Karin Ross Promoted to EVP of Government Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:                    

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558
Jamie Kurke, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 258-5285

Karin Ross Promoted to EVP of Government Affairs
Industry Veteran Will Lead U.S. Public Policy for the Beauty and Personal Care Sector

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) announced today the promotion of Karin Ross to executive vice president of Government Affairs, the organization’s top U.S. advocacy officer.

“For more than a decade, Karin has been an integral part of PCPC. Her counsel has been critical in navigating our efforts at the state level, particularly in California, where she established an effective grassroots coalition and strong relationships in Sacramento,” said Lezlee Westine, PCPC’s president and CEO. “At a time when every industry is facing uncertainty and challenges post pandemic, we are very fortunate to have someone as experienced and well respected as Karin. I am confident she will excel at leading our efforts with the administration, government agencies, Congress and state policymakers,” Westine said.

Ross has directed complex policy issues throughout her career. She has a long history overseeing multi-stakeholder engagement across the nation working to achieve public policy goals. She regularly testifies before state officials and serves as an industry spokesperson on key legislative issues.

In her new role, Ross will lead all U.S. advocacy and legislative issues and policy developments that impact the beauty and personal care industry at the federal and state level. Ross will harness her expertise at the state level as many issues start there before making their way to Capitol Hill. She will remain a tireless advocate for PCPC’s 600 member companies – leading cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products manufacturers and suppliers.

“I’m honored to continue representing this dynamic industry – some of the most trusted and beloved brands in beauty and personal care today. I will continue to enhance our efforts to ensure our members can provide the safe and innovative products consumers rely on every day,” said Ross.

Ross earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and has completed professional education programs at the Public Affairs Council Institute and the State Government Affairs Council.

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, the Council’s more than 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

For more information about cosmetic and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

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Maryland Consumer Protection Bill Becomes Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Monica Amarelo, (202) 939-9140, monica@ewg.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org

Maryland Consumer Protection Bill Becomes Law
The Environmental Working Group and the Personal Care Products Council
Collaborate to Protect Public Health

Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) commend Maryland House Bill 643 (HB 643) becoming law, which prohibits the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products with certain ingredients in Maryland. This bill moves the industry another step closer to global regulatory alignment.

“Maryland residents now have greater assurance of the safety of the consumer products they use every day, like lotion and body wash, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and makeup,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “This marks a momentous milestone in the history of cosmetics and personal care products regulation. Once again, groups like EWG along with a diverse group of stakeholders and the industry’s trade association, the Personal Care Products Council, support legislation to modernize the rules governing these products.”

Maryland is the second state – similar legislation was enacted in California last year – to limit the use of these ingredients from all cosmetics and personal care products such as moisturizers, hand sanitizers, body washes and other cosmetic products. The 24 ingredients are prohibited from use in cosmetic products sold in the European Union and other countries.

“We are pleased to have joined efforts with EWG and many other organizations on this important piece of legislation,” said PCPC President & CEO Lezlee Westine. “Maryland consumers deserve a law that provides consumers with continued confidence in the products they use and trust every day. We all agree that this bill helps protect public health in Maryland while safeguarding the more than 70,000 personal care and beauty related jobs in Maryland and the more than $4.5 billion contributed to the state’s gross domestic product.”

The law was sponsored by House of Delegates Member Julie Palakovich Carr (D-17/Rockville and Gaithersburg). We express special thanks for her leadership, along with Members of the Maryland General Assembly, and dedicated staff that worked together to bring this legislation to fruition.

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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. For more information, please visit www.ewg.org.

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC represents 600 member companies who manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

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House Judiciary Committee Hearing Shines Light on Dangers of Counterfeit Products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:  

Lisa Powers, (202) 466-0489, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 454-0316, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

House Judiciary Committee Hearing Shines Light on Dangers of Counterfeit Products
Expert Witnesses Testify About Need for SHOP SAFE Act

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet held a hearing today highlighting efforts to address the critical and growing risk posed by online sales of counterfeit products, including cosmetics and personal care products. The hearing also focused on the SHOP SAFE Act, introduced last week, designed to protect consumers by stopping the online sale of harmful counterfeit products. Expert witnesses included the Personal Care Products Council’s (PCPC) Meredith Simpson, Michigan State University’s Kari Kammel, the Internet Association’s Jonathan Berroya and Foley Hoag LLP’s Natasha N. Reed.

“The Personal Care Products Council’s member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and that those products meet federal and state safety and quality requirements,” PCPC’s Vice President, Federal Government Affairs Meredith Simpson stated in her testimony. “Counterfeit personal care products are fraud—they damage businesses, drain the economy, and most importantly, threaten consumer health and safety.”

Counterfeiting and Online Platforms Impact on Consumers and the Industry

According to a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the cosmetics industry loses more money to counterfeit products than any other industry, with losses reaching $5.4 billion each year to fraudulent sellers. These products sold to consumers likely do not meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) safety, efficacy and labeling requirements. Consumers often cannot distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products when shopping online because fraudulent sellers will use a brand’s product images and trademarks, creating confusion.

Illegally produced products do not adhere to federal or state safety and quality requirements and inherently pose health risks to consumers. Counterfeit cosmetics may be adulterated, tampered with, expired, and contain impurities or materials not of cosmetic grade. Consumers may be applying dangerous ingredients not intended for topical use directly to the skin, lips, eyes and other sensitive areas, including products indicated for children. In a January 2020 report to the President, the Department of Homeland Security noted that counterfeit cosmetics often contain arsenic, mercury, and aluminum and other contaminants, including harmful bacteria to human waste.

Industry Efforts to Mitigate Counterfeit Products on E-Commerce Platforms

At present, the burden of monitoring and enforcing against counterfeit goods on online platforms falls on the makers of the authentic products rather than on the platforms themselves. Brand owners engage directly and regularly with online platforms to address counterfeits. A single personal care product company may spend as much as $15 million annually to combat counterfeits, including monitoring the platforms and social media sites; enforcing against counterfeits through resource- and time-consuming notice and takedown processes; test buys and lab testing of purchases; and working and sharing information with competitors and federal, state, and local law enforcement. Smaller companies, however, often lack the resources needed to combat online counterfeits in the same way.

“However, despite aggressive efforts on the part of the personal care products industry to mitigate the harms of counterfeit good, too often our member companies are hindered by a lack of cooperation from the platforms and difficulty identifying sellers who can too easily hide and change their information, putting consumers at risk from these potentially dangerous products,” added Simpson.

PCPC supports establishing a framework to advance best practices for online platforms and sales to help ensure products sold on online platforms comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce Act (SHOP SAFE)

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet Chairman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Representative Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the SHOP SAFE Act in the House last week.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The legislation includes many elements that PCPC members support, including:

  • Broad scope of platform definition to capture counterfeits where they are offered online, including social media;
  • Practices to prevent the occurrence of counterfeit goods before they are made available online, including:
    • Verification of seller information;
    • Displaying seller identity, location, and contact information (with exceptions for personal data); and
    • Screening for counterfeits before listing;
  • Repeat infringer policies;
  • Screening sellers to prevent terminated sellers from rejoining;
  • Provide verified information on infringing sellers to brand owners, when requested;
  • Prohibition of certain selling practices, such as the use of generic images rather than photographs of the actual item sold; and
  • Potential for liability for platforms that do not adopt the best

Simpson also suggested the Committee consider:

  • Consumer notification after a platform removes an illegal product that has been reported – consumers have a right to know they have purchased what could be a dangerous product;
  • Clarity in the legislation to ensure the processes and steps outlined in the bill work in practice for the platforms and brand owners to achieve what is intended, preventing and mitigating counterfeits getting in the hands of consumers, and;
  • Recognition that all counterfeits cause harm or have the potential to be dangerous – efforts to distinguish between those that could cause health and safety risks and those that may not could be confusing for consumers and cause impediments to effective

“We strongly support provisions in the SHOP SAFE Act that advance best practices for online platforms to help ensure that products sold on these platforms are authentic and safe,” Simpson concluded in her testimony. “We look forward to continuing our engagement with this Committee and with other stakeholders, including online platforms, government regulators and law enforcement, to advance solutions to combat counterfeit.”

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For more information about cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

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The Personal Care Products Council Announces Inaugural Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 454-0316, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org  

The Personal Care Products Council Announces Inaugural
Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Beauty Industry Recognizes Latriece Watkins, EVP, Walmart, as DEI Champion

Washington, D.C. – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is proud to announce its first annual Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to DEI through strong leadership and sustained efforts with a focus on workplace culture, programs and policies, or through external engagement with consumers and communities.

Presented at the 2021 PCPC Virtual Summit, the selection committee awarded this distinction to Latriece Watkins – executive vice president, Consumables, Walmart U.S. – in recognition of her dedication to advance DEI. Watkins is broadly recognized and admired across the industry as someone who leads with respect and lifts others. She champions DEI programs that create sustained, consistent and significant impact, both within her company and her community. PCPC’s Madam C.J. Walker Award recognizes the industry’s commitment to a more inclusive society.

“Beauty and personal care products companies are committed to helping shape a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. This award is an opportunity to recognize peers who are ahead of the curve and leading by example,” said Keech Combe Shetty, PCPC Board chair & executive chair, Combe, Inc. “It is my distinct honor to present the first award to Latriece, a catalyst for change whose exemplary work inspires us all to do better.”

The award honors industry pioneer Madam C.J. Walker – who started her hair care business at the turn of the century, during a time when women of color had few rights and little opportunity. The Award will be given each year during PCPC’s Annual Meeting (held virtually in 2021) to an individual in the cosmetics or personal care products industry. Nominees will be judged on areas of achievement based on predetermined criteria.

“We are proud of our progress and, while we know there is more work to be done, we are fully committed to creating a more beautiful and sustainable world,” said Lezlee Westine, president & CEO, PCPC. “It is critically important that we examine society’s challenges and do what we can to address them.”

Photo: Latriece Watkins

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The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC represents 600 member companies who manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

 

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Study Demonstrates Environmental Risk Assessments on Coral Reefs Are Insufficient

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Study Demonstrates Environmental Risk Assessments on Coral Reefs Are Insufficient
Researchers Find Lack of Evidence that UV Sunscreen Filters are Significantly Impacting Corals

Washington, D.C. – A newly published critical scientific review by environmental scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) shows that ultraviolet (UV) sunscreen filters pose a minimal risk to coral. In addition, it underscores the need for further research to allow the scientific community to form a consensus based on reliable studies.

Carys Mitchelmore, Ph.D., professor, UMCES; Emily Burns, Ph.D., environmental scientist, PCPC; Andrew Heyes, Ph.D., associate research professor, UMCES; Annaleise Conway, graduate research assistant, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory; and Iain Davies, Ph.D., director of PCPC’s environmental science programs, co-authored the study, “Organic UV Filters in the Marine Environment: A Critical Review and Analysis of Coral Exposure, Hazard and Risk,” published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Degradation of the world’s coral reefs is a serious concern and evaluating the impact of UV filters is critically important. This comprehensive review of coral toxicity data and environmental monitoring of UV filter levels near coral reefs suggests that these filters do not pose a significant risk to corals residing in marine habitats, based on current data.

“Corals are faced with multiple physical, biological and chemical stressors, and currently there is very limited scientific data on the role that UV filters have on causing harm to the reefs,” said Mitchelmore. “That is why this review is so important. Scientists from academia, government and industry need to work together to best determine which stressors are most damaging to reefs to prioritize the most effective management and regulatory actions at the local through global scales.”

The review highlights major data gaps and also data reliability issues with several high-profile coral toxicity studies that have been used to justify several recent state sunscreen/UV filter restrictions. It is important that policymakers and regulators are aware of such data deficiencies before making any future environmental management decisions. Given the limited body of science currently available, the UMCES and PCPC authors provide research recommendations that will help to provide the data needed to conduct a conclusive risk assessment and help the scientific community reach a consensus on the environmental safety of UV filters.

“It is crucial to conduct robust environmental risk assessments for UV filters, and a key part of this work is ensuring the scientific community has comprehensive, reliable datasets. PCPC’s scientists are committed to working with experts from industry, academia, government and NGOs to achieve this goal through innovative environmental research,” Davies stated.

To date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that under naturally occurring conditions, UV sunscreen filters contribute to the degradation of coral reefs. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program, coral reefs are threatened by an increasing array of impacts – primarily climate change, disease, coastal development, and a number of chemical contaminants from agricultural and other land-based sources.

Finally, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with one in five people in the U.S. expected to be diagnosed within their lifetime. Ninety percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Sunscreens are a proven preventative barrier to the harmful effects of solar radiation. Making environmental impact decisions on sunscreens based on insufficient scientific data can lead to unintended health consequences, such as fewer available sunscreens and an increase in the prevalence of skin cancer.

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Beauty and Personal Care Products Industry Pledges to Give Employees Meaningful Time Off to Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Beauty and Personal Care Products Industry Pledges to Give Employees Meaningful Time Off to Vote
PCPC Members Come Together to Encourage Civic Engagement

Washington, D.C. – With only weeks to go until the 2020 general election, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies, announced today an industry pledge to provide employees meaningful time off to engage in civic activities around the November election. Member companies signing the pledge are coming together for the first time to encourage civic engagement and work to ensure a safe environment for employees to exercise their right to vote.  

“PCPC and the beauty industry have always been ahead of the curve not only creating innovative products but also looking at innovative ways to conduct our businesses. This pledge is just another example,” said PCPC Board Chair Keech Combe Shetty, executive chair of Combe Incorporated. “We don’t wait around to be told we should be good corporate citizens. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

“Beauty and personal care businesses thrive when employees are engaged citizens and actively participate in their communities,” said PCPC President and CEO Lezlee Westine. “Our members are among the first to come together as an industry to support employees by providing flexibility and resources to help them be active citizens.”

Specifically, signing companies pledge to:

  • Provide employees work flexibility or time off for the November 2020 general election, including civic engagement activities, such as voting, volunteering, working at the polls or any other appropriate activity; and
  • Encourage employees to exercise their civic responsibility, including registering to vote, strengthening a culture of civic participation.

The “Beauty Counts…Time to Vote” industry pledge is updated as additional companies sign on, and can be found in full here.

“Our employees deserve the necessary support to take time to vote and fulfill their civic duty safely,” said Combe Shetty. “Our country thrives when all voices are heard and all votes are counted.”

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Consumer Protection Bill California AB 2762 Signed into Law

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Monica Amarelo, (202) 939-9140 monica@ewg.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org

Consumer Protection Bill California AB 2762 Signed into Law
The Environmental Working Group and the Personal Care Products Council Work Together to Protect Public Health

Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) applaud Governor Newsom for signing into law California Assembly Bill 2762 (AB 2762), which prohibits the sale and manufacturer of cosmetics and personal care products with certain ingredients in California. This landmark bill moves the industry one step closer to global regulatory alignment.

“Californians now have greater assurance of the safety of the consumer products they use every day, like lotion and body wash, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and makeup,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “This marks a momentous milestone in the history of cosmetics and personal care products regulation. And for the first time, groups like EWG along with a diverse group of stakeholders and the industry’s trade association, the Personal Care Products Council, support legislation to modernize the rules governing these products.”

California is the first state to limit the use of these ingredients from all cosmetics and personal care products such as moisturizers, hand sanitizers, body washes and other essential products used every day. The 12 ingredients are already prohibited from cosmetics and other personal care products sold in the European Union and other countries.

“We are pleased to have joined efforts with EWG and many other organizations on this important piece of legislation,” said PCPC President & CEO Lezlee Westine. “Californians deserve a law that provides consumers with continued confidence in the products they use and trust every day. We all agree that this bill helps protect public health in California while safeguarding the jobs of the more than the 415,000 Californians who work for the overall personal care industry and the more than $28 billion contributed to the state’s economy.”

The law was coauthored by Assembly Members Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) and Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). Black Women for Wellness, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, CalPIRG and EWG were co-sponsors, and other public health, environmental, consumer protection, and faith-based organizations were integral to this joint effort. We express special thanks for their leadership and dedicated staff that worked together to bring this legislation to fruition.

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 The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetics and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC represents approximately 600 member companies who manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

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Personal Care Products Council Announces New Board Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Personal Care Products Council Announces New Board Chair
Keech Combe Shetty, Executive Chair of Combe Incorporated,
Assumes New Position August 2020

Washington, D.C. – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) announced today the election of its new Board Chair, Keech Combe Shetty, Executive Chair of Combe Incorporated. Ms. Combe Shetty leads the only personal care company fully owned by women and is the third generation in her family to oversee the operations of the company.

“Keech’s impressive accomplishments and strong leadership will serve our membership well as we work to advance the industry’s voice in Washington and across the nation,” said Lezlee Westine, PCPC President and CEO. “I know her talent, energy and experience will strengthen the Personal Care Products Council and the industry, and I look forward to working more closely with her as we make stronger our commitment to communities worldwide.”

Ms. Combe Shetty’s leadership drives Combe to realize its mission by creating products that fulfill unmet consumer needs as “the most personal, personal care company in the world.” That mission has guided many innovations in its more than 70-year history. Today, Combe is a global company with approximately 500 employees, seven offices around the world and products distributed in more than 100 countries.

Ms. Combe Shetty is active in several industry associations including serving on the Boards of PCPC and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA). A passionate philanthropist, she supports non-profits that tackle some of the most challenging issues of our time, including education; increasing access to skilled public health professionals for women in Somaliland; improving health care facilities; the provision of needed equipment and supplies; and eradicating generations of starvation in Africa.

“PCPC is the voice and guiding light for an industry whose products literally touch the lives of nearly every American household every day,” said Combe Shetty. “Families rely on us to deliver quality products they know they can trust – our relationship with those families is deeply personal. As our country continues to face difficult and uncertain times, I’m honored to help lead PCPC as we navigate our changing world, working to educate policy makers, legislators, regulators and most importantly our consumers, about our dynamic, innovative and scientifically sophisticated industry.”

Photo: Keech Combe Shetty

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

More from PCPC

Personal Care Products Council Launches Hand Sanitizer Ingredient Connection Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) launched today the Hand Sanitizer Ingredient Connection program as part of its ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. Hand sanitizer is a critical tool in the industry’s collective response to the global pandemic.

At the onset of the pandemic, member companies worked to quickly address this public health crisis by building manufacturing capacity for retail and institutional customers, and donating more than 20 million units of hand sanitizer products to hospitals; community clinics; medical and emergency professionals; first responders; and industry employees. Shortages for some materials still remain.

“We have been working closely with our members to support their efforts over the past several months,” said PCPC President & CEO Lezlee Westine. “Our hope is that the Hand Sanitizer Ingredient Connection will help expedite production and increase supply of these essential products.”

The Connection program is intended to facilitate the ongoing manufacture and marketing of hand sanitizers in the United States by connecting buyers and sellers of materials with one another. Participants can use the Connection program to publish information about their business needs and view a list of other participants whose needs closely match their own, according to material type and quantity. PCPC is offering this as a public service and will not charge any fees.

For more information about PCPC’s COVID-19 relief efforts, please visit our website.

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

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Beauty and Personal Care Industry Leaders Gather During Annual Meeting to Envision a More Sustainable World for Beauty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Palm Beach, Fla. – More than 300 cosmetics and personal care products executives, suppliers and media professionals gather this week at the Personal Care Products Council’s (PCPC) 126th Annual Meeting at The Breakers. As is tradition, attendees will reflect on the beauty industry’s challenges and opportunities with a special focus this year on sustainability.

In celebration of the launch of PCPC’s sustainability initiative, including publication of the first ever industry sustainability report, this year’s meeting theme is “Envisioning a More Sustainable World for Beauty.” The program highlights important issues of the day, particularly around trust and reputation; environmental impacts; and social and economic issues driving public discourse. This year we are honored to be joined by world-renowned experts who will deliver keynote presentations and lead panel discussions on the following topics:

  • Richard Edelman, Edelman, discussing the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer
  • Michael Maslansky, Maslansky + Partners, discussing consumer research and insights
  • Andea Campbell, Condé Nast, presenting on the future of beauty, featuring a panel with Maya Penn, Maya’s Ideas; Tom Szaky, TerraCycle; Esi Eggleston Bracey, Unilever; moderated by Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Teen Vogue
  • Alex Lorestani, Geltor, on designing beauty using biology
  • Ken Cook, EWG, on the importance of collaboration between industry and NGOs
  • Tom Szaky, TerraCycle, explains the dynamics and economics of waste
  • Pamela Alabaster, Centric Brands, moderates a panel on sustainability, featuring Andrea Flynn, The Estée Lauder Companies; Jerry Vittoria, Firmenich; and Chris Sayner, Croda
  • Marie La France, Dash Hudson, discussing AI and social media
  • Carol Cone, Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, leading a discussion with Kelly Vanasse, P&G, and Andrea Flynn, The Estée Lauder Companies, on brand purpose and authenticity

“We are very proud of the efforts our member companies are making in the sustainable management of their businesses,” said PCPC President and CEO Lezlee Westine, “but we recognize there is more we can do to ensure a more beautiful and sustainable world for us all.” Westine shared her hope that this year’s Annual Meeting would provide cosmetics and personal care products professionals from around the world the rare opportunity to come together to share best practices and forged new partnerships.

George Calvert, PhD, PCPC Board of Directors Chair and Amway Chief Supply Chain Officer, shared Westine’s enthusiasm for the personal care products industry’s bright and sustainable future.

“We are proud of how our commitment to healthy people and a healthy planet is reflected in the work of our members and our association,” said Calvert. “Our constant pursuit of improved sustainability is both good business and good stewardship. For years to come, our collective efforts will advance our industry’s reputation, create new opportunities for our teams, drive growth, and make a positive impact on the world.”

Joining Calvert on PCPC’s Board of Directors are the following newly elected officials:

Vice Chairs:

Esi Eggleston Bracey, EVP & COO, N.A., Beauty and Personal Care, Unilever

David Greenberg, Group President of Professional Products Division, N.A., L’Oréal

Alex Keith, CEO, P&G Beauty

Kathy Widmer, Company Group Chairman, N.A., J&J Consumer Products

Secretary:

Andrew Stanleick, Senior Vice President, N.A., Coty

Treasurer:

David Holl, President & CEO, Mary Kay Inc.

To learn more about PCPC’s 2020 Annual Meeting, visit our website. Follow our Annual Meeting updates on Twitter at @PCPC_News and using #SustainableBeauty2020. For more information about cosmetics and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

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