Day One Overview
SCS Formulate is the key UK event for cosmetics industry ingredient suppliers and the extended partner businesses and organisations that support them.
Dozens of sessions were delivered across a huge programme of content with leading industry voices and experts sharing insights and information to spark discussion, debate and new ideas.
One of the key opening talks was given by Dr Emma Meredith, OBE, Director General of the CTPA (The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association), providing a fascinating and thought-provoking overview of all of the key updates to the regulatory framework within the sector.
Dr Meredith discussed the changing and strengthening role of the main regulatory body in the UK, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Although it is clear that much regulation is closely aligned between the UK and the EU, Dr Meredith presented information about the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 which is a UK law that provides a new framework for product regulation, replacing previous legislation based on EU law.
One area of current divergence relates to the determination of product ingredients by the government’s Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) which is the UK equivalent of the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Both organisations are responsible, in their respective markets, for the assessment of ingredients where there are safety concerns, but also the ongoing evaluation of CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction) substances, nanomaterials and potential animal testing.
The new framework enabled within the Act creates a flexible system for product regulation in the UK enabling the government to update rules without going through lengthy legislative processes. Whilst the law does not introduce immediate, specific new testing requirements for the cosmetics sector, it provides broad powers for the government to create detailed regulations via secondary legislation in the future.
The OPSS has already updated cosmetics regulations several times to restrict harmful chemical substances based on scientific advice and these dynamic changes reinforce the need for comprehensive and expert testing partners and processes to ensure that cosmetic products continue to remain compliant and safe amidst an everchanging legislative environment.
There was a talk given by special guest speaker Dr Ateh Jewell, whose inspiring keynote shared lessons from her two decades in beauty - from working with global brands to adapting products and storytelling for diverse audiences, to positioning formulations not just as functional products, but as tools to inspire confidence and create meaningful connections with consumers.
Other engaging sessions on Day One included an insightful presentation by Stewart Long, CEO, Cutest covering a range of essential criteria when companies are choosing their CROs. He emphasised key areas for potential clients to assess including the appropriateness of testing facilities, the availability of SOPs, a comprehensive QA system and the effectiveness of data management and management information systems.
Elsewhere, one of several new features at this year’s event, the SCS Showcase, has given attendees the chance to discover and purchase standout products at exclusive discounted prices – with all proceeds supporting Look Good Feel Better, the charity helping people face cancer with confidence.
Day Two Overview
On Day Two, our Business Development Director, Scott Dunham and Business Development Representative Katie Roberts were in attendance.
This second day kept the energy high. A strong start came with the launch of the brand-new HI&I content stream, which drew a full room for sessions focused on ingredients, formulation challenges, and sustainability in the household, industrial and institutional space. It was encouraging to see such engagement with cross-sector innovation, and the importance of bridging gaps between consumer care and household formulations.
On the exhibition floor, over 250 companies continued to showcase the latest developments in formulation science, sensory testing, and sustainability-led solutions. Product demonstrations, active networking, and commercial discussion remained strong throughout the day.
A key industry talking point was the growing relevance of rapid micro testing, an area gaining attention for its ability to significantly speed up product development timelines without compromising on safety or quality.
The conference closed with a compelling Industry Leader Session from Liz Earle MBE, whose reflections on consumer trust, wellness trends, and ingredient transparency struck a chord with both brands and manufacturers looking to remain competitive in an increasingly conscious marketplace.
At Broughton, we support cosmetics and personal care product companies with advanced testing, regulatory guidance, and analytical services that reduce time to market without compromising on safety or quality. Contact us to learn more.