Last month, we had the privilege of attending two major summits that brought together thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe. From São Paulo to Paris, discussions centred on innovation, sustainability, and the evolving expectations of today’s beauty consumers. Below, we share an overview of the main highlights and our reflections from both events.
From a trend to a transformation in skin care European Sustainable Cosmetic Summit organized by Ecovia Intelligence on October 22nd and 23rd in Paris
- The Consumer Say–Do Gap
A recurring topic in sustainability discussions is the “Say–Do gap”—the disconnect between what consumers say they want (sustainable products) and what they actually buy.
Lack of transparency and a fear of greenwashing are believed to be roadblocks to close this gap. Even motivated consumers may struggle to make conscious, sustainable choices simply because they don’t know how to.
In response to this need, the EcoBeauty Score was developed by a coalition of leading personal care companies, supported by industry associations. It uses an "A to E" system to help consumers compare the full lifecycle impact of items within the same product category. We believe this is a very positive first step toward greater transparency in the industry. However, we would welcome and support the future inclusion of ingredient suppliers in the calculation to bring more depth and accuracy to the evaluation, as the INCI alone does not reflect the significant differences in impact created by different supply chains.
- Impact and Data: Measuring What Matters
A strong focus across the summit was on how the personal care industry is striving to maximize positive impact while minimizing negative footprints—without compromising on product performance.
Producers and suppliers are taking a holistic approach to ingredient selection, considering every aspect of sustainability. Yet, one common challenge remains: data access. To measure impact, identify hotspots, and track progress, robust data is essential—but not always easy to obtain.
Many suppliers are investing heavily in footprint reduction, while simultaneously calculating Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). The ultimate goal? Standardized measurements based entirely on primary data. We’re not there yet—but the journey is clearly underway.
- Neurocosmetics: The Mind–Skin Connection
If you’ve been following our blog (or others in the personal care space), you’ll know that neurocosmetics is more than a trend—it’s becoming a central pillar of innovation.
The industry now fully recognizes the mind–skin connection, and the summit explored both new active ingredients that interact with the nervous system and the sensorial, emotional dimension of cosmetics.
Discussions also covered the ongoing challenge of how to measure these emotional and sensory effects in a meaningful way, with mood portraits presentes as an option.
- Novel Technologies: Innovation Meets Practicality
Exciting technologies such as precision fermentation, biomimicry, plant cell biotechnology, and algae production took center stage.
While their potential is undeniable, speakers also acknowledged key challenges: scalability, regulatory hurdles, and the overall sustainability profile of each approach. The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—each technology must be evaluated case by case, considering both impact and feasibility.
- AI for Cosmetics: Smarter and Greener?
AI’s energy intensity is a well-known concern—but can it also be leveraged to support sustainability in cosmetics?
Several fascinating use cases were presented, from using generative AI to streamline reformulations with greener raw materials to tools that simplify on-pack communication of sustainability improvements. AI, when applied thoughtfully, could become a valuable ally in driving more sustainable innovation.
- The 3Rs of Packaging: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
And finally—packaging. The session kicked off with an overview of the latest EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), followed by examples of chemical recycling innovations for both conventional and bio-based plastics, and even a pilot for reusable packaging systems.
It’s clear that packaging remains a key sustainability focus for personal care producers, who are increasingly taking a holistic approach to reduce materials and waste across their value chains.
Clean Beauty Summit attended alongside our distributor partner, Summit & Cosmetics, on October 22nd and 23rd in São Paulo
When liaising with our colleagues who attended the Paris Summit, we learned that the industry is united by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and naturality combined with performance – the essence of clean beauty. At the Brazilian Summit, we were able to showcase new formulations and textures powered by our raw materials.
Innovation in Hair Care
Brazil’s hair care market continues to thrive:
- 14% growth in retail value sales in 2024, reaching BRL 32.3 billion.
- Projected 7% CAGR through 2029, hitting BRL 44.3 billion.
- Styling agents stand out, expected to grow 16% over the same period
Our presentation highlighted the latest hair care trends and demonstrated how our portfolio enables formulators to create high-performance, innovative products that meet evolving consumer demands—from enhancing texture and sensory appeal to supporting claims around natural and sustainable beauty.
What Customers Are Looking For
The event attracted highly specialized customers with targeted applications and specific needs, including formulation challenges, sustainability-driven solutions, silicone replacements, and innovations in makeup and lip balm. There was also significant interest in stick formats, ranging from transparent options and high SPF products to deodorants.
Looking Ahead
From Europe to Brazil, the 2025 summits reflect a unified move toward more sustainable, transparent, and innovative beauty solutions. Whether addressing the say–do gap, pioneering technological breakthroughs, or reimagining hair care, the industry is energized by collaboration and a shared commitment to positive change. As we look forward, these events make it clear that the future of beauty is not only clean and green, but also globally connected, data-driven, and fuelled by continuous innovation
Want to read more about trends read our blog: Longevity and the Microbiome: the New Beauty Buzzwords
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