AThe Breadth and Depth of Bio-inspired and Biotech Beauty …Yingxia Wang
s consumer concerns regarding product safety and environmental sustainability grow, the cosmetics and personal care industry has shifted toward naturederived, nature-inspired, and biomimetic solutions. These innovations leverage biotechnology and its associated tools in a new category known as “biotech beauty ” Once an industry reserved for advanced phar maceutical development, biotechnology has in recent years become much more accessible, unlocking highefficacy active ingredients, precision-targeted benefits, and greater biocompatibility with skin and hair.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this new era of bio-inspired and biotechnology-based cosmetics is the boundless potential for innovation The industry has not introduced a single chemistry or approach but rather a diverse array of tools and enablers that span a wide range of discoveries This article provides an overview of bio-inspired and biotech beauty, along with examples of the technologies that have facilitated their development
Active and Functional Nature-Derived Ingredients
It would be incomplete to discuss today’s advanced biotechnology solutions without first appreciating the long history of nature-derived ingredients in cosmetics. Monoi oil has long been used by Polynesian tribes in Tahiti to enhance hair shine and skin moisturization 1 In India and China, herbal and botanical ingredients such as shikakai and ginkgo have been integral to Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations
W ith the advancement of moder n analytical chemistry, scientists can now decode the molecular composition of such ingredients, revealing antibacterial and antioxidant properties often linked to phytochemicals such as skin-similar lipids, vitamins, and polyphenols
For functional for mulation benefits, biopolymers such as guar gum, carrageenan, and glucomannan offer rheological and stability enhancements, providing suspension and thickening properties 2 Naturally occurring phospholipids from plants such as soy, sesame, and peony seed have been employed as emulsifiers in cosmetic for mulations 3
It is important to recognize, however, that not all ingredients derived from nature are inherently safe or environmentally friendly. Palm oil, a widely used feedstock for surfactants and emollients, has faced significant public scrutiny for its links to deforestation and wildlife displacement.4 Essential oils, while rich in phytochemicals, may also contain potential allergens such as limonene, citral, and citronellol 1 Through advanced purification and biotechnological tools, innovators are finding improved ways to ensure high purity, better biocompatibility, and cost efficiency
Mimicking Nature’s Biology
As biotechnology progresses, the industry has increasingly recognized the power of nature and sought to replicate biological properties through synthetic means. For example, benzoic acid a naturally occurring compound found in mushrooms, cranberries, and cloves has inspired the development of its salt, sodium benzoate, which provides the same antifungal and antibacterial efficacy 5 Additional discussion on this topic can be found in Cosmetiscope, Vol. 31, No. 1, in the article “Bridging Nature and Science: Biomimicry and Its Influence in the Cosmetic Industry ” (continued on Page 4)
BOARD & COMMITTEE
Chair John Carola chair@nyscc.org
Chair-Elect
Anushka Nadkar ni chair-elect@nyscc org
Treasurer Diane Dabkowski treasurer@nyscc org
Secretary Mythili Nori secretary@nyscc.org
Advisor Amber Evans advisor@nyscc org
Program Alexis Piterski program@nyscc.org
At Home Live Series
Susanna Fer nandes
Susanna Fer nandes@tri-k com
By-Laws and Membership
Cathy Piterski cpiterski@essentialingredients com
Communications
Dejour Waite
Revathi Nair socialmedia@nyscc.org
House Chair
Afam Okoro house@nyscc org
Special Events
Johanna Gigliotti johanna e gigliotti@gmail com
Cosmetiscope Editor
Roger Mcmullen roger mcmullen@fdu.edu
Cosmetiscope Advertising
Bret Clark rbclark@ashland com
Letter from the Chair …John
As we approach the close of 2025, I’m filled with pride and gratitude reflecting on what has been a truly remarkable year for the NYSCC. Together, we have strengthened our community, advanced cosmetic science, and celebrated innovation and collaboration at every tur n
This fall has been especially rewarding. Our Rheology Symposium was a tremendous success, with record participation and inspiring discussions on the role of for mulation structure and stability in product perfor mance. Up next is Demystifying Biotechnology: A 360° Look from Ingredient to Brand on November 12th, offering a comprehensive exploration of the biotech ecosystem from scientific discovery to brand execution through insights from industry leaders On November 4th, we’ll partner with CEW for a special webinar featuring the judges of the Ingredient and For mulation Supplier’s Beauty Award. Their discussion of this year ’ s seven finalists will highlight the growing recognition of scientific excellence and supplier innovation
We are also looking forward to NYSCC Supports Education Night on November 13th, aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum This inspiring evening will include the presentation of a record number of scholarships and grants and the induction of the 2026 NYSCC Executive Board a fitting celebration of our chapter’s ongoing commitment to education and leadership
Beyond our own programs, the NYSCC continues to support the broader beauty community. We’re proud to sponsor the CEW Beauty Awards on November 11th, where the Ingredient and For mulation winner and all honorees will be revealed Expanding our partnership with CEW, we were also honored to join their new Innovators Program, celebrating more than 30 women in science and design to be profiled in a special report and honored at a reception on November 19th
What an incredible Califor nia SCC Suppliers’ Day it was in Long Beach! The energy on the show floor was electric, and seeing the debut of the Future Chemists Workshop first introduced at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day in 2017 was a proud moment for all of us. It’s a true reflection of our mission to advance cosmetic science and inspire the next generation of chemists
Later this month, we are honored to sponsor the WWD Catalyst Forum, spotlighting leaders and ideas redefining our industry through innovation, agility, and vision.
We’ll close the year on a high note by being part of the SCC 75th Anniversary Gala on December 15th, followed by their Scientific Meeting and Showcase on December 16th–17th, wonderful opportunities to connect, lear n, and celebrate our shared passion for cosmetic science
As I reflect on this incredible year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, committee members, and sponsors. Your dedication and creativity have made every event and initiative possible The success of 2025 is a direct reflection of your commitment to advancing our industry and the mission of the NYSCC.
I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
2025 NYSCC Events Calendar
• For updated NYSCC information, visit us on the web at: www.nyscc.org
• For National SCC information: www.scconline.org
November 12 Demystifying Biotechnology: 360 Degree Look from Ingredient to Brand • Liberty House, NJ
November 13 NYSCC Supports Education Night • Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
December 15 SCC 80th Anniversary Gala • HK Hall, New York, NY
December 15-17 SCC Scientific Meeting & Showcase • Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York, NY
Powerful Discoveries at the Cellular Level
A microscopic look at nature’s cellular machinery reveals another dimension of innovation Identifying and refining extracts and plant bioactives enables targeted cosmetic effects such as collagen stimulation, barrier repair, hair growth, and the modulation of cellular longevity markers like senescence and glycation.
Recent advancements in computational biology, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) have accelerated biotech development in cosmetics. Computational tools that predict ligandreceptor interactions and perfor m molecular docking in silico dramatically reduce the time and resources required for screening candidates Such techniques allow for the discovery of active molecules, peptides, and proteins that can stimulate cellular activity rather than merely replenish depleted components. For instance, computational screening has enabled the identification of hordatines from brewers’ barley sprouts, compounds shown to exhibit tyrosinase inhibition for evening skin tone 6
Another exciting frontier is the study of exosomes vesicles produced by cells to mediate intercellular communication Exosomes contain bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, growth factors, proteins, and peptides.7 By design, they exhibit excellent penetration and bioavailability. Building upon the use of human-derived exosomes, plant-based analogs are now being developed as ethical and high-purity alter natives. One commercialized example derives from alpine rose petals to enhance skin vitality 8
Parallel research focuses on the human microbiome the complex community of bacteria and fungi residing on and within our bodies. The Human Microbiome Project has dramatically expanded our understanding of microbial ecosystems and their influence on skin health 9 Advances in molecular techniques have evolved from basic microscopy to genomic sequencing, with 16S rRNA analysis serving as a key enabler The transition from Sanger sequencing to second-generation methods has reduced sequencing costs by several orders of magnitude 10 Future advancements in metagenomics, which allow the simultaneous analysis of entire microbial communities, promise to unlock even deeper insights
Biological Machinery as a Sustainability Tool
Fer mentation using bacteria, yeast, and fungi is not a new concept, but its application in cosmetics delivers profound sustainability benefits, including lower carbon emissions, reduced water and energy consumption, and greater resource efficiency 11 Advances in DNA sequencing, microbiology, and genetic engineering have enabled the creation of customdesigned microbes capable of producing valuable active ingredients.12
One notable example is hyaluronic acid, long prized for its hydrating properties Traditionally sourced from rooster combs, it can now be produced vegan-friendly through microbial fermentation u
f o r m of squalene, once sourced from shark liver can now be obtained sustainably via fer mentation of the bioengineered yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bioengineering of microbial ribosomal pathways has likewise enhanced the efficiency of collagen and elastin biosynthesis 13
Fer mentation is also influencing packaging innovation. A leading alter native to petroleum-based plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), is produced through Lactobacillus fer mentation using carbohydrate feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse and spent coffee grounds.14
What Does the Future Hold for Bio-Inspired and Biotech Beauty?
The emergence of nature-derived, bio-inspired, and biomimetic ingredients has ignited a wave of innovation in the cosmetics industry The scientific tools now available can be combined and refined to
create ever more sophisticated platfor ms that push the boundaries of efficacy, safety, and sustainability.
As sequencing and analytical technologies become increasingly affordable, researchers will continue to unravel the complexity of the skin and gut microbiomes and engineer microbial systems capable of producing bioactives with remarkable precision. Next-generation analytical techniques will deepen our understanding of biological components and their functional perfor mance
Ultimately, the convergence of nature’s brilliance, biotechnological innovation, and human design will propel the cosmetics industry into a new era one that is safer, more efficacious, and more personalized
References
1 McMullen R L ; Dell’Acqua G History of natural ingredients in cosmetics Cosmetics 2023, 10 (3), 71 https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10030071
2 Kanlayavattanakul M ; Lourith N Biopolysaccharides for skin hydrating cosmetics In Polysaccharides: Bioactivity and Biotechnology; Ramawat K G ; Mérillon J M , Eds ; Springer Inter national Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2015; pp 1–23 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03751-6 29-1
3. Xia Z. W.; Zhang J. G.; Ni Z. J.; et al. Functional and emulsification characteristics of phospholipids and derived O/W emulsions from peony seed meal Food Chem 2022, 389, 133112 https://doi org/10 1016/j foodchem 2022 133112
4 Why Sustainable Palm Oil? Environmental Impact Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Accessed October 30, 2025 https://rspo.org/why-sustainable-palm-oil/environmental-impact/
5. Walczak-Nowicka Ł. J.; Herbet M. Sodium benzoate har mfulness and potential use in therapies for disorders related to the nervous system: a review Nutrients 2022, 14 (7), 1497 https://doi org/10 3390/nu14071497
6 Rahn A G Discover Illumiscin-glow by Rahn – cosmetic actives, formulated to provide a bright and even skin complexion Accessed October 30, 2025 https://www rahn-group com/en/cosmetics/product/1812/
7. Sreeraj H.; AnuKiruthika R.; Tamilselvi K. S.; Subha D. Exosomes for skin treatment: therapeutic and cosmetic applications Nano TransMed 2024, 3, 100048 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ntm.2024.100048
8. Doolan K. Five biotech cosmetics ingredient companies to watch. CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com, July 26, 2024 Accessed October 30, 2025 https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Article/2024/07/26/5biotech-cosmetics-ingredients-companies-to-watch/
9 Lawrence P Fundamentals of the Microbiome for the Cosmetic Industry Educational Course Presented at the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Online Continuing Education Program; January 28, 2025
10. Bartram A. K.; Lynch M. D. J.; Stear ns J. C.; Moreno-Hagelsieb G.; Neufeld J. D. Generation of multimillion-sequence 16S rRNA gene libraries from complex microbial communities by assembling paired-end illumina reads Appl Environ Microbiol 2011, 77 (11), 3846–3852 https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02772-10
11 Barcelos M C S ; Lupki F B ; Campolina G A ; Nelson D L ; Molina G The colors of biotechnology: general overview and developments of white, green, and blue areas. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 2018, 365 (21), fny239 https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fny239
12 Agapakis C ; McDonnell K ; Kakoyiannis J Moving toward microbes: bio-engineering a new cosmetic reality Cosmet Toil , February 6, 2017 Accessed October 302, 2025 https://www cosmeticsandtoiletries com/research/literature-data/article/21836719/moving-towardmicrobes-bioengineering-a-new-cosmetic-reality
13 Waltz E Cosmetics: When biotech is better than nature Nat Biotechnol 2022, 40 (5), 626–628 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-022-01318-x.
14 de Albuquerque T L ; Marques Júnior J E ; de Queiroz L P ; Ricardo A D S ; Rocha M V P Polylactic acid production from biotechnological routes: a review Int J Biol Macromol 2021, 186, 933–951 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.074
About the Author:
Yingxia Wang is currently the Senior Manager of Personal Care For mulations at Nutrafol Her prior experience includes global formulation design in antiperspirants and skin care at Unilever and hair care at Living Proof, encompassing more than a decade on the bench She is a dedicated volunteer with the SCC, having served as treasurer and newsletter editor for the Connecticut chapter, and as a mentor in the national mentorship program She holds a B S in Chemical Engineering from MIT and an MBS from Rutgers University
NYSCC History Project ...Steve Herman NYSCC History Project ...Steve Herman
The NYSCC and COVID
On March 15, 2020, the COVID pandemic shut down the world in an unprecedented way, and the NYSCC was plunged into uncertainty
The Chapter was lead through this challenging year by Chapter Chair Giorgino Macalino, Treasurer Stephen Carter, Secretary Leor Fay Tal, and Advisor Sonia Dawson. An additional heavy burden fell on the Program Chair, Marie Mo
The year started off with the usual exciting calendar of events, of which the first three were successfully run:
• January 29th – An Update on the FDA New Proposed Sunscreen Regulation
• February 26th – Indie 360°
• March 12th – Skin Microbiome: Perspectives on Aging, Compromised Skin and Cosmetics
But on March 16th, an e-mail message from the Program Chair concer ning the April event contained the following:
“We have received confirmation from the Board to halt promotions and begin making arrangements to cancel the event.”
On March 24th a Zoom “Town Hall” was held for Board members. In the Letter from the Chair man, in the April issue of Cosmetiscope, we read:
“At the conclusion of our Town Hall meeting on March 24th, which included the NYSCC Executive Board, committee members, and invited guests from National, it was evident that participants were eager for new ways of obtaining and digesting content, as well as new ways of engaging with colleagues. With the postponement of spring programs and NYSCC Suppliers’ Day in May, we are all in agreement that there is a void that needs to be filled ”
On March 25th, the "NYSCC at Home Live Series" was announced by the Board under the leadership of Estelle Gu The Chapter was moving very quickly to adapt On April 2nd there was an NYSCC LIVE Series Strategy Zoom meeting and the first four weeks were planned. By April 3rd the Board had an abstract for the first webinar on color trends by Amy Marshall
The first few speakers in this virtual series, who were instrumental in maintaining the Chapter’s momentum, were:
• April 16th – Amy Marshall
• April 21st – Robert Lochhead, Ph D
• April 23rd – Howard Epstein, Ph D
• April 28th – Carl D’Ruiz
• April 30th – Giorgio Dell’Acqua, Ph D
Running parallel to these virtual events, plans continued for live events if the pandemic waned The rescheduled Suppliers Day became a virtual event with a “Live at Home Week of Beauty” from September 28th to October 2nd including a virtual trade show floor experience September 30th to October 1st Suppliers’ Day was not to retur n as an in-person event until November 10-11, 2021.
Hand sanitizers became a major supply issue in the early days of COVID, and the NYSCC supplied over 10,000 units to critical areas such as frontline workers in New York and New Jersey medical centers, hospitals and nursing homes. It would not be until July 26, 2021, that the Chapter retur ned to an in-person event with the NYSCC Golf Outing at Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg, NJ. The worst of COVID was behind us, and the Chapter had proven its remarkable strength and resilience
The Cosmetiscope issues for 2020 and 2021 are online at https://issuu.com/nyscc and provide a detailed record of Chapter activities during those difficult times
2020 NYSCC Chair Giorgino Macalino
program
Demystifying Biotechnology: 360° Look from Ingredient to Brand
November 12, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Liberty House Wedding and Event Venue
76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ
Biotechnology is transforming the beauty and personal care industry, unlocking new frontiers in ingredient innovation product performance, and consumer engageme This session offers a comprehensive exploratio the biotech ecosystem from scientific discov brand execution through the lens of industry
Our Experts Include:
• An Award winning and biotech disrupting for mulation consultant who will share practical insights on biotechnology.
• A high-tech brand pioneering the use of advanced technologies
• Two ingredient suppliers presenting cutting-edge technology platfor ms on exosomes and neurocosmetics
• A regulatory expert addressing the evolving compliance landscape for biotech ingredients
• A Marketing fir m servicing the biotech and ingredient market.
Attendees will gain a 360° understanding of how biotech is driving innovation across for mulation, branding, and regulation empowering brands to deliver high-perfor mance, science-backed products that resonate with today’s conscious and tech-savvy consumers
Online Registration Prices
• Early Bird Members Tickets: $10 (Use Promo Code BIOTECH for a free ticket! There is a limit of 50 free tickets
• General Members Tickets: $25 (After November 5, 2025)
• Non-Member Tickets: $125
• Student Tickets: FREE
• Emeritus Tickets: FREE
Valet Parking
Attendees must validate ticket before leaving the event
Event Agenda
9:00 – 10:00 a m Registration and Check-In
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Introductions and NYSCC Chair
10:15 – 10:40 a m Krupa Koestline – KKT Labs
10:40 – 11:15 a m Daniel Pando Rodríguez, Ph.D., MBA – INder mal
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a m – 12:00 p m Simone Swafford, D.Sc., M.S. – Vogue Regulatory LLC
12:00 – 1:00 p m Lunch
1:00 – 1:35 p m Alisar S. Zahr, Ph.D. – Revision Skincare
1:35 – 2:10 p.m. Manasi Chavan, Ph.D., MBA – Croda Inc.
2:10 – 2:30 p m Break
2:30 – 3:05 p m Erin Tur ner, MBA – Erin Tur ner Marketing
3:05 – 3:45 p.m. Panel with All Speakers
3:45 – 4:00 p m Raffle and Prizes with Sponsors
4:00 – 5:00 p m Networking and Cocktail Hour
Speaker Biographies
n Krupa Koestline – Clean Cosmetic Chemist, Biotech Expert and Founder of KKT Labs
Krupa Koestline is the beauty industry’s clean chemistry disruptor rewriting the rules with bold science, sustainable innovation, and zero tolerance for BS As the founder of KKT Innovation Labs, she’s behind some of the most fearless for mulations on the market where biotech meets Ayurveda, perfor mance meets purpose, and every ingredient ear ns its place.
After cutting her teeth at Estée Lauder and Neutrogena, Krupa walked away from corporate comfort to build her own lab one that prioritizes planet, perfor mance, and proof Today, she’s developed over 600 high-impact products, from bestselling launches to category disruptors that prove sustainability and science aren’t mutually exclusive they’re the future.
Awarded the 2024 Florence Wall Cosmetic Chemist Award and named one of Beauty Independent’s Top 30 Product Developers, Krupa is the industry’s go-to person when brands are ready to level up. She doesn’t follow trends she builds what’s next
n
Daniel Pando Rodríguez,
Ph.D., MBA – Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nanovex Biotechnologies and INder mal
Daniel Pando Rodríguez has over ten years ’ management experience as the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nanovex Biotechnologies He has a scientific background, holding a Chemical Engineering degree with specialization in bioprocesses as well as a master’s degree in Environmental and Process Engineering After finishing his doctorate studies on Niosomes, emulsions, and interfacial phenomena, he complemented his technical knowledge with an MBA and a master’s degree in Project Management He is now committed to the business development of Nanovex and its cosmetic brand INder mal.
n Simone Swafford, D.Sc., M.S. – CEO and Founder of Vogue Regulatory LLC
for innovation and success brenntag.com
(continued on Page 10)
Dr Simone Swafford is the CEO and Founder of Vogue Regulatory, LLC Before establishing Vogue Regulatory, Dr. Swafford worked for small to largesized companies in the beauty, personal care, consumer healthcare, and dietary supplement industries, and has almost 20 years of experience in US and inter national regulations Dr Swafford graduated with both a master’s degree, and the only one of its kind, doctorate in Regulatory Science from the University of Souther n Califor nia. She has given the cosmetics lecture in the Introduction to Medical Product Regulations course at USC and has also written the Cosmetics chapter in the USC regulatory textbook, “An Overview of FDA Regulated Products: From Drugs and Cosmetics to Food and Tobacco ” Dr Swafford is passionate about advocating on behalf of the beauty industry In her free time, she serves on the Gover nment and Public Relations Committee of a non-profit trade association that represents entrepreneurial beauty brands She is married to her husband Mickey, and together they live with their beautiful family in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
n Alisar S. Zahr, Ph.D. – Senior Director of Research and Clinical Development, Revision Skincare, Irving, TX
Dr. Alisar S. Zahr is the Senior Director of Research and Clinical Development at Revision Skincare She is responsible for product innovations, for mulation, and conducting clinical studies for new product launches as well as marketed products She is responsible for a team of clinical scientists focused on disruptive innovation and measurable clinical results Dr Zahr collaborates with marketing as well as inter national, domestic, and strategic sales to ensure the product innovations and benefits can be translated to physicians, their staff, and patients Dr. Zahr is considered a subject matter expert in for mulation of sun-care products as well as anti-aging treatment innovations Throughout her career in the personal care industry, she has for mulated and successfully brought products to the market, such as Neutrogena, Roc, Clean & Clear, Aveeno, and eltaMD. As evident from Dr. Zahr’s prior work experience, she is passionate about cosmetics and is focused on creating products for healthy, beautiful skin.
Dr Zahr received a B S in Chemical Engineering at Villanova University and her Ph D in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), under the leadership of Dr Michael Pishko She has also received post-doctoral training at the University of Califor nia Santa Barbara (UCSB) under the mentorship of Dr Samir Mitragotri and at Schepens Eye Research Institute an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology under the mentorship of both Dr. Patricia D’Amore and Dr Pablo Argueso She has published papers in peer-reviewed jour nals and patented innovations while at PSU, UCSB, Schepens Eye Research Institute, and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products.
n Manasi Chavan, Ph.D., MBA – Director of Technology and Business Development, Croda Inc.
Dr Manasi Chavan is a strategic innovation and business leader with nearly two decades of experience in the personal and home care industry. As Director of Technology and Business Development at Croda Inc , she leads technical strategy and customer innovation initiatives She has led the development of multiple sustainable technologies across the beauty and home care market
W ith a Ph D in Biochemistry and an MBA in General Management, Manasi bridges scientific expertise with commercial insight. Her career spans leadership roles in R&D, marketing, and business development at Croda, BASF, and Vantage Specialty Chemicals. A published scientist and patent holder, she is passionate about advancing eco-conscious innovation and empowering diverse teams to create meaningful impact in the beauty and personal care industry
n Erin Tur ner, MBA – Founder, Erin Tur ner Marketing
Erin Turner is the founder of Erin Turner Marketing, a fractional B2B marketing fir m serving the beauty industry with an emphasis on biotech and ingredients She brings a rare blend of big-company rigor, creativity, and startup agility At BASF she held cross-industry commercial roles before joining the pigments division, where she immersed herself in cosmetics and the needs of for mulators and brand owners. In the years since, Erin has partnered with ingredient innovators, contract manufacturers, and service providers to translate complex science into differentiated positioning, credible claims, and go-to-market programs that drive measurable traction
She founded her fir m in 2024 and has supported companies from early-stage to mid-market on launches, messaging, and sales enablement across hair, skin, and color cosmetic applications Erin is motivated by helping teams uncover their true unique value proposition (the “secret sauce”) and communicating it in a compelling narrative that directly relates to industry needs and trends. She holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a B S in Business Management–Marketing from North Carolina State University
Bruce H. Victor
March 1, 1946 – October 19, 2025
Bruce H. Victor, an Emeritus member of the New York Chapter, passed away on October 19th After graduating from Teaneck High School in 196 he studied biology and chemistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University, followed by three years at Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, where he studied medicine and biochemistry He later took graduate cosmetic science courses at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
For sixteen years he served as President of Brundy Corporation, specializing in textile and Cosmetic chemistry. During his career he also held positions as Senior Scientist at Lipo Chemicals, Technical Director at CDC Products, and Technical Director at AMA Laboratories He had extensive experience consulting in product design, development, and manufacturin (including scale-up) He had several patents, the most significant concer ning his work on “Method of Using Optically Activated Particles in Cosmetic Preparations.”
Bruce joined the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in 1996 He served as Chair for the January 25, 2017, NYSCC event on Eco-Evolution featuring Dr Sylvia Earle, Time Magazine’ s first Hero for the Planet in 1998 for her work to save our oceans.
Tom Buco
October 20, 1956 – October 14, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Buco, President of Excellentia Throughout his remarkable career, Tom was a pillar of th flavor and fragrance industry admired not only for his expertise but for the creativity and relentless dedication that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to work alongside him
Tom’s leadership helped shape the very foundation of Excellentia. The values he instilled integrity, kindness, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence continue to guide and inspire us each day
Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was a man of immense compassion and warmth He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, and his kindness knew no bounds. Whether offering mentorship, friendship, o simply a listening ear, Tom touched countless lives with his empathy and grace
Tom’s legacy will live on through his family, the many people he inspired, and the enduring example he set
Call for Papers
The Cosmetiscope editorial committee invites all interested parties to submit feature technical articles for publication in the NYSCC monthly newsletter. Authors of feature articles are eligible to win the prestigious NYSCC Literature Award ($1,000) for the best front-page article published during the calendar year. Authors also receive $200 reimbursement to attend a theatrical perfor mance of their choice Writing an article for your peers is a very rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, and will ensure your place in NYSCC history. You may choose whatever topic you feel would be interesting to fellow colleagues in our industry We also welcome any other types of commentaries or articles that may be published in the Career Corner, Technical Tidbit section, or as a Letter to the Editor
Please send correspondence to: roger mcmullen@fdu.edu
Participants Needed!
Are you a cosmetic chemist currently employed in the cosmetic and personal care industry? We want to hear from you to inform the design of a introductory cosmetic chemistry course!
ABOUT THE STUDY
Our study aims to gather input from cosmetic chemists employed in the cosmetic and personal care industry to identify what laboratory skills, knowledge, and concepts are most valuable for students to acquire in an introductory cosmetic chemistry course. In addition, it aims to collect feedback on a current draft syllabus to ensure it aligns with industry relevancy and green chemistry principles. Your input will contribute to informing the design of an introductory cosmetic chemistry course to better prepare aspiring chemists interested in the cosmetic industry!
STUDY REQUIREMENTS
• Cosmetic chemist currently employed in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
• Participate in a 15 minute online questionnaire, or participate in a 60 minute interview.
- Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire beforehand
INTERESTED IN PARTCIPATING?
For more information about the study, please contact: Dr. Nikita L. Burrows at nburrows@monmouth.edu
NYSCC Employment Section
Are you looking for a candidate that loves the personal care industry, wh the thrill of designing a make-up product or shampoo? Or perhaps seeking someone with expertise in raw materials Maybe you need so around the lab and could use a tenacious inter n who wants to start their career in the personal care space
The NYSCC Chapter supports you and your business with FREE postings to our webpage. Contact employmentadmin@nyscc.org to have passionate candidates apply to your roles Recent postings include companies such as Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, Kenvue, Olaplex, and Symrise for roles in Sales, Marketing, For mulations, and Regulatory.
Below are some positions in the personal care industry that are currently posted on the NYSCC website For a full description of the jobs, visit https://nyscc.org/jobs
• Senior For mulation Chemist, Color and Skin Care –Verla Inter national, Ltd. – New W indsor, NY
• Senior Chemist, Applications Lab – KOBO Products – South Plainfield, NJ
• Associate Inside Sales Account Manager – Greentech – Englewood Cliffs, NJ
• Cosmetic Sales Account Manager – Kuncai Americas – Remote
• Full-Time Faculty Position in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing –Fashion Institute of Technology – New York, NY
NYSCC, LISCC, and NESCC Ski Trip
Friday, January 30th –
Sunday, February 1st
Killington, VT
We are excited to announce that the NYSCC, LISCC and NESCC chapters are teaming up again to bring you an exceptional winter weekend! This trichapter collaboration continues to grow, offering even more networking opportunities, enhanced programming, and an incredible industry experience.
Bigger And Better Than Ever!
Bigger And Better Than Ever!
What to Expect:
• On and off-mountain activities for everyone, skiers and non-skiers alike.
• Exciting educational programming
• Primary hotel – Cascade Lodge Killington.
• Ticket infor mation not yet available, stay tuned!
Tentative Weekend Highlights
Friday, January 30th
• Ver montology Countryside Scenic Bus Tour with lunch stops.
• Networking at a local cidery with expert tour guide
• Evening educational event plus dinner at still on the mountain.
• Optional late-night industry gathering at the Wobbly Bar n.
Saturday, January 31st
• Group breakfast with complimentary offerings
• Mountainside activities featuring discounted lift tickets and snow tubing/adventure park access
• Networking happy hour.
• Free evening to explore with your new connections
Room Blocks and Sponsorships
Details on subsidized room rates (one- and two-night options), self-booking, and sponsorship opportunities (including advertorial speaking, website, and digital features) coming soon!
For more infor mation and to register for the event, visit the Events section of the NYSCC website (www.nyscc.org)