So much more than soap

Have you ever pondered about the science behind the home and personal care (HPC) products we use daily?

The inaugural batch of College of Humanities and Sciences students reading the new interdisciplinary course – HSI2006 Decoding Home and Personal Care Products – decided to debunk common myths about HPCs through a poster exhibition at the Central Library held in November and December 2024.

The students created an infographics series to apply the knowledge they gained from the course as well as to inform and educate the public by providing insights into the chemistry processes underlying HPC products.

Phan Nguyen Phuc An

Heng Kai En (left)

Low Yi Jia (middle) and Chloe Tan (right)

Chloe Tan and Low Yi Jia, both Pharmaceutical Science students, Heng Kai En, who reads English Language and Linguistics and Life Sciences’ Phan Nguyen Phuc An share the learning takeaways from this course.

What inspired you to take the course?

Chloe: I love fragrances and this course is highly relatable as HPC products are essential in our lives. The course also gives us the opportunity to formulate our own perfumes in a hands-on workshop. 

Kai En: This new class piqued my interest and it shows how important chemistry is in our daily lives.  

Phuc An: I am drawn to the science and its role in everyday life, which aligns perfectly with my interests.  

What are your key takeaways?

Chloe: I learned how to accurately decipher ingredient labels of HPC products,  analyse each chemical compound and explain why it is necessary for the product’s function.   

Yi Jia: The course taught me about the chemical properties of HPC products and I also picked up skills to critically assess marketing claims using scientific evidence. In addition, I gained insights into the broader societal and environmental considerations behind these products, such as ethical production. 

Kai En: The course shows how ubiquitous chemistry is in our lives. It also boosts our skills in debunking bogus claims about personal care, which can be particularly helpful in this age of misinformation.

Phuc An: I’ve always appreciated learning about relevant, real-world topics and this course delivered exactly that.

How does this course inculcate interdisciplinary thinking?

Chloe: This course has a well-rounded thinking framework incorporating multiple, different perspectives in analysing home and personal care products, such as insights into consumer literacy and the influence of media and society on the personal care product industry.  

Yi Jia: The course blended scientific aspects with consumer psychology, media literacy and environmental studies. This integration provides a macro perspective. For instance, while learning about the chemical composition of HPC products, we also explored how the media shapes consumer perceptions and how legal frameworks govern product claims.

Kai En: A lot goes into convincing people to make purchases. A valuable takeaway is the importance of effective communications with a non-expert audience. We had to think about how to persuade people to read our infographics by organising the information in a logical and succinct manner. 

Phuc An: This course strikes a perfect balance between science and the arts. I gained in-depth understanding of the chemistry and biological interactions of products with the skin. The course also encourages creativity through assignments like social media posts and infographics, enabling me to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible content for the public. 

How will you apply the knowledge you gained?

Chloe: When reading marketing claims about a product, I am not better able to critically evaluate these claims to determine if they are backed by scientific evidence as well as to choose between different brands or formulations to determine which one is the most suitable for me.

Kai En: Communications is a vital skill. When I teach younger children in my next course (GEN2050Y- Teach SG), I hope to communicate my thoughts clearly and succinctly, while facilitating a conversation between myself and the students so that I can find a way to help them.

Phuc An:  As a science student, the ability to evaluate sources is essential for supporting reliable studies and making informed decisions. And the perfume workshop inspired me so much that I’m considering taking up perfume making as a hobby!