Unilever Sri Lanka’s scientific symposium updates professionals on cosmetic ingredient safety

A scientific symposium themed ‘Science in the Service of Consumer Protection’ was held recently, with the intention of creating a platform for local and global experts in the field, to exchange multidisciplinary scientific expertise on methods to ensure the safety and sustainability of the fast-growing cosmetic categories. Organised by Unilever Sri Lanka, the symposium sought to facilitate the sharing of accurate and factual scientific data to co-create healthy discussion in the interest of enhancing the quality and consumer safety of cosmetic products.

The forum, which had an audience of over 50 attendees, featured an elite panel of speakers who shared their vast experience and knowledge with the audience. The symposium saw sessions conducted by Prof. Ravindra Fernando, Senior Professor – University of Colombo, on cosmetic ingredient safety and global standards for cosmetic product safety; Dr. Carl Westmoreland, Science Director – Unilever Safety & Environment Assurance Center UK, assessing the safety of cosmetic ingredients with next generation risk assessment and mechanistic safety science; Prof. Nikolai Denkov, Department of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy – Sofia University, Bulgaria, discussing the scientific aspects of soap composition; Scientist Ray Boughton of Delphic HSE UK, explaining the safety of cosmetic ingredient exposure; and Meena Rajan, General Manager, R&D Category Design, Skin Cleansing Bars – Unilever, sharing some new technological advancements in skin cleansing, which is the largest cosmetic product category and has been instrumental in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Moderators at the conference were Dr. Vibhav Sanzgiri, Vice President, Research & Development, Skin Cleansing – Unilever and Dr. A. Sivakumar, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, South Asia & Global Home Care – Unilever.