IFSCC’s 35th Congress Celebrates Cosmetology Star Power

The Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes, France is renowned for hosting Hollywood elite from Marilyn Monroe to Martin Scorsese, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Brad Pitt. Many of these Oscar-winning stars have been the models for cosmetics brands. But from Sept. 15-18, 2025, the 35th Annual International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress spotlighted the cosmetic scientists who work in the shadows whose innovations beautify the faces of these iconic public figures – and were treated to a red carpet of their own.

“We are playing an important role in these peoples’ success stories as well,” said Société Française de Cosmétologie (SFC) President Richard Leroux. “We explore nature, we create molecules and we develop technologies to evaluate how these solutions improve the qualities of the skin and protect it.”

The IFSCC was a concept that first crystallized in Paris in 1956 following over a decade of the already established individual societies in a few European countries. It culminated in the birth of the federation in Brussels, Belgium on Sept. 8, 1959. Over the years, it grew into the largest platform of cosmetic scientists in the world with societies in 78 countries. The IFSCC is where science, labs, beauty, aesthetics, health, skincare, haircare fragrance merge and knowledge of which is shared. Global and inclusive by nature, it celebrates excellence while elevating one another, officials said. This sense of community is depicted in its renewed logo consisting of a circle which symbolizes three elements: the earth and the IFSCC’s global network; shared knowledge and connection as well as cell division; and its three geographical zones.

“We push the boundaries of science, of skin knowledge, to understand how it works and how we can do it bigger and better,” said Leroux. “We are scientists and this is what we do best.”

The three-day conference, whose theme is “Future is Science,” is affording attendees a robust scientific program, which includes presentations from Sonia Boudayadi, Florence Pouradier and Juliane Robert who will discuss ceramide’s alterations in atopic dermatitis skin highlights; challenges of In Vivo SPF Testing; how virulent bacteria trigger specific neuro-inflammatory responses in keratinocytes; and the role of scalp bacteria by Ying Chen, respectively.

The Congress will also hold a Sustainability Challenge hosted by SFC and supported by L’Oréal Research & Innovation, and a Round Table discussion, entitled: “Shooting for the Stars: Space Research as a catalyst for cosmetic discovery with an animation by Isabelle Castiel. The Congress will conclude with a keynote entitled, “The World of Color and Inclusivity” by Anke Hadash.

Lester Conrad Education Prize

New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists

IFSCC Fellows

Dr. Tony Gough (UK & Ireland)
Eva Ramo (Mexico)
Claudie Willemin (France)

Maison G de Navarre Young Scientist Prize

Jun Miao, Pechoin, China “The Science of Healthy Aging: Strategies for Skin Longevity.”