The Year of Opportunity: A Message from PCPC’s CEO, Tom Myers

With continued growth of the beauty and personal care products industry, I see this year as an opportunity to highlight the value of our industry to consumers, government officials and other stakeholders. 

Our achievements in 2024 laid a solid foundation, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure global access to safe, sustainable, and innovative beauty and personal care products. In 2025, we have several areas of opportunity to build on our progress and make a positive impact, including: 

  • Educating and informing consumers: We see this year as an opportunity to meet or exceed consumers’ growing expectations in several areas, including education, innovation and sustainability. As a reliable and credible source of information, PCPC remains committed to educating consumers on ingredients and product safety while protecting consumers by supporting science-based policy. 
  • Meeting and advancing consumer needs: The beauty and personal care industry continues to evolve to meet and anticipate consumers’ needs. Leveraging our diverse group of scientists, researchers, toxicologists and other professionals has helped us meet the moment. We remain committed to providing consumers with access to high-quality, safe products and ingredients, increasing transparency and making tangible progress on sustainable, responsible supply chains.  
  • Contributing to the economy: Our industry is a key pillar of the U.S. economy—responsible for 4.6 million U.S. jobs and driving $308.7 billion in our nation’s gross domestic product. We will continue to make tangible progress in the U.S.  by providing jobs and economic growth in the communities in which we work and live.  

 The upcoming months are packed with activities that will help inform stakeholders, starting with the inaugural Beauty Collective Summit in Miami from February 18-20. Keep an eye on our events calendar for more upcoming meetings, webinars, and opportunities to engage, including:  

  • Legal & Regulatory Conference from May 13-15 in New Orleans, LA 
  • Science Symposium & Expo from October 28-29 in Pentagon City, VA 

I am proud of the progress we have made, and I am confident we are positioned for a strong future. 

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Harnessing Technology Tools to Power Sustainability

Last month, PCPC hosted a sustainability webinar focused on the intersection of technology and consumer products as a way to drive progress. The guest speakers, Jasmina Aganovic, Arcaea; Cara Eaton, Croda; Jessi Baker, Provenance; and moderator Maggie Spicer, shared the following key insights:

Biology as a Creative Solution
By leveraging biological processes to create raw materials, biotech enables industries to transition from extractive methods to innovative solutions that are efficient and environmentally friendly. For example, biotech-generated ingredients can open doors to previously inaccessible materials, reducing environmental impact through smaller production footprints and less resource-intensive processes. Scalability and sophistication of biology are the cornerstones for sustainable innovation.

Data-Driven Sustainability
Life cycle assessments provide a full-spectrum view of a product’s footprint—from raw material sourcing to end-of-life stages—and are critical to quantifying environmental impact. Some companies are using technology tools developed to analyze greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental indicators, guiding product design and supply chain improvements. Partnerships and shared data are vital for driving industry-wide progress.

Communicating Impact with Credibility
In a landscape rife with greenwashing concerns, aligning marketing with verifiable metrics is critical to ensuring transparency and building trust with consumers. By leveraging tools like blockchain and AI, companies can verify and transform complex sustainability data into consumer-friendly narratives, helping brands differentiate themselves in an increasingly value-driven market and address the challenges of sharing sustainability efforts to consumers.

From rethinking supply chains to redefining consumer engagement, technology is catalyzing sustainable transformation across industries. Combining innovation, data and transparency enable businesses to make sustainability a tangible, actionable goal—one that aligns with both market demands and environmental stewardship. For companies ready to embrace these technology tools, the time to act is now.

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Advancing Circular Design for a Sustainable Future

Advancing Circular Design for a Sustainable Future 

By Kenisha Cromity 

Staff Counsel, PCPC

Imagine a world where the packaging for your favorite personal care products doesn’t end up in a landfill but is reused, repaired or recycled multiple times.

Consumers and regulators have increasingly voiced a desire for sustainable packaging solutions or a circular design approach that reduces waste.   

America Recycles Day on November 15 is an opportunity for the beauty and personal care products industry to reflect on how we can drive meaningful change through our sustainability efforts. 

Many beauty products are made from multi-material components and often rely on unique packaging as part of their brand. Recognizing the impact that single-use products and packaging have in the environment, our industry continues to identify and implement new packaging solutions such as returnable packaging systems, recyclable or compostable design, or refillable product offers.  

Circularity in packaging requires a collaborative and honest approach to be truly effective. It involves adopting a consistent framework to ensure uniform data and best practices across different regions. At the same time, it’s essential to assess the environmental benefits of circular practices through impact assessments to ensure they truly contribute to sustainability. Localizing the supply chain for the lowest impact is always a best practice. 

By focusing on new technologies and solutions, and continuously pushing for improvement, our industry’s brands can lead the charge in transforming the packaging landscape. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability, we can harness the potential of existing materials and drive meaningful impact for generations to come.  

Embracing circular design principles isn’t just about meeting sustainability goals—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for a sustainable future. 

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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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Counterfeit Cosmetics: How to Protect Yourself

There has been an uptick in the sale of counterfeit products, including counterfeit cosmetics, on online and e-commerce platforms. The result: unsuspecting consumers purchase phony products, which may result in disappointment; however, the purchase and use of counterfeit cosmetics could lead to devastating results such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, chemical burns, eye infections and more severe health issues.

Our member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and to meet federal and state safety and quality requirements. Fake cosmetics are produced illegally and without adherence to the safety and quality requirements. They may also be manufactured in unsanitary conditions.

Reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) show that phony beauty products can contain known carcinogens, including arsenic, beryllium and cadmium, along with high levels of aluminum, mercury and dangerous levels of bacteria.

Reduce your risk of purchasing counterfeit beauty products when shopping online:

  1. Buy from a reputable seller. Purchase directly from a brand’s website or an authorized online retailer. Carefully research third-party sellers from online marketplaces.
  2. Read the customer reviews. Check for inconsistencies in product reviews from third-party vendors. A great deal is often too good to be real.
  3. Inspect the packaging. Fake products can be indistinguishable from the actual product so it’s important to look for any red flags such as misspellings, differences in design, wrong serial numbers and use-by dates.
  4. Spot test the product. Test a small amount of the product on your skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.

If you get duped despite your best efforts to protect yourself from counterfeit cosmetics, contact the vendor or online platform and request a refund. If you’ve used a credit card for the purchase, contact your credit card company to investigate the purchase and leverage their purchase protection policy, if applicable. You can also report counterfeits at STOPfakes.gov.

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Celebrating the People Behind the Beauty Industry

Labor Day is an opportunity to honor the hardworking people who power one of the most dynamic sectors of the American economy—the cosmetics and personal care products industry. Millions of people across the nation have played a vital role in shaping and sustaining an industry that touches our daily lives, communities and economy.

According to the Personal Care Products Council’s (PCPC) latest Economic & Social Contributions Report, the beauty industry supported 4.6 million jobs in 2022, reflecting the sector’s ability to create and maintain employment opportunities in challenging economic times.

The dedication and creativity of the beauty industry’s workforce is exemplified through:

  • Nearly 80% of women—greatly surpassing the national average of 47% across all industries and underscoring the sector’s key role in providing opportunities for women to thrive and lead
  • 33% of people of color—providing a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives that contributes to the creativity, innovation and inclusivity in an evolving industry
  • 71% of people working for companies with fewer than 50 employees—highlighting the significance of small businesses in the industry
  • More than 5,700 science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals—driving innovation and cutting-edge technology and research

The cosmetics and personal care products industry’s success is intrinsically linked to the well-being and hard work of its employees. This Labor Day we celebrate the millions of individuals who make up the beauty industry’s workforce. Their dedication, creativity and hard work continue to propel the industry forward and contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity.

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The Enduring Power of Red Lipstick

By Tesia Williams
EVP, Public Affairs & Communications

Red lipstick has long been a symbol of confidence and strength. It is widely considered feminine and bold, daring and assured. Red lipstick often declares, “I am ready to meet the world head-on, and the world should get ready for me.” And you don’t have to be a “Swiftie” to know that Taylor Swift has introduced a new generation of young women to the bold lip stain.

But the power of red lipstick is not new. Each generation has discovered or rediscovered the sense of authority, autonomy, and assurance from a perfect shade of red.

For example, Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, was among the first to embrace the power of red lipstick. In ancient Egypt, red was considered a symbol of social status and strength. The queen wore a red pigment on her lips that she allegedly created by crushing ants and beetles into an appliable paste.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, red lipstick became a symbol of suffragist women fighting for the right to vote. In 1912, as thousands of suffragists marched through the streets of New York City, makeup pioneer Elizabeth Arden passed out tubes of bright red lipstick to show her support for the cause.

During World War II, when luxuries were sacrificed for the war effort, women still found ways to inject a bit of femininity and resistance into their lives with a little red lipstick. Today, women all over the world are owning their confidence and strength through the power that red lipstick symbolizes.

July 29 is National Lipstick Day, a perfect moment to celebrate the rich history and lasting impact of this small but powerful accessory. It also marks my first day in an exciting new role as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications at the Personal Care Products Council.

The opportunity to represent the cosmetics and personal care products industry is a dream come true. I am proud to be part of this vibrant, essential, and inclusive industry, and I am ready to get to work on important issues that affect so many lives.

And you can be sure that I am wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick on my first day.

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Extraordinary Impact

By Tom Myers
President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council

I’m excited to share our latest economic and social contributions report, “The Beauty of Impact,” which showcases the incredible achievements of the U.S. cosmetics and personal care products industry. This industry supports our economy, enriches our communities and champions environmental sustainability. Since the 2020 report, we’ve seen remarkable growth in gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, job creation, labor income and tax payments. Beyond these impressive numbers, our industry’s commitment to diversity, innovation and community support shines through, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The report is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone in our industry, and I am immensely proud to be part of this extraordinary journey. The data speaks for itself:

  • 4.6 million jobs: Direct and indirect employment across various sectors
  • $203.3 billion in labor income: Providing well-paying jobs nationwide
  • $308.7 billion added to the GDP: A significant economic force
  • $82.3 billion in taxes: Supporting federal, state and local services

Economic Resilience and Growth

Our industry survived the pandemic and thrived, generating a $2.6 billion trade surplus, the second-largest surplus in the manufacturing sector. In addition, the industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP increased by more than 15%, total employment increased by more than 17%, total labor income increased by 19% and total tax payments increased by 27% since 2020.

Social Contributions

The industry’s impact extends beyond economics. It is a leader in fostering positive social change, contributing to the health and well-being of our communities, the nation and the planet by:

  • Fostering entrepreneurship and small businesses, with 71% of employees working for a small business with fewer than 50 employees;
  • Supporting women and people of color by dramatically exceeding national averages for employment for women (nearly 80%) and people of color (33%);
  • Investing in science by employing more than 5,700 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals;
  • Contributing to a more sustainable world with industry leaders reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) Scope 1 emissions by 8.7%, and
  • Giving back to communities by donating $1,500 for every $1 million in revenue, totaling $170 million to a range of charitable causes.

I am incredibly proud to be part of an industry that drives economic growth and champions social well-being and environmental responsibility. The sustained impact of our industry is the result of decades of dedication to these values.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also look to the future with a continued commitment to economic and social contributions to make a difference. Our industry is doing great things—creating employment opportunities for millions of people, investing in scientific research to drive innovation, and supporting the health and well-being of everyone who uses our industry’s products—because that impact is truly extraordinary. Today and for decades to come.  

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Since 2016, PCPC has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to measure the economic and social impact of the personal care products industry using the most recent government data available. An executive summary and the full report are available on PCPC’s website, including detailed data for every state and the nation’s largest Metropolitan areas (New York and Los Angeles).

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Stay Protected: Expert Sunscreen Tips for a Healthy Summer

By Patricia Farris, M.D.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Clinical Associate Professor, Tulane University School of Medicine

Summer is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to revisit your sunscreen routine. Everyone should use sunscreen to protect their skin. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, brown spots, uneven skin tone and premature aging. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. UV rays are harmful every day, regardless of the weather, and dangerous for everyone, no matter your age or skin tone. Here are some answers to questions patients often ask me:

 How do I protect myself from the sun?

  • Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing outdoors, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, UV-protecting sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

What kind of sunscreen should I use?

You should use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and is water resistant.

Are sunscreens safe? 

The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs with stringent safety assessments, ensuring consumers they are safe and effective. The FDA has approved all sunscreen ingredients currently on the market in the U.S. and strongly advocates using broad-spectrum sunscreens to prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk.  

Sunscreens have been used safely and effectively for decades. With skin cancer affecting more than 3 million Americans annually and melanoma killing nearly 20 Americans a day, I cannot overstate the important role these products play in preventing skin cancer. Using sunscreen as part of your daily routine is vital for everyone’s health.

How should I use sunscreen?

  • Apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin not covered by clothing—most adults need about 1 ounce, enough to fill a shot glass.
  • Don’t forget to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head.
  • Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
  • To protect your lips, use a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours or after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the bottle.

Enjoy your time outdoors this summer—at the beach, in the backyard or wherever you go to have fun. But don’t forget sunscreen as part of your overall health and wellness routine.

Don't Fry Friday

 

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Reflections on Winning the Madam C.J. Walker Award: A Journey of Leadership and Diversity in the Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry

By Michelle Wang Goodridge
U.S. President of Brand Growth, Kenvue

PCPC’s Madam C.J. Walker Award carries deep meaning within our industry as it honors the progress we’ve collectively made in championing diversity, equity and inclusion. I was incredibly proud to be one of the two recipients of this year’s award, and couldn’t be more humbled to receive an accolade that holds the name of not only a successful, self-made entrepreneur, but someone who persevered and created a legacy that inspires others to bring their full selves to their work.  

Every year during Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month I remind myself that as a Chinese American I have an opportunity to share the cultures and values passed down to me, not just with my family, but with my colleagues each and every day. I am grateful to those who have encouraged me to be myself, share my unique perspective, and more importantly, build teams that bring people of different backgrounds together to foster inclusion and deliver solutions that advance the well-being of all people.

In my current role, I see our highly engaged teams working to make a difference by driving inclusive, equitable solutions and initiatives that have a positive impact on all: campaigns like Aveeno’s #SkinVisibility, which works to address the underdiagnosis, care and treatment of eczema on Black skin; Band-Aid® Brand’s Our Tone; and Listerine’s Whoa Collection, which fights to increase diversity in dentistry.

As leaders, especially women of color, it is essential to continue to find ways to make a difference. My mantras, shown below, were built from the amazing leaders who I have had the opportunity to collaborate with over the course of my career:

  • Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Your experiences as a woman of color bring a valuable and unique perspective to the table. Embrace it and leverage it to drive innovation and positive change within your organization.
  • Be Fearless in Pursuing Your Goals: Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your goals and aspirations. Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your potential to make a meaningful impact in your organization and industry.
  • Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion: Be a vocal advocate for change and actively work towards creating a more inclusive workplace culture.
  • Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and allies who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy throughout your career journey. Seek out opportunities to connect with other women of color in your industry and learn from their experiences.
  • Pay It Forward: As you progress in your career, remember to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting the next generation of women of color leaders. Share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned to empower and inspire others to succeed.

I’m hopeful that these mantras will continue to be passed along and celebrated so that, together, we’ll continue to work towards the vision of a more diverse, inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.

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