We sadly announce the passing of Karl Laden, Ph.D., on Feb. 19, 2025. He was a veteran of the cosmetics and personal care industry for more than 65 years. Laden worked in research and development for numerous companies, was active in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and wrote 50+ publications including two books on antiperspirants and the regularly appearing "Keeping Cosmetics in Check" column in Cosmetics & Toiletries. He was also an advisor to the magazine.
"Karl was an insightful person with a fun sense of humor and creative ways to explain his ideas," wrote Rachel Grabenhofer, managing scientific editor of Cosmetics & Toiletries. "I'll never forget one of the first pieces he wrote for us on ketchup and cosmetics, debating why cosmetic ingredient disclosures are so convoluted. He was one of the first experts I ever heard urging us to simplify and shorten ingredient lists. He was ahead of the 'clean beauty' movement by at least a few years."
She added that he was always one for honest criticism. "I will miss his candor in our email exchanges debating industry moves. They would sting just enough to make you think. That was the point of his Keeping Cosmetics in Check series — to get the industry to take stock of what we're doing and ask why. It's sad that our industry has lost another great."
His latest column on making makeup a "weapon" to fight age discrimination, was published just days before his passing. Following is a recollection of his life and achievements thanks to his son's, Zev's, accounts.
Laden's Biochemistry Beginning and Corporate Climb
Karel Laden, Ph.D.
Born in 1932, Laden began college studies at Brooklyn College and later transferred to Akron University, where he met his wife, Judy Talisman, and completed a degree in chemistry in 1954. From there, he continued his studies at Northwestern University, where he completed a doctorate in biochemistry in 1957.
In 1960, Laden was offered a job at the Gillette Company Research Institute in Rockville, MD, which at that time had a staff of 175. There, he engaged in scientific studies for Gillette and undertook contract research from corporations, trade associations and government agencies. Laden stayed with Gillette for 16 years, climbing quickly up the corporate ladder, and was promoted to president of the research Institute in 1971.
In 1976, Laden accepted the position of vice president of R&D at the Carter Wallace Corporation, where he managed a staff of 75 scientists and personnel in the development of new products for the company, including: antiperspirants and deodorants, depilatories, toothpolishes, condoms, sunscreens and shaving creams.
Moves to Israel, Consulting and Alpa Cosmetics
In 1986 Karl emigrated to Israel with his wife Judy and his youngest son, Zev.
Between the years 1987-1993, he worked as a private consultant, giving technical consulting and scientific seminars for leading companies such as Unilever, Carter-Wallace, Israel Chemical, Beiersdorf, Revlon, Gillette, The Estee Lauder Cos., Mennen, BASF, Colgate, Giulini, and Complexx. He also developed a line of Dead Sea Cosmetics called Mineral Spa and cofounded a company called InnoScent, which developed novel solutions to odor problems.
In 1994, Laden joined Alpa Cosmetics in Israel as a technical manager. His work there included managing regulatory and technical matters relating to products imported and manufactured by the company. These included brands from multinationals including Beiersdorf, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Givenchy, MAM Baby, Coty and others. He was also responsible for the development and manufacturing of new products for the Orna 19 brand of hair removal and skin care products. Laden stayed with Alpa Cosmetics for more 30 years (until Jan 2025).
Avid Industry Participant and Writer
Throughout his career, Laden remained active in professional activities and writing. These included:
- serving on the Microbiology Committee of the Personal Care Products Council to establish microbiological standards (1972-1976);
- serving as a contributing editor to the National Beauty School Journal (1970-1977);
- serving as editor of the Journal of Cosmetic Science (1971-1976);
- serving as president and chairman of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1977-1978); and
- serving on the board of editors of the Research Technology Management publication of the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) (1983-1986).
Most recently (2022-2025), he contributed a series of articles critiquing the cosmetic industry, called “Keeping Cosmetics in Check,” to Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine.
Laden also penned more than 40 scientific papers on a broad range of topics ranging from skin and hair care, to industry trends. He wrote two leading books on antiperspirants and deodorants; one published in 1988 and a second in 1999, which was translated to Japanese.
Industry Awards Recognition
Laden was also the recipient of various awards from the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, including:
- Society of Cosmetic Chemists - International Flavors & Fragrances Award (1967 and 1963);
- Society Cosmetic Chemists Literature Award (1969);
- Society of Cosmetic Chemists Merit Award (1972); and
- Society of Cosmetic Chemists Medal Award (the society's highest honor, in 1979).
Charismatic Family Man
Laden was a loving husband to his wife for 66 years until her death two years ago. Together, they raised five sons: Ben, Ethan, Adam, Noam and Zev. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Laden had a unique personality and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was intellectual, warm and had a terrific sense of humor. He was energetic and constantly sought new activities. He continued working until just weeks before his death at the age of 92. May his memory be blessed.
