Statement by Farah Ahmed, Chair, Sunscreen Committee Personal Care Products Council In Response to FDA Announcement on New Sunscreen Ingredient Applications

“We are very disappointed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) preliminary decision on the last two pending sunscreen ingredients, ecamsule and enzacamene.  On February 24, 2015, the Agency announced that it needed additional data before it could approve these ingredients – ingredients that have been approved and used safely by millions of consumers worldwide.

“Reducing the rate of skin cancer is a priority for personal care products companies.  Every day our industry’s research and development scientists strive to advance sunscreen formulation technology to create sunscreens that families enjoy and trust to help protect them against the harmful effects of the sun.  FDA must keep up with technology in order for us to offer Americans new and innovative sunscreens.

“The goal of the Sunscreen Innovation Act, passed in late 2014, is to modernize and streamline FDA’s process for reviewing sunscreen ingredients that have already been on the market in other countries for at least five years.  However, the manner in which FDA reviews sunscreen ingredient safety needs updating. FDA should use a state-of-the-art framework that is science-based, flexible to advances in toxicological and medical science, and used by regulators and authoritative scientific bodies around the world.

“Having a wide range of FDA approved sunscreen ingredients allows our industry to provide American families with a greater variety of safe and effective sunscreens.  We believe that this greater choice will encourage sunscreen use and further protect the public from the damaging effects of the sun, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals worldwide all emphasize that using sunscreens is a critical part of a safe sun regimen.  The dangers of sun exposure are clear and universally recognized by public health professionals and dermatologists. The National Institutes of Health Report on Carcinogens identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad burn in childhood doubles the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

“Our goal is to provide Americans with access to a wide variety of safe and innovative sunscreens to use as an important part of an overall safe sun program.”  

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Personal Care Products Council Announces New Board Chair at 2015 Annual Meeting–Thia Breen, Group President of North America for The Estée Lauder Companies, Assumes New Position, Vice Chairs Elected

The Personal Care Products Council announced today the election of its new board officers, including its new Chair, Thia Breen, Group President of North America for The Estée Lauder Companies.  Ms. Breen has built a dynamic career in the beauty industry and currently leads 30 brands in the U.S. and Canada for The Estée Lauder Companies.

Breen is recognized for her thought leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment.  As an advocate for women in business, she has served as a mentor to countless women in the industry, in addition to supporting healthy work-family balance practices for members of her team.  She succeeds E. Scott Beattie, who has served as PCPC chair since 2012.

“It was an honor to serve as Board Chair of the Personal Care Products Council, and I am proud to turn the reins over to someone with such a distinguished career and strong commitment to our industry’s future,” said E. Scott Beattie, outgoing Chairman and President and CEO for Elizabeth Arden.

“Thia’s impressive accomplishments and strong leadership will continue to serve our membership as we work to advance the industry’s voice in Washington and globally,” said Lezlee Westine, PCPC President and CEO.  “I know her talent, energy and experience will strengthen our organization and I look forward to working with her,” said Westine.

Breen, the second female Board chair, has served on the board for several years, most recently as vice chair.  In addition, she serves on the board of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and was recently honored with the Women of Achievement award.  

“I would like to thank Scott for his work as chair and all he has done to elevate the association’s impact and influence.  I also want to recognize Lezlee for her leadership and look forward to working with our members to keep the association well-positioned and strong,” said Breen.  

The Personal Care Products Council also elected the following officers and new board members.

Vice Chairs:

George Calvert, VP and General Manager, Supply Chain, Amway

Karen Fondu, President, L’Oreal Paris

Heidi Manheimer, President and CEO, Shiseido Cosmetics America

Treasurer: David Holl, President and CEO, Mary Kay

Secretary: Pamela Baxter, President and Chief Executive Officer LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics for North America

New board members:  Jane Iredale, President and CEO, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and Alexandra Keith, President Beauty, Procter & Gamble

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Industry Leaders Highlight Transparency, Collaboration, Innovation at the Personal Care Products Council’s Annual Meeting

More than 400 industry leaders from across the globe gathered for the Personal Care Products Council’s 121st Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the cosmetic and personal care products industry and to elect its new officers.

Council President and CEO Lezlee Westine outlined the Council’s key 2014 accomplishments, which include better transparency within the industry by communicating the scientific rigor and safety behind personal care products through multiple communications channels where consumers turn for information; working for bi-partisan support for the industry’s legislative efforts; building relationships with key and diverse stakeholders on product safety issues; and advocating for global access.

“It is imperative that our industry continue to drive the conversation about the issues affecting our companies. We must come together to set priorities and to collaborate on ways we can continue to provide safe, innovative products that families around the world use every day,” said Westine.

“This year’s conference consists of captivating speakers and panels that highlight the depth and breadth of talent in our industry. We are especially honored to welcome Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Deputy United States Trade Representative, who recognizes the importance of global market access to our industry,” said Westine.

Highlights of the 2015 Annual Meeting include:

  • Advocating for legislation that modernizes cosmetics regulation and promotes industry growth and innovation,
  • Showcasing the industry’s economic and social impacts, health and wellness benefits of member companies’ products;
  • Highlighting the industry’s efforts to empower women and minorities;
  • Continuing its focus on global harmonization; and
  • Strengthening the Council’s science-based initiatives to support the safety of cosmetics and ingredients.

Outgoing Council Chairman E. Scott Beattie, Chairman and CEO for Elizabeth Arden, said, “I am honored to have served as chairman of this organization for the past three years, and am proud to turn over a stronger PCPC organization to this new slate of officers.”

The Council’s new officers will be announced Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

The line-up of speakers include:  keynote speaker, Bert Jacobs, Co-founder, The Life is Good Company, guest speakers include: Jon Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of DailyMail.com North America; David Rose, Instructor and Researcher at MIT Media Lab; Doug Rauch, Former President of Trader Joe’s and Alain Simon, Managing Director of the Phileas Consultancy Group.

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