Pioneering Innovation And Sustainability In The Cosmetics Industry

With sustainability and digitalization at the heart of the global cosmetics industry, COSMETICON 2024 opened its doors at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. This year’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability,” positioned the event as a beacon for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to thrive in an evolving market.

This is the second annual cosmetics conference organized by the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP). The day commenced with Christine Michelle P. Reyes, president of the CCIP, who underscored the importance of innovation and regulatory compliance in her opening remarks. “COSMETICON 2024 is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cosmetics while ensuring that our businesses remain compliant, sustainable, and innovative,” said Reyes.

The morning session started with Maria Lynette M. Macabeo, FDA regulatory officer, who discussed promo permit regulations, followed by Maria Astrid M. Ambata, who covered post-marketing surveillance. Gilbert Maximo from DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau gave an overview of new chemical regulations, a crucial subject in today’s industry.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivered a well-received presentation on functional cosmetics and F-Pop, stressing the role of regulatory bodies in innovation and public safety.

After the keynote, Claire Pasicolan from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on the understanding of PDEA regulations and their impact on the cosmetics industry. The morning ended with a panel discussion featuring regulatory experts, moderated by Janina G. Tan of Jradiance Corporation, focusing on industry challenges.

The afternoon session shifted focus to digital marketing, testing, and logistics. Terence Rene T. Iguidez III, from Sigmatech Inc., demonstrated advanced laboratory equipment for cosmetic products, while Ray Caguin, Country Director of LOCAD, discussed business sustainability amid digitalization. This was followed by Urk Acapulco of Xceler8 Technologies, who spoke on industry productivity solutions.

An insightful industry-sharing session was led by Marjorie Racines, Technical Services Head at Wipro-Splash Corporation, on substantiating cosmetic claims. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was represented by Hon. Adoracion P. Resurreccion, Chairperson of the PRC Chemistry Board, who discussed the issuance of Certificates of Authority to operate chemical laboratories.

The day concluded with networking opportunities, sponsor presentations, and closing remarks from Maricar O. Lopez, Board Secretary of Connell Bros. Co. Pilipinas, Inc., reinforcing the importance of collaboration for the industry’s growth.

The conference was undoubtedly a resounding success, highlighting many learnings from speakers including the growing importance of functional cosmetics, as outlined by FDA director Dr. Samuel Zacate. He emphasized that functional cosmetics not only enhance beauty but also provide added health benefits, making regulatory compliance more crucial than ever.

FDA officials Maria Lynette M. Macabeo and Maria Astri M. Ambata shared business compliance with detailed updated on promo permit regulations and post-marketing surveillance. Lastly, Insights into sustainable business models in the digital age, shared by LOCAD’s Ray Caguin, highlight how companies can adapt to modern market demands while remaining environmentally and economically sustainable.