The IFSCC 2025 Congress, held Sept. 15-18, 2025, in Cannes, opened with five comprehensive pre-congress workshops covering cognitive sensory science, regulatory trends, scientific publishing, photoprotection, and bio-inspired solvents — setting the stage for cutting-edge cosmetic science discourse.
Cognitive Sensory Science Takes Center Stage
The opening workshop, "Future is Cognitive Sensory Science," explored the critical role of olfaction, hearing, vision and touch in beauty routines. Led by moderator David Morizet, speakers Aurélie Coubart, Anjali Morard, Céline Manetta and Sarah Domingie demonstrated how sensory experiences influence functional expectations, emotional responses and consumer behaviors. The session emphasized the complex interplay between product formulation, packaging design and cognitive mechanisms that shape beauty experiences.
Regulatory and Safety Assessment Trends
The second workshop addressed evolving safety and regulatory assessment trends for cosmetic ingredients and products. Moderated by Amélie Ott, the session featured Gerald Renner, Andrea Maltagliati and Nicolas Forraz examining regulatory compliance through three critical angles: regulatory trends, cosmetic ingredient developments and animal-free safety assessments. The discussion provided essential insights for navigating the increasingly complex global regulatory landscape.
Scientific Publishing Excellence
Workshop three, moderated by Majella Lane and Karl Lintner, focused on effective scientific publication strategies. As editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Lane identified common publication pitfalls, while Yanling Zhang addressed early career researcher perspectives. Professor David Moore shared industry publishing expertise, emphasizing the importance of novel research findings while avoiding commercial bias and brand-specific content.
Comprehensive Photoprotection Update
Marc Pissavini and Florence Pouradier led the sun product workshop, providing comprehensive coverage of photoprotection science. Experts including Andrew Birnie, Martin Josso, Gerald Renner and Sébastien Miksa delivered insights spanning chemistry, physics, biology, formulation science and regulatory compliance — essential knowledge for professionals working in this rapidly evolving field.
Bio-Inspired Solvent Innovation
The final workshop, moderated by Leslie Boudesocque-Delaye and Emilie Munnier, introduced bio-inspired eutectic solvents (MINAC, LTTM, NADES) as sustainable alternatives to conventional organic solvents. Ana Rita Cruz Duarte joined the discussion on these natural compound combinations that offer enhanced extraction capabilities for delicate active ingredients while maintaining biocompatibility and environmental sustainability.
Opening Ceremony Concludes Day One
The IFSCC designed a new logo to represent community, knowledge and growth.
The intensive workshop series concluded with the official IFSCC 2025 Congress opening ceremony, formally launching four days of scientific presentations, networking and innovation showcases in the prestigious Cannes venue. In addition, the IFSCC presented its all-new logo and website, designed to engage fellow scientists and encourage growth.
New IFSCC Fellows Tony Gough, Eva Ramos and Claudie Willemin were officially installed, and two awards were presented fostering education within the society:
- The Maison G. DeNavarre Prize Winner, presented to a young scientist in our industry, went to Jun Miao of Pechoin, China, for his work on "The Science of Healthy Aging: Strategies for Skin Longevity.
- And the Lester Conrad Education Prize was awarded to the New Zealand SCC.
Praesidium recognition and thanks were given to the teams who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the organization of the event before the evening unrolled into a special cabaret celebration. Through it all, cosmetic scientists were reminded they were the force behind the beauty of the stars who've strutted the red carpet of the event venue, the Cannes Palais des Festivals.
The comprehensive pre-congress program established a foundation for the advanced scientific discourse that will define the remainder of the congress.
