Lessons in Progress: Observations from PCPC’s 42nd Annual Science Symposium & Expo

By Alex Kowcz
Chief Scientist, PCPC

You may be familiar with the saying that scientists are like atoms: they’re constantly forming bonds.

Reflecting on the 2024 Science Symposium & Expo, this saying captures the numerous networking opportunities and information exchanged at the conference. Over the course of two days, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees held meaningful discussions on industry challenges and presented multiple solutions.

Experts from diverse disciplines—microbiology, environmental science, quality and safety—engaged with industry leaders, regulators and academia. Below are five takeaways from the event.

  1. MoCRA’s Impact on Cosmetics Safety and Compliance

    The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) requires cosmetics manufacturers, importers, marketers and distributors to meet updated documentation and reporting requirements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), companies have exceeded projections in facility registration and product listing numbers since July 2024.

  2. Bridging the Gap Between Science and the Public

    Transparency helps strengthen trust across the industry and Several discussions emphasized the importance of communication and offered tactics such as message framing, analogies and plain language to simplify complex concepts.

  3. Fragrance Safety Research

    The latest research demonstrates that fragrances consistently meet the highest safety standards.

  4. Over-the-Counter Monograph Reform

    Changes to the rules governing nonprescription drugs, known as the OTC Monograph, are reshaping how companies develop and regulate over-the-counter (OTC) products. The reform streamlines product development and helps companies adapt to regulatory changes more efficiently while maintaining high safety standards.

  5. Ingredient and Product Safety Substantiation 

    Building on industry practices, cosmetics companies must maintain records to demonstrate the safety of each product under MoCRA, including the ingredients.

Data-driven research and purposeful dialogue is essential to industry’s ability to meet consumers’ evolving needs. PCPC’s Science Symposium continues to be a dynamic forum for collaboration and significant scientific updates. Like the saying, scientists and other professionals formed impactful bonds at this event, which will continue to move the industry forward.

2024 Science Symposium

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The cosmetics and personal care industry relies heavily on the free flow of goods, both imports and exports, to provide the essential products that consumers trust and rely on every day. We believe the administration’s help is critical in ensuring fair negotiations and urge them to work with all parties involved to get the ports open again.

PCPC continues to advocate on behalf of our member companies to help minimize disruptions to our industry’s supply chains and consumers.

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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day — from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance — PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

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