The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Annual Meeting & Industry Showcase is one of the beauty industry’s biggest events. It brings together R&D stakeholders from across the industry — brands, suppliers, regulators and academia — to discuss the latest research driving the the multi-billion dollar cosmetics and personal care industry.

At this year’s event, which is Dec. 16 and 17 in New York City, experts representing all corners of cosmetic formulation will speak in keynote lectures and podium presentations. There are eight breakout sessions covering skin, hair, inclusive beauty, claims substantiation, suncare, biotechnology and more.

The annual meeting also includes posters and tabletop exhibits, as well as awards named in honor of those who have served this venerable organization, which is marking its 80th anniversary this year.

Historically one of the most important scientific gatherings in the US, this year’s meeting (SCC79) will be preceded by a special celebratory gala on the evening of Dec. 15.

SCC’s 80^th Anniversary

According to Akshay Talati, SCC president, the gala will honor both SCC’s legacy and its future.

Not every organization lasts eight decades—and that’s reason enough to celebrate. Even more so, the gala celebration will highlight how SCC has grown and how it benefits the industry as a whole.  

“We have grown from the 12 chemists who started the SCC to 5,800 members across 35 countries,” Talati shared during an interview with Happi last week.

COSA

SCC79’s keynote lectures and breakout sessions will showcase thought leadership in science, novel chemistries and more.

Talati, who called this year’s lineup “extraordinary,” spoke about the dedicated professionals that make up SCC’s Committee on Scientific Affairs (COSA).

COSA is a core group of 15 SCC members who are subject matter experts. They are tasked with vetting submitted abstracts (150 on average) each year through a blind process and selecting those that will get a coveted podium presentation slot during the annual meeting. COSA also plays a role in finding the keynote speakers who deliver unique perspectives during the annual meeting each year.

“COSA is the scientific engine behind the SCC annual program,” Talati said.

This year’s SCC Frontiers of Science Keynote Lecture (Dec. 16, 8 am) will be delivered by Sam Kean, a New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including Dinner with King Tut. His podcast, The Disappearing Spoon, debuted at No. 1 on iTune’s science podcasts chart.  

The Henry Maso Keynote Award Lecture (Dec. 17, 8:50 am) will be given by Dr. Jane Yoo, MD, MPP. Dr. Yoo is an internationally recognized dual board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon. Her presentation is: “Pixels to Formulations: How AI is shifting dermatologic skin care solutions.”

The luncheon keynote on Dec. 17 will feature Rob Smead of Electrum Ink (a professional tattoo ink company) and three members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. Their topic is: “Current Practices and Emerging Trends in Pre- and Post-Skincare for Tattooing.” 

Industry Showcase

The Industry Showcase is open during both days of SCC’s annual meeting, offering attendees time to review the latest ingredient innovations, formulation techniques and services offered by industry suppliers.

SCC will also present its major awards during the meeting. This list includes the Henry Maso Keynote Lecture Award; Student Poster Awards; Madam CJ Walker Scholarships; Alan B. & Jeanette Black Award; Shaw Mudge Award; Des Goddard Award; SCC Award; Joseph P. Ciaudelli Award; and Hans Schaeffer Award.

It adds up to an event that is much more than two days of technical talks. SCC’s annual meeting also delivers networking opportunities and a chance to make meaningful connections, asserts Talati. The Supergoop R&D expert will wrap up his tenure as SCC president at the end of the year.

SCC Annual Meeting Schedule

Here is the current schedule for SCC79; additional details can be found on SCC’s website:

Tuesday, December 16

7:00 am – 8:00 am – Continental Breakfast 

7:00 am – 4:30 pm – Showcase Exhibit Hours

8:00 am – 9:15 am – Session A: Frontiers of Science Keynote Address—Sam Kean

9:15 am – 10:15 am – Beverage Break in Showcase 

9:30 am – 11:00 am – Session B: Hair & Scalp Health

9:30 am – 11:00 am – Session C: Skin Deep: Chinese Biotechnological Approaches to Skin Care

11:00 am- 12:30 pm – Dedicated Showcase Exhibition

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – President’s Luncheon & Annual Membership Meeting

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Beverage Break in Showcase 

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Session D: Inclusive Beauty

3:30 pm- 5:30 pm – Session E: Emerging Technologies

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Cocktail Reception with Exhibitors

Wednesday, December 17

8:00 am – 9:45 am – SCC Annual Awards Breakfast Awards 

8:50am – 9:45 am – Session F: Henry Maso Keynote Award Lecture—Dr. Jane Yoo

9:45 am – 10:45 am – Beverage Break in Exhibitor Showcase 

10:45 am – 12:15 pm – Session G: Claims Substantiation

10:45 am – 12:15 pm – Session H: Advancing Photoprotection

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm – Session I: Luncheon Keynote — Rob Smead (Electrum Ink), Mikayla Hyland, Angela Torresi and Sean Brown (Alliance of Professional Tattooists)

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Dedicated Showcase Exhibition

2:45 pm – 4:45 pm – Session J: Skin Wellness 

2:45 pm – 4:45 pm – Session K: Biotechnology