2026 NYSCC Suppliers‘ Day: Breaking Beauty Boundaries with Science
An interview with Anushka Nadkarni (Chair at NYSCC) and Dr. Kimberly G. Norman (Senior Director, Safety and Regulatory Toxicology at Personal Care Products Council) and Birgit Huber (Head of Department of Cosmetics at IKW
Group Interview
NYSCC Suppliers’ Day will take place on May 19–20 in New York City. What is the theme of this year and what will be some of the highlights?
NYSCC, Anushka Nadkarni:
This year’s theme, “Breaking Beauty Boundaries with Science,” reflects the transformation taking place across the global beauty and personal care industry. Advances in biotechnology, ingredient innovation, and sensory science are expanding what is possible, while also addressing growing demands around sustainability, inclusivity, and wellness.
Suppliers’ Day 2026 will be our largest and most comprehensive edition to date, featuring close to 700 exhibitors and the largest exhibit floor in the event’s history. Highlights include two Main Stage keynote conversations with leading global brands, alongside new and expanded programming such as Biodesigned Care, Sensory Science Workshops, K-Beauty Immersion, and the Idea Ignition series. In addition, IFSCC will present “Where Cosmetic Science is Going Next,” offering a forward-looking perspective on the industry.
On the show floor, new activations such as Catalyst Corner will spotlight emerging companies and breakthrough concepts, while a live recording of our podcast, The Science Shaping Beauty, will feature industry voices in a dynamic, on-site format.
Last year’s Suppliers’ Day had record attendance. Do you anticipate this trend to continue, including the global reach of exhibitors and attendees?
NYSCC, Anushka Nadkarni:
Yes, we fully expect this momentum to continue. Suppliers’ Day has increasingly become a global platform, attracting participants from across the entire value chain and from dozens of countries.
As the industry evolves, there is a growing need for cross-border collaboration—whether in sourcing, formulation, regulatory alignment, or consumer insights. Suppliers’ Day provides a unique environment where these global connections can take place efficiently and at scale. We are seeing particularly strong interest from international exhibitors and attendees who view the event as both a gateway to the North American market and a hub for scientific exchange.
What are some of the conferences that will be featured this year?
NYSCC, Anushka Nadkarni:
The 2026 conference program will offer more than 100 hours of education, spanning both technical and market-focused content, and featuring an unprecedented number of brand leaders alongside scientific experts.
New and expanded programming reflects key areas shaping the future of cosmetic science. Innovation-focused sessions include K-Beauty Immersion, exploring Korea’s global influence on formulation and product development; Biodesigned Care, highlighting biotechnology-enabled ingredients and next-generation sourcing; and the Sensory Science Workshop, examining how texture, perception, and sensorial design influence product performance and consumer experience. The new Idea Ignition series will spotlight emerging concepts and early-stage innovation on the Main Stage.
A strong global and regulatory perspective is also central to the program. IFSCC will present “Where Cosmetic Science is Going Next,” while additional sessions will address evolving compliance requirements, international market access, and regional innovation, including CACPA’s focus on China. Contributions from organizations such as SOCMA further reinforce the scientific depth of the program.
Main Stage keynote conversations will be a highlight. On day one, Supergoop! CEO Melis del Rey and Chief Innovation Officer Akshay Talati will discuss how the brand transformed SPF into a daily skincare ritual. On day two, L’Oréal Groupe’s Aurélia Del Bufalo, alongside industry partners, will share insights into how collaboration and advanced research are driving innovation.
Returning educational features include Discover Sustainability, Fragrance: The Invisible Art, and World of Chemistry, along with technical sessions curated by the NYSCC Scientific Committee covering DermaBeauty, Hair & Scalp Care, and Microbiome Science.
Education and discovery extend across the exhibit floor through curated experiences such as The Inspiration Hive, Innovations Theater, INDIE 360° Pavilion, Catalyst Corner, Technical Poster Presentations, and The Formulators’ Tour, alongside a live broadcast of The Science Shaping Beauty podcast.
The program also places strong emphasis on the next generation of scientists, with the Future Chemists Workshop taking place both days, mentorship opportunities, and a dedicated career fair.
Through expanded partnerships with leading industry organizations, Suppliers’ Day is part of a broader “Week of Beauty” in New York City, including SCC CEP courses, NYSCC Industry Awards Night, CEW Connections, and a post-show regulatory forum hosted by IBA—further reinforcing its role as a global hub for collaboration and innovation.
Who should attend “From Labeling to Launch: Fundamentals of Compliance for Cosmetics” and what will be the key presentations this year?
Personal Care Products Council, Dr. Kimberly G. Norman:
The ‘From Labeling to Launch’ program is designed for anyone involved in bringing cosmetic products to market, from formulators and product developers to regulatory, safety, quality, and business leaders. The content focuses on the foundational elements of compliance that every successful product depends on, including ingredient nomenclature, safety substantiation, manufacturing best practices, product labeling, and evolving U.S. and international regulatory expectations. By bringing together experts across disciplines and regions, this program provides attendees with practical insights and a shared understanding of how strong compliance underpins innovation, consumer trust, and long‑term business success.
What will the EU perspective on product safety include in this years’ conference on cosmetic compliance?
IKW, Birgit Huber:
I will speak about new developments on safety assessment.
Safety assessments of cosmetic products are required by law in the EU, meaning that a safety assessment must be carried out by a safety assessor for every product. DGK and IKW have developed a training programme in Germany that provides safety assessors with comprehensive basic information. This programme now comprises eight modules, which are available online in English. Those interested can book them online via www.safetyassessor.info. Module 8 is new and deals comprehensively with the topics of NAMs and NGRA. In addition to the virtual modules, in-depth seminars are offered in various regions. As cosmetic products have to be safe in all regions of the world collaborations on the training worldwide have started. This helps safety assessors to gain recognition in a wide variety of regions around the world.
Picture Credits (Birgit Huber): ©IKW
For more information about NYSCC visit www.nyscc.org:
