Steve Schnittger, Ph.D., is a consultant and industry expert, having served most recently as the Vice President of Global Microbiology and Fermentation in R&D for the Estée Lauder Cos. He was with the company for more than 20 years, all within the Microbiology and Bio-Ferm Lab. His primary responsibilities were in the area of cosmetic preservation and advising chemists on new formulations. Additional responsibilities included: developing new actives through fermentation, advising on cleaning and sanitization procedures, and assisting quality assurance and manufacturing when problems arose. He worked closely with the Safety Group to find a balance between safety and product preservation.
Before joining the Estée Lauder Cos., Schnittger worked for Ralston Purina Co. and attended school at the University of Tulsa, majoring in microbiology. He is past chairman of the PCPC (then-CTFA) Microbiology Committee, an active member of the U.S. TAG/ISO committee for Cosmetic Microbiology, and a member of the American Society of Microbiology, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the Institute of Food Technology. He holds numerous patents in cosmetic science, fermentation and frequently presents on preservation, risk assessment and fermentation.