalene & Squalane in Skincare
    Discover the natural sources of squalene, how it differs from squalane, and why your skin already knows what to do with it.

Thank you Susan and Olivia for your constant new information on oils. Plants and oils, what a fascinating world. I’m looking forward to learning more and expanding my, so far limited, formulating fun.

Michelle Satchell

Exclusive Bonus for Lipid Formulators

The Lipid Lab

$197 Value -  included in the Inner Circle

Inside the Lipid Lab, you’ll find the reference materials and formulation tools you reach for again and again whether you're developing a new formula, researching an ingredient, or refining a finished product.

Completely Searchable Oils & Butters Database

Access data on 170+ plant oils and butters, searchable by dominant fatty acid, botanical family, INCI name, SAP value, iodine value, and more. Includes visual pie charts and full fatty acid profiles.

Ingredient Guides, Formulating Tools & References

Tools and references for formulating including melt points, best herbal infusing oils, INCI names, iodine value, SAP value, fatty acid profiles, shelf life, and storing and stocking oils and butters.

Recipes, Projects & Anhydrous Formulas

Formulas and recipes to use as is or adapt to make your own. Inside you'll find facial oils and serums, herbal balms and salves, body butters and body oils, massage oils, solid serums melts and lotion bars.

Get full access to the Lab when you join

Join the Lipid Formulators Inner Circle

Join us in studying the art &  science of formulating the most potent and effective all-natural, waterless skincare products

  • Monthly live classes 
  • Formulating workshops
  •  Topic deep dives and tutorials
  • Full access to the Lipid Lab    
  • $20% off courses 
join for just $47 a monthno contract cancel anytime

or choose annual at checkout and get 2 months free

When you join you'll get immediate access to everything in the Lipid Formulators Inner Circle including topic deep dives, monthly live classes with recordings and the complete Lipid Lab

FAQ.

What if I’m brand new to carrier oils? Will this be too advanced?

Not at all. You’ll find beginner-friendly materials alongside in-depth lessons. Whether you're just starting or already formulating, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

What if I’ve been formulating with oils for years? Will I still learn something new?

Yes. The Lipid Formulators is designed for ongoing learning—whether you're refining your formulations, exploring new ingredients, or deepening your understanding of lipid science. Our members include skincare professionals, formulators, and educators.

What if I can’t find the oil I’m looking for in the database?

We’re constantly updating and expanding the database. You can always request a new oil—and if we don’t have the data yet, we’ll research it and add it in a future update.

Is everything available right away, or do I have to wait to unlock content?

Everything is available on-demand. You get immediate access to all current resources, mini-courses, and the searchable database as soon as you join.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. If you're on the monthly plan, you can cancel at any time and won’t be billed again. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing cycle.

Do you offer refunds?

We offer a 7-day refund period on annual memberships only. If you join with the annual plan and realize it’s not a good fit, just contact us within the first 7 days and we’ll issue a full refund.

We don’t offer refunds on the monthly membership, but you can cancel anytime before your next billing cycle.

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