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in-conversation with … a business podcast brought to you by the team that publish Global Cosmetics News, is a panel discussion about interesting things with interesting people all whom just happen to have a connection with the cosmetics industry.
Episodes

Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
22 min
Episode Overview: What Are Derma Cosmetics?
In recent years, "derma cosmetics" has become a buzzword in the beauty industry, and 2024 has seen this term reach new heights. But what exactly are derma cosmetics, and what sets them apart from traditional skincare?
Derma cosmetics are specially formulated skincare products that utilize advanced active ingredients to target and treat specific skin concerns. These products are designed to bridge the gap between medical skincare and everyday beauty routines, offering consumers targeted solutions for complex skin conditions.
Join host Siobhan Murphy, Publishing Director at Global Cosmetics News, as she explores the world of derma cosmetics with two distinguished industry experts.
Meet the Panelists
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Julia Durack
VP of Research and Product Development at Symbiome
Representing the pioneering microbiome skincare brand from the United States, Julia Durack brings her expertise in research and product development. Symbiome has been at the forefront of integrating microbiome science into skincare, offering products that promote skin health at a deeper level. -
Dr. Tiina Meder
CEO and Founder of Meder by Tiina Meder
From Europe, Dr. Tiina Meder leads Meder by Tiina Meder, a microbiome-friendly skincare brand. With years of experience in the industry, Dr. Meder shares insights into how her brand approaches skincare with a science-backed, microbiome-friendly focus.
Key Topics Discussed
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The Rise of Derma Cosmetics
What has led to the popularity of derma cosmetics in 2024, and why are more consumers and brands embracing this trend? -
Understanding Advanced Ingredients
Discover the advanced active ingredients that differentiate derma cosmetics from standard skincare products and how these ingredients are used to address complex skin issues. -
Microbiome in Skincare
Both Symbiome and Meder by Tiina Meder incorporate microbiome science into their products. Learn why the microbiome is essential for skin health and how it shapes the development of new products. -
Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry
From misinformation to regulatory challenges, Julia and Dr. Meder discuss the obstacles facing brands today. They also explore the importance of consumer education and the role it plays in the success of derma cosmetics.

Sep 30, 2024
Sep 30, 2024
36 min
In this episode of In Conversation With, we explore a market the cosmetics industry has largely overlooked—menopausal women. According to a 2020 report by venture capital firm Female Founders Fund, around one billion women are expected to be in menopause by 2025, with business opportunities projected at US$600 billion. So why has the cosmetics industry been slow to tap into this growing market?
Join us as Harold Van der Hoeven, Director of Product Design and Development at CLR Berlin, Wizz Selvey, Co-Founder of Valerie, and Susanna Hancock, Founder and GenXer, discuss the challenges and potential for future product innovations. From ingredients and efficacy to consumer demands, this insightful conversation dives deep into where the real opportunities lie for brands looking to serve this demographic.
Listen in to learn how the industry can better address the needs of menopausal women and capitalize on this enormous opportunity.

Sep 10, 2024
Sep 10, 2024
17 min
Although people of color make up 40% of the U.S. population, brands targeting melanin-rich skin contribute to less than 3% of total beauty industry revenues, according to a McKinsey report. So, where has the beauty industry fallen short?
This month, Arnita Wofford, Chief Marketing Officer at Sweetch, and Siobhan Murphy, Publishing Director at Global Cosmetics Media, explore the crucial investment, innovation, and talent the industry must prioritize to serve this growing market effectively.

Jun 6, 2024
Jun 6, 2024
47 min
Over the past four years, the colour cosmetics industry has evolved dynamically. Consumer demands for innovation, personalization, and sustainability have shifted towards more sophisticated and eco-friendly offerings.
As manufacturers strive to merge aesthetic appeal with eco-conscious practices, This month's panel:
Mallory Huron, Senior Strategist for Beauty & Wellness at Fashion Snoops, the global trend forecasting agency.
Justyna Jastrzebska Manager Sustainable Formulation & Nail Product Development at AVON.
Kreso Sach, Product Manager at Visage Technologies . The developers of Arbelle the leading provider of face tracking, analysis, and recognition technology.
discuss where the opportunities for growth and innovation lie.

May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
45 min
Are concentrated formulas the future of personal care products?
Concentrated formulas require:
- Fewer raw materials
- Less water
- Smaller quantities per application
- Smaller packaging or no packaging
One might say a compelling solution to the industry’s sustainability problems.
So why are manufacturers slow to adapt?
This month's panel:
- Mallory Huron, Senior Strategist for Beauty & Wellness at Fashion Snoops, a leading global trend forecasting agency.
- Jennifer Kaplan, Director of Suitability at C16 Biosciences, the company behind the innovative Palmless™ products.
- Maggie Spicer, Founder of Source Beauty, a legal and ESG advisory firm focused on the beauty sector.
Discuss the hurdles and opportunities in creating sustainable personal care products as we move into 2024.

Apr 3, 2024
Apr 3, 2024
33 min
The escalating climate crisis has elevated sun protection from a seasonal consideration to a daily necessity.
This presents boundless possibilities for innovation within the sun protection product market.
This month's panel:
Sara Dudley, CEO of The Sunscreen Company, and Arnita Wofford, Global Marketing Director, Technical Marketing Innovator, and Content Creator, discuss how this pivotal industry challenge lies in balancing affordability and inclusivity with ease of application while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring profitability.

Mar 7, 2024
Mar 7, 2024
30 min
The big question we're addressing in 2024 is how we create cosmetics now—considering a potential political change on the horizon, the rise of global sustainability legislation, and a more hazard-driven approach to ingredient selection. The industry is on the cusp of significant transformation.
This month, with the help of my guests:
Arnita Wofford - Global Marketing Director, Technical Marketing Innovator, and Content Creator.
Dominika Minarovic and Elsie Rutterford, Co-Founders of BYBI Beauty, the natural, certified vegan, and cruelty-free skincare brand from London.
Dr. Carol Treasure, Founder & CEO at XCellR8, offering animal-free safety testing services for the cosmetic and chemical industries.
We will delve into these topics by addressing the challenges facing our industry while also highlighting the opportunities in this new era for skincare innovation.

Feb 20, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
35 min
The big question we're addressing in 2024 is: How do we now create cosmetics?
The cosmetics industry is adapting to two significant yet seemingly conflicting social forces: the digital revolution and climate change. These forces reshape how products are created and brought to life through innovation.
In this episode, with the assistance of my panel:
- Mallory Huron, Beauty & Wellness Strategist at Fashion Snoops, a global trend forecasting agency.
- Rebecca Lidman, Head of Product at Maria Nila, a 100% vegan professional hair care brand from Sweden.
- Kailey Bradt, the founder of Susteau, a waterless hair care brand."
We will explore how companies are navigating these changes and what they mean for the future of hair care.

Dec 8, 2023
Dec 8, 2023
32 min
We started this year by asking one crucial question: Is 'circularity' achievable in the cosmetics industry?
Throughout the year, with the help of industry experts, we've explored how companies integrate this concept into their operations.
This month, with the help of my panel
Richard Cope, Senior Trend Consultant at Mintel
Jessi Baker, Founder & CEO at Provenance
Jo Chidley, Founder at Reposit & Beauty Kitchen
We discuss the practical steps the industry can take to implement change.

Nov 4, 2023
Nov 4, 2023
34 min
The skin is home to a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, essential for maintaining skin health.
In recent years, the beauty industry has recognised the importance of the skin microbiome, leading to innovative product developments and new marketing strategies.
Yet, as this area grows, the question remains: how will the industry ensure it respects and supports the natural plant ecosystems?
This month
Harold Van der Hoeven, Director of Product Design and Development at CLR Berlin
Elsa Jugman, Founder & CEO at HelloBiome
Mallory Huron, Beauty & Wellness Strategist at Fashion Snoops
Discuss the complexities of product development for the skin microbiome.
