COSMETICON 2024, held at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, aimed to promote sustainability and digitalization in the global cosmetics industry. The event’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability,” aimed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the evolving market. Key speakers included FDA regulatory officer Maria Lynette Macabeo, who discussed promo permit regulations and post-marketing surveillance Maria Astrid M. Ambata. DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, Gilbert Maximo, provided an overview of new chemical regulations. Keynote speaker Dr. Samuel A. Zacate highlighted the role of regulatory bodies in innovation and public safety.
This is the second annual cosmetics conference organized by the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), and the day commenced with Christine Michelle P. Reyes, president of the CCIP, who underscored the importance of innovation and regulatory compliance in her 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.
After the keynote, Claire Pasicolan from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on understanding PDEA regulations and their impact on the cosmetics industry, and 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.
Marjorie Racines, Technical Services Head at Wipro-Splash Corporation, led an insightful industry-sharing session 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 we 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 much learned from the speakers, including the growing importance of functional cosmetics, as outlined by FDA director Dr. Samuel Zacate. He emphasized that functional cosmetics enhance beauty and 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 updates 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.
