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H1 2026 done! We are halfway through the year and CTPA’s work continues apace. I am really pleased to highlight and showcase some important initiatives and news from within CTPA, by CTPA and collaborations with key stakeholders. Let’s look forward to the rest of the year together!
A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy
As you may recall from my previous ‘Insights’, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing launched its first Inquiry in May last year into the safety of UV. I was privileged to be invited to attend one of the oral evidence sessions. I followed-up with supplementary information and CTPA responded to the written evidence questions, in consultation with the CTPA Sun Protection Working Group.
The Inquiry Report 'A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy’, written by the journalist Claire Coleman, addresses many key concerns and makes 29 Recommendations to Government.
CTPA was pleased to attend the launch of the Inquiry Report, on 13 May, and hear the Chair of the APPG, Carolyn Harris MP, and other contributors to the Inquiry, speak with passion about the findings and the Recommendations.
The Report also shared a number of shocking statistics. The most staggering to me is that role of UV in skin cancer is so significant that, it is estimated that 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases and 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are preventable.
Sunscreen is one part of a sunsafe behaviour – but an extremely important one, proof, if really needed, that our industry’s products are essential to not only our hygiene and wellbeing, but regarding sun protection – most definitely our health.
I and CTPA very much welcome the thorough report, its finding and Recommendations.
In particular, we completely agree with the report that “one of the most significant challenges to UV safety is the widespread dissemination of myths and misinformation via social media, which contributes to public uncertainty and potentially harmful behaviours.” and the Recommendation to protect the public from online misinformation and sunscreen myths which put people’s health at risk.
I was delighted that the Report acknowledges CTPA’s support for a Government- and industry-backed educational campaign, starting within schools, and its willingness to be involved. We are looking forward to working with the Government and other stakeholders on implementing the Recommendations, to enhance public awareness and protection, helping to reduce the well-established risks associated with harmful UV exposure and support healthier outcomes for society. The CTPA's full statement is available here.
I am proud that CTPA contributes to the public health communications on sun with annual Sun Protection Information highlighting important information to consumers about how to enjoy the sun safely, and this year’s campaign very much focusses on the damaging misinformation out there and the health implications it can have. Please visit the CTPA sun protection hub on thefactsabout.co.uk website for the 2026 campaign.
This year CTPA is also running a social media campaign with carousels covering: Sunscreens safety and efficacy; Sun protection advice; and Myth busting/dangerous viral trends. Follow and engage with us on Instagram @thectpa!
Cosmetics Business Innovation Awards
I was extremely honoured to be invited to be a judge for the new Cosmetics Business Innovation Awards, and delighted that Regulatory and Compliance Excellence was being recognised as important and has its own award category.
CTPA represents an industry steeped in science which is incredibly creative and innovative, yet one that is highly regulated driven by safety, sustainable growth and purpose. As a judge in the Regulatory and Compliance Excellence Award category, I was therefore looking for initiatives that showcase our robust, risk-based regulatory framework, which keeps apace with scientific knowledge, while allowing companies to continue to innovate and produce safe, effective and essential products at the cutting edge of science.
I would like to commend and congratulate all of the finalists in the Regulatory and Compliance Excellence Award category, for their compelling entries - and for making my job as a judge rather difficult! You can hear about all the awards and the winners here.
I would urge you all to support those APPG Inquiry Report Recommendations relevant to you.
Help in Navigating a Volatile World
Sustainability is an imperative, for individuals and businesses. CTPA's Sustainability Strategy, 'Driving Towards a Net Positive Cosmetics Industry' was developed in 2018 with sustainable development non-profit, Forum for the Future. CTPA is in a unique position to effect change at a pre-competitive level, and building on the great work members are doing individually on sustainability, the Association is bringing members together to share best practice and drive system-wide change to represent a balanced, conscientious, world-leading industry.
A next step in this critical work is the recent launch of the new Sustainability Handbook, again developed with Forum for the Future.
Navigating a Volatile World – A Handbook for the UK Cosmetics Industry is a practical and forward-looking guide designed to help businesses respond to escalating environmental and social challenges.
The publication highlights how interconnected challenges are reshaping supply chains, product design and consumer expectations, requiring organisations to act with greater agility and foresight.
Navigating a Volatile World was introduced at a CTPA webinar, with guest speakers from Forum for the Future and WRAP. The webinar presented exercises contained within the handbook designed to bring the issues to life and to help you explore options, design strategies and innovation for your products. WRAP also showcased its new UK Packaging Pact and some of the ways that the organisation works together with CTPA and others.
The webinar recording and the handbook, which can be accessed here, are designed for anyone working in the cosmetics and personal care sector with an interest in sustainability and how it relates to the products of the future, from formulations and packaging to marketing.
Read more in the CTPA Press Release.
UK REACH
CTPA has been actively engaged with members, Ministers and officials at Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) on UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation) since the outcome of the EU Referendum in 2016.
In March this year Defra published its response to the 2024 consultation for the Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) under UK REACH. Defra intends the ATRm to have minimal hazard data requirements and uses/exposure information which does not exceed that in EU REACH. The proposed ATRm is the least burdensome iteration of UK REACH which has yet been presented, but significant challenges remain for many members.
In May, CTPA co-developed and co-signed an Alliance of Chemical Associations (ACA) Ministerial letter on the UK REACH ATRm. The core industry ask is for recognition of existing EU REACH registrations in GB, with a notification-based system instead of full re-registration, so removing unnecessary duplication. Reducing the financial and resource burden on businesses of the currently proposed model for UK REACH registrations is a priority for CTPA.
The ACA letter has been shared with the Secretary of State, senior Ministers and Government stakeholders, including Defra, DBT, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and Select Committees.
Congratulations to the SCS – New name, new Logo, same great aims
I joined the SCS in 2003, not long after starting at CTPA.
The Society has been very important in my development in the industry, and I am proud to be a past President.
It is therefore very exciting to hear the news that the SCS is rebranding from the Society of Cosmetic Scientists to the Society for Cosmetic Science.
I’d like to congratulate Astrid Bodard, the new SCS President - I hope you enjoy your special year. Many thanks to Dan Whitby for his tenure as President and a successful year, and best wishes to John Lofthouse, 2024-5 President. I am pleased that Stewart Long (Honorary Secretary and Membership Committee Chair) and Tony Gough (Honorary Treasurer) have been re-elected for another term, and I am delighted that our former CTPA colleague, Amanda Isom, has been elected Vice President.
I wish Astrid, Dan, Amanda, Stewart and Tony well, expertly supported by Gem Bektas (Head of Operations at SCS) and the Head Office Team. The Society for Cosmetic Science remains in good hands as it progresses its aims to promote education, research and collaboration to advance the science of cosmetics.
A New Term for CTPA Chair, Vice-chairs and Treasurer
The two-year term of office for the Chair, Vice-chairs and Treasurer (Director-General Advisory Group, DGAG) was due for renewal at the June Board of Directors meeting.
I am delighted that the present incumbents of the role of Chair, Thierry Cheval (L’Oreal), and Treasurer, Andrew Field (Aspects Beauty), had offered their support to continue in their current roles for a further two-year term. No new nominations were received.
The two Vice-chairs Chris Barron (Unilever) and Gillian Marsh (P&G) are taking the opportunity to resign from their roles this year. I was very pleased to receive two nominations for the role of Vice-chair: Joanne Cooper, General Manager, Haleon, and Parminder Kaur, Director of Product Integrity, No7 Beauty Company. Votes for all four roles were passed unanimously by the Board.
I would like to extend my grateful thanks to Thierry and Andrew for their continued support and I welcome Joanne and Parminder to the role of Vice-chair. I am very much looking forward to working more closely with the new DGAG.
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Chris and Gillian for their time as CTPA Board members and latterly as Vice-chairs. It has been a pleasure to work with them both and I have valued their insights and advice. I wish Chris well in his new exciting role at Unilever and send all good wishes to Gillian on her retirement after a long and successful career at P&G and very many appreciated years working with CTPA.
The CTPA 2025 Annual Report is here!
As the spoiler alert in my last DG Insights indicated, I am delighted to share CTPA’s 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the Association’s key work and achievements in support of members and the wider cosmetics and personal care industry.
Discover the CTPA 2025 Annual Report.
As you will know, the Association marked its eightieth anniversary in 2025. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on CTPA’s mission over the decades, securing the conditions for innovation, sustainable growth and consumer trust through constructive dialogue, scientific excellence and a steadfast commitment to solutions.
I hope you find the report an interesting and engaging read and do please share the link with colleagues, those who know CTPA and those who do not.
CTPA, your Association - working for you.
