The beauty industry is navigating regulatory challenges and broader business pressures that are impacting companies across the supply chain. Happi checked in with Tom Myers, president and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), to talk about some core issues and get insight into what’s planned for 2026 Beauty Collective Summit later this month.

HAPPI: The past year has been unique in many ways. Companies across the supply chain have been facing challenges from many different directions—from regulatory to retail to pressure of business operations. How is PCPC providing leadership, advocacy, and guidance for your stakeholders, and ultimately, the wider beauty industry in general?

Tom Myers: Cosmetics and personal care products are used by millions of US consumers every day, and our industry plays a significant role in the US economy. Today, however, companies across the supply chain are navigating both regulatory challenges and broader business pressures—from tariffs and customs disruptions to global supply chain constraints and retail challenges that directly impact their ability to innovate, compete and scale.  
 
In addition, the proposals we are seeing to ban or restrict certain cosmetic ingredients could limit consumers’ access to the essential products they use every day. Therefore, we have been advocating at the state and federal levels for science-based regulations harmonized with global standards. At the global level, our advocacy also extends to reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, addressing tariff and customs challenges, and promoting international alignment that helps companies operate efficiently across markets.  
 
We also continue to advocate for FDA’s ongoing implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), particularly around important rulemakings on Good Manufacturing Practices and fragrance allergen labeling. One of our top priorities is ensuring that the FDA provides clear, timely guidance so businesses of all sizes can comply. We equip our members with resources to navigate these changes and remain in close contact with the FDA to support practical, timely guidance.   
 
Combined, these actions will protect innovation, remove unnecessary burdens on manufacturers, minimize disruption to the product supply chain and help maintain access to safe, effective cosmetics and personal care products. 

HAPPI: The personal care industry is, in many ways, the definition of “dynamic.” How is the slate of topics and speakers for this year’s Beauty Collective reflective of this?  

TM: This year’s Beauty Collective Summit, the premier event for the cosmetics and personal care products industry, features cutting-edge sessions and speakers addressing the top priorities our members face, like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), packaging and federal and state legislative and regulatory developments. Our USMCA programming includes a timely panel discussion on the trilateral nature of the agreement, the importance of the cosmetic Annex, the impact on manufacturing and regulation, and what companies should be doing now to prepare for the year ahead.  

Since we have executive-level professionals from the cosmetics and personal care product industry attending, we have curated a CEO panel to share perspectives on the current and future states of the industry, evolving consumer expectations and sustainability imperatives, driven by the impact of biotech and global market shifts.  

Conference-goers will also gain insights into the tactics and technologies being used to address the growing threat of counterfeit beauty products sold online. Our Counterfeit and Consumer Trust session explores how e-commerce platforms are advancing detection technologies, how brands are partnering with online marketplaces and federal agencies, and what more must be done to protect consumers and preserve brand integrity. Public safety and consumer trust are non-negotiable for our industry.

And as state-level packaging legislation continues to accelerate, from Extended Producer Responsibility and recycled-content mandates to labeling requirements and reuse/refill initiatives, our policy overview will provide a clear-eyed look at where regulations stand, what’s coming next, and how companies can prepare, comply, and continue to innovate.   
 
Of course, this only scratches the surface. Attendees can also expect robust discussions on AI, retail dynamics, and the broader forces shaping the future of beauty. 

HAPPI: Are there special events/speakers/topics that you’d like to highlight? 

TM: I’m excited about our entire program, but I am especially looking forward to the keynote panel, “Insights from the Top.” As the leading trade association representing cosmetics and personal care product companies, we have a unique opportunity to convene leadership from top U.S. and global brands that attendees may not otherwise hear directly. Their insights on emerging opportunities and industry headwinds will be invaluable.  

Another session I am looking forward to is “The Essentiality of Beauty: Meeting the Moment,” presented by L’Oréal Groupe and The New York Times’ Advertising Partnership. This documentary, narrated by the basketball legend Sue Bird, follows four athletes as they prepare for a major sports competition, revealing how physical training, mental fortitude and self-care rituals make up their winning formula. 

And of course, I would be remiss not to mention our presentation of the Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence. This year, we received nearly 300 submissions from cosmetologists, barbers, salon owners, and entrepreneurs across the country—a powerful testament to the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving our industry forward. Madam Walker championed economic empowerment and community investment, and we are proud to honor her legacy at the Beauty Collective Summit as we celebrate changemakers in our industry.  

HAPPI: The Beauty Collective is about more than just the speakers, of course. There is so much value in the interaction. Can you speak about this aspect of being part of the event and PCPC in general? 

TM: When the greatest minds in beauty—scientists, CEOs, regulatory experts, retailers, communicators—come together under one roof, something powerful happens. Ideas are exchanged, and meaningful connections are formed.  

This year, we are also weaving in more opportunities to connect with influencers and digital voices. While they may not be immersed in regulatory frameworks day to day, they play a critical role in shaping consumer understanding. Bringing them into conversation with decision-makers fosters greater transparency around product safety, quality, and innovation.  

HAPPI: Lastly, let’s talk about this industry. It is one that makes lives better through products that are safe and deliver joy; through its charitable components; and through its impact economically. What makes you most proud to represent this industry? 

TM: We can all agree: beauty is more than skin deep. It is about identity and expression, confidence, and dignity. Beyond its social impact, our industry is also an economic powerhouse. The cosmetics and personal care products industry supports millions of jobs worldwide across manufacturing, retail, science, logistics, and entrepreneurship. The industry drives innovation and makes safe, effective products that people of all ages and backgrounds rely on each day. I am honored to represent an industry that is making a positive impact on consumers’ lives. 
 

PCPC’s Beauty Collective Summit

The Beauty Collective Summit is an executive-level forum designed to foster strategic dialogue on the policy, scientific, and regulatory developments influencing the industry’s direction and long-term success, according to PCPC. Participating companies include leaders from Happi’s Top 50 and International Top 30 ranking, including L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Mary Kay, Revlon, Unilever and Procter & Gamble.

This year’s Beauty Collective Summit will be held March 23-25 at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Miami.

For event highlights and to take sneak peek at what you can expect, use this link.