Inform Seminars

2025 has been a very busy year in the regulatory environment. Developments and changes in the UK, EU and globally will have significant impacts on our industry – creating challenges and opportunities. CTPA has been involved in many of the discussions and negotiations.

In the Inform session “Key Updates to the Cosmetics Regulatory Framework”, Emma will provide insights into the most critical issues, including the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill; Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR); UK REACH and UK/EU Regulatory Cooperation; the review of the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation; SAG-CS (Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products) ingredient opinions; global tariffs and Free Trade Agreements.

Hold onto your hats for a whistlestop tour of the latest regulatory overviews.

An introduction to the beauty of Afro hair, discover the science and cultural practices with our tools to better understand this remarkable hair type.

Learning Points
• Addressing the key scientific differences between afro hair and other hair types
• The basic needs of Afro hair
• Significant historical and cultural elements of Afro hair care practices
• Misconceptions associated with afro hair
• The future of Afro hair care in the UK personal care and cosmetic industry

In this presentation we'll explore the top olfactive trends of 2025, driven by evolving consumer behaviour, cultural shift and sustainability demands.

Learning Points

• Top fragrance trends for 2025.
• The rise of functional fragrance (fragrance as a wellness tool, role of scent in sensory perception and scent marketing).
• Challenges and opportunities in formulating with eco-conscious olfactive materials.
• How current regulatory pressures create challenges and opportunities in fine fragrance formulation.
• A.I. and the future of fragrance formulation.

Explores microbiome-based cosmetic claims, testing methods, and scientific validity, highlighting in vivo vs. in vitro differences and challenges.

Learning Points:

• Gap Between Market Claims and Science
  The cosmetics industry is advancing rapidly, often outpacing the scientific evidence supporting microbiome-related product claims.
• Rise of Microbiome-Based Personalization
  Many products and testing services now promise personalized skincare based on microbiome profiling, but the scientific basis for such claims varies widely.
• Scientific Validation of Claims is Essential
  Not all microbiome-related claims are scientifically valid or measurable with current technologies, raising concerns about consumer misinformation.
• Importance of Testing Methodologies
  Understanding the differences between in vivo and in vitro methods—and the variability within each—is crucial to interpreting microbiome testing results.
• Need for Critical Evaluation of Tools and Standards
  To assess the legitimacy of microbiome-based cosmetics, one must critically evaluate the testing tools, standards, and methodologies behind the claims.

The chemical supply chain is vital for modern life, impacting nearly every industry and product. However, it faces significant challenges including supply chain disruptions, regulatory complexities, and the need for sustainability. Opportunities exist in digital transformation, supply chain optimisation, and a focus on sustainability.

This presentation will look at these challenges and risks and what is needed to make the most of the latter.

To thrive in beauty, plan smart: know your market, define your brand early, invest wisely, and partner well to turn great ideas into standout products

Learning Points

• Start with a clear marketing strategy and market research before product development to identify gaps and define brand positioning.
• Establish brand values and product guidelines early to guide consistent development and avoid costly reformulations.
• Prepare for significant investment in branding, development, and marketing, and set realistic budget expectations.
• Carefully choose partners that will help your brand succeed.
  Plan for future scalability and brand evolution to ensure long-term relevance and sustained growth.

Machine learning accelerates sustainable cosmetic formulation by optimizing ingredients and processes, reducing experiments by up to 80%

Learning Points

• Attendees will learn about Adaptive Experimental Design (AED) as an advanced, data-driven approach for optimizing cosmetic formulations.
• They will understand how AED can reduce experimental workloads by 50-80%, leading to more efficient R&D processes.
• They will gain insights into a real-world case study where AED was applied to the development of a sustainable cosmetic formulation.
• Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how to integrate AED into their R&D workflows to optimize product properties and enhance sustainability.

The beauty consumer is changing – this panel discussion will advise and identify what will be required to remain relevant to your customer in a world of AI, Holistic Wellness and increasing buyer diversity.

K-beauty incorporates propolis into serums, ampoules, and colour cosmetics, shaping formulation trends with this unique ingredient from the apiary.

Learning Points

• Understand the role of propolis in skincare
• Explore how Korean cosmetics have popularised propolis
• Identify novel propolis-based products commonly found in K-beauty

Overview of key borderline regulations impacting cosmetic products, highlighting legal definitions, compliance challenges, and classification tips.

Learning Points

• Understand Borderline Definitions: Learn how to distinguish between cosmetics, medicines, and other product categories under regulatory frameworks.
• Identify Compliance Challenges: Explore common pitfalls and grey areas in cosmetic product classification and labelling.
• Apply Regulatory Strategies: Gain practical tips for ensuring your products meet the correct regulatory requirements across different markets.

Beauty-related side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs and how to address them with cosmetic ingredients.

Learning Points

• GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs market trends and ripple effects
• Key skin and facial structure changes occurring when using GLP-1 agonist drugs
• How to address them
• Cosmetic ingredients that can help

Is AI the key to unlocking access to beauty's hidden side, in formulation, manufacturing, and innovation, for those traditionally left out?

Learning Points

• Inclusion fuels innovation— diverse voices lead to better beauty solutions.
• AI can democratise formulation - making complex knowledge accessible.
• Digital learning - opens doors beyond traditional labs and classrooms.
• Community builds confidence - especially for underrepresented learners.
• Transformation Is Holistic - Digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools, it’s about rethinking systems, structures, and learning models to create a more equitable, agile, and sustainable industry.