Our Story
Glamsci Academy was founded in 2016 in Hong Kong by Liza Chinyere Igweigbo (professionally known as Liza Kwan), a cosmetics formulator, perfumer, and aromatherapist with over two decades of experience in the personal care industry. For Liza, the Academy wasn’t a departure from her career — it was a continuation of it. Having grown up immersed in cosmetic manufacturing through her family’s business, and having gone on to found and run her own ventures in contract manufacturing, custom perfumery, retail, and formulation consulting, she built Glamsci Academy to pass on knowledge that had, until then, largely stayed within the walls of factories, labs, and private consultations.
What began as small, hands-on physical classes for the public quickly expanded to include corporate training programs for beauty and personal care companies, as well as community education initiatives designed to bring quality knowledge to underserved learners. As demand grew from students unable to attend in person, Glamsci Academy developed its online learning platform, extending its reach to students overseas and establishing itself as a truly global institution.
Today, Glamsci Academy stands at the intersection of cosmetic science and holistic wellness, offering a curriculum that is as rigorous as it is soulful.
Our Philosophy
We believe true expertise in beauty and wellness comes from understanding both the how and the why. That means grounding every formulation in chemistry and safety science, while honoring the ancient wisdom of aromatherapy, naturopathy, and natural healing traditions. Our students don’t just learn to follow recipes — they learn to think like formulators, healers, and innovators.
This philosophy is drawn directly from our founder’s own training, which spans three continents: a Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati, perfumery training in Thailand and at the Galimard Studio des Fragrances in France, and direct study under renowned French clinical aromatherapist Pierre Franchomme. It’s a rare combination — laboratory-grade formulation science paired with deep, traditional aromatherapy expertise — and it’s woven into every course we teach.
What We Offer
- Skincare Formulation — Master the science of creating safe, effective, and innovative skincare products from concept to finished formula.
- Cosmetic Sciences — Build a strong foundation in the chemistry, regulatory standards, and technical principles behind the beauty industry.
- Aromatherapy — Learn the therapeutic use of essential oils for physical, emotional, and energetic wellbeing, rooted in clinical practice.
- Naturopathy — Explore natural, holistic approaches to health and healing that complement modern wellness practices.
- Perfumery — Discover the art and craft of fragrance creation, from raw materials to signature scent design.
Our Founder
Glamsci Academy is founded and led by Liza Chinyere Igweigbo, whose credentials run deep: she is an IFA and NAHA Accredited Aromatherapist holding an IFA Accredited Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy, a Master Reiki Practitioner, and a qualified nutritionist with a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutritional Sciences. She is a full member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) and the International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA), and formerly served as Vice President of the Hong Kong Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
Beyond the Academy, Liza continues to teach at the highest levels of academia — as a Cosmetics Science Course Instructor at HKU SPACE since 2021, and as a Guest Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at City University of Hong Kong since 2019. She is also an author, with two published books on DIY skincare and a new clinical aromatherapy series currently underway.
[Read Liza’s full story →]
Our Community
From our roots in Hong Kong to our growing international student body, Glamsci Academy is more than a school — it’s a community of formulators, healers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners united by a shared passion for beauty, wellness, and the science behind both.