Inform 2 Seminars

An insight into a study comparing emulsion preparation using benchtop and automated equipment.

• Learning Points
  Considerations before undertaking a high throughput campaign using automated techniques.
• The different stress profiles of different mixing heads in the automated platform.
• How comparable the results are for emulsion prep between the two techniques, in the form of microscopy and particle size.
• Effects of speed and time on emulsion formation.

Fairglow refines INCI emission factors, reducing proxy reliance and enhancing LCA precision for accurate environmental impact assessments.

Learning Points

• Fairglow analyzed hundreds of LCAs of cosmetic ingredients to develop a process-based algorithm for estimating EFs using limited life cycle data. The methodology varies slightly for synthetic and plant-based ingredients:
  Synthetic Ingredients : LCAs are calculated using average inputs for chemical reactions and processes (ex. catalysts, solvents, and their respective recycling rates).
  Plant-based Ingredients : LCAs incorporate data on raw material extraction, farming activities, and harvesting.
• The initial test of Fairglow’s algorithm was conducted on 130 INCIs and validated in collaboration with a large French research lab. EFs calculated by the algorithm were compared against the lab’s internal results and classified into three categories: Good (<20% deviation), Improvement Needed (20-50% deviation), and Significant Deviation (>50% deviation).
  The majority of calculated EFs fell within the "Good" range, demonstrating the algorithm’s accuracy and reliability. For cases where deviations occurred, the differences could be attributed to: transportation assumptions, process variability, and coproduction complexities/allocation assumptions.
• Fairglow’s innovative algorithm fulfills a crucial need for accurate, scalable LCA estimations for cosmetic ingredients absent from current EF databases. By bridging these data gaps, it provides the cosmetics industry with a reliable tool to assess and reduce product environmental impacts more effectively. Future developments will focus on refining the algorithm’s boundary conditions as adoption expands and incorporating novel processes and materials to enhance its versatility and accuracy.

Bernice Ridley, Education Programme Manager for the Society of Cosmetic Scientists will discuss how the SCS delivers on its aim to advance the science of cosmetics and personal care through a range of different educational courses and the importance of consistency in cosmetic science education.

Did you, like Gill, 'fall' into your job in the cosmetics industry? Since 2018, CCUK has run 3 surveys exploring peoples experiences of the education and career pathways into job roles in the cosmetics industry. Gill will present the results of the 2025 survey against the data from the 2018 and 2022 results exploring trends and insights.

One of the most significant shifts in regulation impacting cosmetics is centred on packaging and packaging waste. With the EU PPWR leading the way.

Learning Points

• Gain a clear overview of the revised regulation
• Discover what “recyclable” means
• Understand the deadlines and implementation timing

Digital tools help formulators balance green preservation with regulations and consumer trends through integrated data management

Learning Points

• sustainability criteria
  cosmetic science criteria for green preservation
  selection strategies and tools

In an increasingly noisy beauty landscape, how can you capture the attention of your ideal consumer? Join Lisa Payne, Head of Beauty Trends at Stylus – the trends intelligence business – as she reveals the most influential emerging beauty cohorts. Lisa will pair this insight with commercial opportunities for your business to engage with each consumer cohort via branding, packaging and marketing strategies.

Impact of the EU extended allergens declaration regulation on other markets which have/have not adopted this regulation.

Learning Points

• Which markets are following the EU
• Which markets are not following the EU update
• UK/EU divergence
• What does this mean for shared artwork
• Special focus on China as some allergens are not recognised in their current regs

While AI saves time generating content, it also poses risks of misleading claims and increased burden on regulatory teams...

Learning Points

• Regulatory Risks of AI-Generated Content
  AI may use unverified or non-compliant sources (e.g., blogs, competitor content), leading to misleading or unsubstantiated product claims.
• Importance of Evidence-Based Claims
  Product claims must be unique, accurate, and supported by robust, scientific evidence—not inferred or copied from external content.
• Challenges in AI Translations
  AI-generated translations often ignore cultural context and local regulatory requirements, increasing the risk of non-compliance.
• Impact on Regulatory Workload
  Rather than reducing workload, poorly supervised AI use can create more work for regulatory teams needing to verify and correct content.
• Need for a Clear AI Use Framework
  Setting internal guidelines (e.g., prompt structure, approval processes) and using local AI tools can help ensure compliance and confidentiality.

Discover the key trends set to define beauty in 2026. From innovative approaches and evolving consumer priorities to transformative themes shaping products and practices, this session provides fresh insights into the future of the industry. Join us to explore what’s next and how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing beauty landscape.

International trade can be a daunting but rewarding process.

Economic uncertainty, lack of cultural awareness, regulatory barriers, political uncertainty, and a lack of exporting expertise are considered barriers to export, as is the struggle to find a trusted export partner or finding demand for products in overseas markets.

But there are clearly opportunities, too. Studies have shown that exporting firms are more sustainable, profitable, and resilient. Around 75% of current exporters predict that their export sales will increase in the next 12 months, with almost a quarter saying they anticipated a “significant increase” in sales.

The UK’s Department for Business & Trade is uniquely positioned to help businesses export. In his presentation, Alastair will talk about how accessing DBT support can help your business grow.

How do we navigate beauty innovation in times of social, political and environmental change?

Learning Points

• What is appropriate? What is practical? What is needed? What is superfluous?
• I will be examining key beauty trends in the light of the world we find ourselves in 2025 and trying to make sense of them from a consumer and commercial point of view.

Helping indie beauty founders understand compliance, avoid legal pitfalls, and create safe, ethical products for the UK and EU markets.

Learning Points

• Understand the legal responsibilities required to sell cosmetic products in the UK and EU.
• Learn how to build a compliant formulation and prepare a complete Product Information File (PIF).
• Identify common compliance mistakes made by indie beauty founders—and how to avoid them.
• Gain clarity on labelling, portal registration, and the role of the Responsible Person (RP).
• Feel empowered to launch with confidence while protecting consumers, the environment, and your brand.

To guide cosmetic brands in building consumer trust through transparent, verifiable, and EU Green claims directive compliant product claims.

Learning Points

• The Current Landscape: Claims vs. Reality
  Consumers demand honest and ethical branding.
  Misleading terms like “natural,” “clean,” or “dermatologist-recommended” erode trust if not properly backed.
• Common Cosmetic Claims
  Environmental: vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable/refillable packaging, sustainably sourced.
  Performance: reduces wrinkles, evens skin tone, boosts hydration—must be supported by clinical or lab data.
• Greenwashing in Cosmetics
  Case study: Misuse of “natural” claims without meeting content thresholds.
  EU’s Green Claims Directive is tightening standards for sustainability marketing.Greenwashing in Cosmetics
  Case study: Misuse of “natural” claims without meeting content thresholds.
  EU’s Green Claims Directive is tightening standards for sustainability marketing.
• Consumer Pain Points
  Confusing labels
  Overuse of vague or unregulated terms
  Lack of substantiated claims
  Hidden synthetic ingredients
• Digital Tools to Boost Trust
  Trends, examples and new ideas.