Who doesn’t want to put the brakes on ageing? Instantly zap away cellulite? Or hike up sagging skin? The industry has been long and hard at work in the quest for anti-senescent, cellulite-erasing and gravity-defying solutions. In fact, year after year, in-cosmetics has showcased these and other major advances in cosmetic actives research. While they may vary in their end benefits, ingredients such as these are all equally focused on the same broader goal: visibly making what is, not; for instance, smoothing frizzy hair, lightening or darkening one’s natural skin tone, immortalizing mortal mankind (anti-ageing), etc.
So in effect, cosmetics go above or against nature—well, except perhaps for “natural” products. However, this is not to say that cosmetics are “bad.” They enable us to shape the outward expression of who we want to be. For instance, you may be happy to know that I, for one, choose to use toothpaste and deodorant so that natural forces don’t overcome me (or the folks sitting near my office). I’m not saying natural body scent is a bad thing, but where I live, it’s more socially acceptable to wash it away, prevent it or cover it. Plus, in this case, there’s a whole human health/longevity aspect to consider. But again, technologies developed by cosmetic R&D scientists safely allow me to shape the outward expression I wish to convey.
The ability to make something what it is not is obviously much more apparent with products aimed to have visual effects. However, let’s not forget the magic that happens behind the scenes, such as making incompatible ingredients play nicely together, or changing something this isn’t soluble in water into something that is. These amazing feats are everyday acts for cosmetic chemists and formulators.
The bottom line is this: Consumers will always have nearly limitless demands for the abilities of personal care products. However, since we have an insider’s view of the technical skill and expertise required to safely make something that is become something that is not, or vice versa, it is important to recognize one another’s scientific achievements in doing so, which is the purpose of the Cosmetics & Toiletries R&D Awards and in-cosmetics Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Awards. Join us on April 17, 2012, to recognize these supernatural feats.
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