12 November Room B Seminars

I am Athina Nikolaou, a cosmetic scientist with a degree in Biological Sciences, a Master’s in Cosmetic Science, and a diploma in Organic Cosmetic Skincare Formulation. For the past two years, I have worked at the University of Liverpool as a Technical Support Officer in Automation, specialising in creating cosmetic products through more efficient and innovative processes. By integrating automation and AI into our workflow, we have been able to formulate and test products at a much faster pace while maintaining high accuracy.
Working alongside my university team, I have collaborated with international cosmetic brands to implement advanced automated formulation systems and to characterise the products created. These systems have transformed the product development process; reducing manual labour, minimising human error, and achieving far greater precision. Through these projects, I have seen first-hand how automation can accelerate development timelines, deliver consistent high-quality results, and give companies the flexibility to meet changing market demands with confidence.

This study presents Paester™ PHSA, a pigment dispersant formulated from a Palm-free, 100% natural origin polymer base, developed to achieve both environmental sustainability and high-performance pigment dispersion. The Paester™ PHSA enables rapid wetting and uniform dispersion of pigment particles, further improving flowability and enhancing processing efficiency. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that Paester™ PHSA performs effectively as a standalone dispersant and exhibits strong synergistic effects when combined with other dispersants, enabling significantly higher pigment loading while maintaining dispersion stability and color uniformity. The palm-free and naturally sourced composition of Paester™ PHSA aligns with clean-beauty and eco-conscious market demands, making it ideal for lipsticks, pressed powders, foundations, and other cosmetic products. These findings highlight Paester™ PHSA as a green chemistry solution that enhances both the visual quality and sustainability profile of modern color cosmetics.

We are excited to present Harmonie NatuVel gel at SCS formulate 2025. The new Cosmos approved 100% naturally derived, elastomer gel meets the needs of the personal care market today and for the future.

Offering visual, sensory and processing benefits the biobased elastomer can benefit a wide range of formulation types, from traditional primers, hybrid products, color cosmetics to skincare and SPF. Momentive will also be showcasing a range of formulation on Safic Alcan stand 524.

What does it mean to be a “skintellectual” in today’s beauty landscape?

The beauty industry is at a transformative moment, shaped by discerning “skintellectual” consumers who expect efficacy, transparency, and alignment with the wellness megatrend. This thought leadership session explores how the rise of the informed, results-focused consumer is fuelling innovation in clinically backed actives, biotech beauty, microbiome-centred care, and longevity-focused formulations. We’ll examine the key market trends propelling this shift, spotlight pioneering brands and ingredient suppliers leading the charge, and envision the future of beauty.

In a world increasingly driven by visible results and clinical credibility, consumers are seeking skincare that delivers more than promises, they want proven performance. As aesthetic procedures like botulinum toxin injections, fillers, and micro-needling gain popularity across all age groups, a new frontier is emerging: procedure-like cosmetics. These topicals offer a non-invasive, science-backed alternative or complement to in-clinic treatments, bridging the gap between beauty and advanced cosmetic science.

This presentation explores the convergence between clinical aesthetics and advanced skincare, unveiling how high-performance actives and sophisticated delivery systems are reshaping consumer expectations. We will showcase the development of topical solutions inspired by procedures, such as facial harmonizing serums and targeted neck rejuvenation formulas, that deliver perceivable benefits without needles or downtime.

Leveraging global consumer trend data, Google search growth, and real-world clinical evidence, we will decode what the modern beauty user truly desires: cleanical solutions - clean, safe formulations with proven clinical efficacy. Whether enhancing results post-treatment or replacing procedures altogether, procedure-inspired cosmetics offer a new standard of efficacy for a market eager for transformation.