$50.00
Hydrocolloids are some of the most powerful and playful tools in the herbal formulator’s toolkit. In this hands-on, formulation-focused class, we’ll explore how gel-forming ingredients can transform your herbal extracts into effective topical remedies and skin care.
Together, we’ll work with herbal extracts and modern hydrocolloids (gelling agents) to create two versatile gel-based preparations: A cooling herbal pain relief gel designed to soothe sore muscles and joints, and a gel-based cosmetic moisturizer, showing how herbal gels function inside emulsions to create lightweight, silky serums.
This class bridges traditional herbal therapeutics and modern DIY formulation, while giving students a deeper understanding of the wide world of hydrocolloids and their uses. You’ll learn how texture, viscosity, and ingredient choice affect both efficacy and user experience, and how to confidently pair herbal medicines with contemporary cosmetic ingredients.
Each student will receive samples of both preparations to take home.
This class is ideal for:
No prior formulation experience required, just curiosity and a love of plants.
January 18 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Berkeley Herbal Center
About your Instructor:
Colleen Bingham is a lifelong nature-loving nerd and the founder of Herb Nerd, a digital education hub for herbal medicine making and natural product development. She started her herbal journey in 2010 thanks to the writings of Rosemary Gladstar and an introductory herbal program with Jane Bothwell at the Dandelion Herbal Center, later deepening her knowledge at the California School of Herbal Studies, where she became core faculty and taught for a decade.
Colleen is a Certified Herbalist, natural product formulator, and educator with 13+ years of experience in the wellness space. She’s taught hundreds of students how to make herbal remedies from scratch, combining traditional wisdom with scientific insight. At herbnerd.com, her deep love of solubility, extraction, formulation and phytochemistry culminate in niche courses that deepen her students’ understanding of why and how plants heal.
Herbal skincare was her gateway into this work. In 2013, she launched Poppy Botanicals, a cult-favorite brand and creative incubator for plant-based beauty before “green beauty” became mainstream. She’s also worked behind the scenes as a copywriter, formulator, education strategist, and DSHEA compliance/claims substantiation expert for national brands like Traditional Medicinals, Urban Moonshine, Dr. Morse’s, and Herbal Academy.
Her students know her for making herbalism accessible, fun, and crystal clear, blending her BFA in theatre with her Virgo moon sensibilities to keep classes engaging and practical. Whether you’re curious about making your own face cream or building a home apothecary, she’s here to help you nerd out on nature!
