The US Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) has awarded its highest honour, the Maison G. deNavarre Medal, to Cosmetech Laboratories president and CEO Irwin Palefsky.
The award recognizes Irwin’s activities in supporting the best interests of the cosmetic industry through his various technical contributions, which include ten patents and author in various publications and compilations, most recently in Cosmeceuticals: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series.
He taught at the Center for Professional Advancement (a division of Cobblestone), Fairleigh Dickenson University (1980-1990) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on Sunscreens from 2019-2023.
Palefsky is currently an Emeritus member and Technical Fellow (2022) of the SCC. Nationally, he was instrumental in starting the Education Advisory Committee in 1986 and served as its Chair 2002-2005.
As a member of the New York Chapter, he helped start NY Suppliers' Day, now one of the largest industry events in North America.
Palefsky went on to co-chair the NYSCC Spring Seminar in 1999 and was Chair of the New York Chapter in 2002.
“The SCC is presenting its highest honour to Irwin Palefsky, in recognition of his industry expertise and contributions to advancing cosmetic science,” said SCC chief executive Erica O’Grady.
“We are thrilled to recognize all that he has accomplished during his exceptional career and his 55 years of membership," she added.
The other 2024 SCC prestigious achievement award winners are:
- SCC Education Award: Paul Lawrence, executive director of research and discovery at Biocogent
- Florence Wall Women In Cosmetic Chemistry Award: Krupa Koestline, owner and chief formulator of KKT Consultants
- Merit Award: Cathy Anglin, quality consultant at J. Strickland & Co.
- Robert A. Kramer Lifetime Service Award: Randall Wickett, Professor of Pharmaceutics and Cosmetic Science at the University of Cincinnati
The awards will be presented to the winners during the SCC’s 78th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase on 11-13 December at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, California.
