SCS spring symposium set to cause controversy

From 17-19 May the place to be this spring is Grantham! That’s where the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS) is holding its 2nd Annual Cosmetic Science Symposium. ‘Cosmetic Controversies – Seeing the Whole Picture’ will bring together top minds, who do not always think alike, and is inviting controversy and debate in issues that affect all areas of the cosmetic industry.

But why should you be there? What can you learn?

The exciting first morning session covers the latest thinking on the hot topic of cosmeceuticals, or active skin care products, and whether they could in the future give facelifts a run for their money.

Are you involved with skin care products or ingredients? Then come and discover:

• The latest theories on skin ageing
• Hear top dermatologists and cosmetic scientists discuss and debate what works and what doesn’t. Find out whether putting expensive antioxidants in your skin care products can really make you look ten years younger. Learn if micro-needle rollers and lasers can really reduce scarring, or is it just the latest gimmick?. Hear where research is going and what still needs to be done
• Decide for yourself whether expensive skin creams are really worth the money

In session 2 we turn our attention to the world of fragrance and discover why some companies are looking at removing synthetic fragrances and replacing them with essential oil blends. But just what are the scientific facts? Fragrance safety will be hotly debated, as will the virtues (or not) of using essential oils

What can you learn?

• Whether natural fragrances are really any better or safer
• If over zealous legislation is restricting the perfumer’s palate, to the extent that some odours soon won’t be possible?
• Why some essential oils seem to be imbued with almost magical properties?
• How a perfumer creates that winning scent that makes your product sell like hot cakes

Session 3 takes the natural v synthetic debate to the wider cosmetic arena. Why are natural and organic cosmetics such a hot topic right now? Perhaps it could have something to do with the predicted double digit growth forecast for this market sector? But why do synthetic ingredients get such a bad press when they enable formulators to produce effective, innovative products that consumers demand?

What questions will be answered in this session?

• What are those pesky private standards agencies up to?
• Harmonisation or fragmentation – which way could it go?
• Is it possible to formulate effective products using all natural based chemicals?
• Can the human body tell the difference between a synthetic and a natural ingredient?
• Is there such a phenomenon as synergy?
• What preservatives can you use in natural products and are they really up to the job?
• Are preservative-free or self-preserving cosmetics possible or even desirable?
• Can Annex VI and ‘natural preservation’ co-exist?

The final session will build on the previous three by discussing how we might achieve the lofty ambitions of ‘going green’ and sustainable, without robbing the planet of essential resources and rare plant species.

What will you learn?

• What will we do for raw materials when the oil runs out?
• What is green chemistry?
• Are we taking action fast enough in introducing greener processes?
• How can getting sustainability right add value to your bottom line?
• What are the biodiversity issues and how is the cosmetic industry dealing with them?

This symposium will cover the hot issues facing all cosmetic companies, whether manufacturer or supplier, today. Maybe with constructive and open debate we can actually co-invent a better future. As the saying goes, be there or be square!