The Chemistry In Cosmetics
Jillian Olear Prof. John Horgan HST 401A Seminar in Science Writing- Paper #1 24 January 2026 I pledge my honor that I have abided by the Stevens Honor System. The Chemistry in Cosmetics There’s a lot that’s been said to me whenever I’ve told someone I’m majoring in chemistry. The most popular response is when they just go, “Wow. Sounds hard.” Which, honestly, is valid. The assumptions that typically follow that remark though are, “Oh, you must want to go to medical school” or “So you want to do pharmaceutical research?” Don’t get me wrong, I debated both of these paths at one point in time. However, now, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s at this point in the conversation where I tell these people that I want to pursue a career in cosmetic research. I’m met with shock and surprise, but I never have the opportunity to elaborate. Until I got to write this essay. I had been taking dance classes since I was three years old, but it wasn’t until sixth grade when I...