Honouring cosmetic science excellence 

Dr Oliver Hofmann
in-cosmetics Asia Official Technical Advisor and Technical Director, Shieling Laboratories 

Oliver heads the technical department of Shieling Laboratories, a contract manufacturer, developing and manufacturing for over 250 different cosmetic brands. Oliver studied chemistry in Frankfurt, Germany and graduated with a Master’s Degree and then moved to New Zealand to complete his PhD in Biochemistry. Oliver joined the personal care space 22 years ago where he now designs and formulates new products, manages the up-scaling process, and supports the engineering team with the design of specialised equipment.

Amata Chaikriangkrai
CEO & Cofounder, Amata Innovation co.,ltd.

With over 15 years’ experience in Thai, Japanese, and international cosmetic industries, Amata Chaikriangkrai, BPharm, MSc is a highly skilled cosmetic scientist specializing in product R&D with a focus on efficacy and safety. His expertise in advanced skin data analysis enables him to critically evaluate and select innovative, high-quality ingredients that drive the development of effective and cutting-edge cosmetic solutions.

Andy Huang
Private Consultant

Andy is a member of the raw material expert panel of the China Association of Fragrance Flavor and Cosmetic Industries (CAFFCI). He holds a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and is currently pursuing a doctor’s degree for Biology & Medicine in East China University of Science & Technology. With 20 years’ experience in the personal care industry, he previously worked for Johnson & Johnson, Symrise, Shanghai Jahwa and Proya Cosmetics and has full experience of skincare formulation and raw material screening for finished products.

Dr. Awanthi De Silva (PhD, MRACI CChem)
Innovation Manager, Vitex Pharmaceuticals

With over 20 years of R&D experience, Awanthi has led the development of 100+ novel formulations across cosmetics, personal care, and therapeutics. A published researcher and reviewer, she is passionate about translating scientific research into innovative, market-ready solutions for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.

Fan Hu
Head of R&D, UNISKIN

Fan Hu earned his BSc in Chemistry from HKUST and Ph.D. from Georgia Tech. Formerly a Senior Scientist at L’Oréal USA and Senior Researcher at L’Oréal Japan, he secured six patents across antioxidant and formulation technologies. At UNISKIN, he leads inflammaging research, driving innovation with 10+ granted patents and 9 publications, advancing skin science through ECM restoration and anti-ageing strategies.

Fumiaki Nishimura
Raw Materials Innovation Manager for Color and Optical Effect Materials, L'Oréal

Fumiaki is in charge of raw materials innovation with external suppliers and partners especially for color and optical effects. Mr Nishimura has 7 years’ experience at L'Oréal Japan and has been based at L'Oréal France for the past three years. With a further 4 years’ experience in his previous role at Reckitt where he was responsible for open innovation of ingredients and packaging for FMCG industry, Fumiaki is passionate about external collaboration with partners to develop and launch disruptive beauty products.

Hendriko
Cosmetic Consultant / PT RIER Pesona Internasional

Hendriko is a seasoned cosmetic consultant with over 25 years’ experience in the beauty and cosmetics Industry. His extensive background encompasses a deep understanding of cosmetics products, trends, and techniques, allowing him to provide tailored advice and solution. His approach centres on enhancing personal beauty while promoting confidence and self-expression. He believes that every individual deserves to feel beautiful and empowered through effective and suitable cosmetics solutions.

Kwonreal Ryu
Senior Manager / Open Development, Amorepacific

Kwonreal has been at Amorepacific for over almost 15 years and is a research & innovation expert, specialising in open innovation/development and market tech / insight. He also focuses on regulatory affairs, customer research ands science communications. A skincare cosmetic formula researcher, he also excels in W/O emulsion as well as organic / natural cossmetics,itc

Dr Lida Ezzedinloo
Senior R&D Chemist, Trulux

With over 15 years of scientific experience, including more than four years in the cosmetics industry Lida holds a PhD in Chemistry from UNSW, Australia, where she also completed postdoctoral research. Lida specializes in formulation development with a strong focus on sustainability, safety, and performance. At Trulux, she leads the creation of innovative personal care products, driven by technical excellence, ethical responsibility, and a passion for advancing cosmetic science.

Merve Samur
Director, The INCI Lab

Merve is a talented cosmetic formulation designer with extensive experience in FMCG, contract manufacturing and working with indie brands. Recently, she was elected President of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists. As the Director of The INCI Lab, Merve has been developing skincare, haircare, and home care products for over a decade. She has also formulated award-winning products and continues to innovate from the beautiful landscapes of Aotearoa.

Pearl Valenton
Technical Services Department Technical Director, Refinette Cosmetic Manufacturing Corporation

Pearl Valenton currently handles Refinette Cosmetic Manufacturing Corporation's product development for personal care, food and nutraceutical, household and pharmaceutical divisions. Her 35 years of experience in the personal care industry built her expertise in the formulary, manufacturing and compliance to regulations. She is also the Technical Director of Philippine Society for Cosmetic Science and is active in various activities of the society to provide scientific and technical advancement of practitioners and professionals engaged in the science of cosmetics. 

Ricky Zheng
Senior Director, R&D, Estée Lauder, China

Ricky is based in Shanghai and leads the Skincare Formulation team in Estée Lauder China Innovation Labs. He is in charge of leading new product launches for a diverse portfolio of brands like Estée Lauder, La Mer, Clinique, Origins, Darphin, Lab Series etc. as well as building innovation pipelines for Asia and global markets on multiple sub-categories such as Watery & Milky Lotion, UV, Cleanser, Serum, Cream, etc.

Dr Sari Chairunnisa, MD
Deputy CEO & Co-Founder, Paragon Corp

Sari Chairunnisa, MD is Deputy CEO and co-founder of Paragon Corp, Indonesia’s leading purpose-driven beauty company. Since 2014, she has led end-to-end R&D, building one of Southeast Asia’s largest cosmetic R&D centres. She champions science-backed, tech-driven, and sustainable product innovation, translating clinical insights into breakthrough formulations across 14 brands, while fostering global collaborations and advocating for women in STEM to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Tanu Agrawal
Head - Product Development, Bajaj

Tanu Agrawal is an R&D and innovation leader with over 18 years of experience in the Beauty & Personal Care industry. She currently leads Product Development at Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., driving portfolio expansion, digital-first products creation, and innovation-led growth. With prior leadership roles at L’Oréal and Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Tanu brings deep expertise in consumer-centric innovation, portfolio development, and building high-performing teams that connect science, creativity, and business impact.

Dr. Dominika Andrys
Beauty Brand Consultant & Cosmetic Chemist, Beauty Brand Formula Ltd.

Dr. Dominika Andrys is a Cosmetic Chemist and Biotechnologist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty and skincare industry. She is the founder of Beauty Brand Formula Ltd., where she helps aspiring entrepreneurs and established brands develop products, navigate regulatory requirements, and build successful, sustainable beauty brands. Dominika holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology and a Postgraduate degree in Cosmetic Chemistry, with international experience spanning Europe and New Zealand. She is a member of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists, serving as Secretary.

Prof Dr Jaesung Hwang
President of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea & Professor of Genetic Bioengineering KyungHee University

Dr. Jaesung Hwang is a professor of Genetic Bioengineering at KyungHee University. He currently leads the Innovative Skin Technology Development Division (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) and previously headed the Advanced Dermatological Ingredient Development Division. With over a decade at KyungHee, he's been a vital part of the academy, industry as well as authority point of view. His expertise extends from Amorepacific Corporation skin research team (1994-2009) to roles like IFSCC's Academic Director and positions in Korean skincare research societies.

Joonho Choi
Chief Researcher, Amorepacific

As a Principal Researcher at AmorePacific, Dr. Joonho Choi is a pharmacist graduated from Seoul National University's College of Pharmacy. He has been actively conducting research on functional cosmetics, new drugs, healthcare products, future technology, and new materials at Amorepacific Research Center. His expertise and research experience in recent publications about Green Chemistry has been highly evaluated in the industry.

Dr Kilala Tilaar
CEO, Martha Tilaar Group

In addition to being its CEO, Dr Kilala Tilaar is also the Chairman of Corporate Creative and Innovative of the Martha Tilaar Group, one of the largest natural beauty companies in Indonesia.  He focuses the Group’s research activities on natural, organic, halal and sustainable products based on the richness of Indonesia’s biodiversity and marine resources.  He also actively published scientific journals on cosmetics ingredients and received more than 30 cosmetics ingredients patents.

Sanjana Balani
Founder & CEO, Potion Inc.

Sanjana Balani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POTION INC, leading the company's vision of creating a hybrid skincare segment within the industry. She is a passionate entrepreneur, alchemist, and thought leader dedicated to revolutionizing the potency of nature.

Seongmin (Mike) Sohn
GM & Principal Consultant, REACH24H Korea

Seongmin (Mike) Sohn is a renowned expert for driving innovation in the cosmetics and chemical industries. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in market analysis and regulatory compliance, leading strategic initiatives that foster sustainable growth and international collaboration.