Green alternatives to some of the most contentious chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products will be featured in the upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit. Taking place in New York City on 14-16 May, the summit focuses on sustainable ingredients, marketing, social and consumer impacts.
For the first time, the summit will discuss the social and safety issues of personal care products in the context of sustainability. With rising consumer interest in product formulations, there are growing concerns about the ecological and health impacts of ingredients.
The sustainable ingredients session begins with details on the growing array of green emulsifiers and surfactants for personal care applications. Sustainable alternatives to squalene and microplastic exfoliants will also be featured; both materials have come under scrutiny because of their high environmental footprints. The risks and opportunities provided by nanomaterials will be debated, while other papers cover sustainable palm oil, and safety of natural materials. Organic Monitor will conduct a dedicated workshop on paraben-free preservative systems. Details will be given of novel green materials used for preservation, as well as ‘selfpreserving’ formulations.
The social and customer impacts session looks at the various ways cosmetic and ingredient firms can add social value and engage with customers. Shannon Hess from Burt’s Bees will state how the natural cosmetics brand is making a social difference with its ‘greater good’ business model. Dara O’ Rourke, co-founder of the GoodGuide will discuss the use of mobile apps to engage with customers. Find out more at www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com
