A Brief History of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists

Pragna Chakravarti is a pharmaceutical chemist and cosmetics researcher and developer with more than two decades of experience. The former chief scientific officer and senior vice president of worldwide research at JAFRA, Pragna Chakravarti is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), an organization devoted to the advancement of cosmetics science.

Founded in 1945, SCC has strived to uphold high educational, ethical, and professional standards of practice within the cosmetics science industry. With over 5,000 members in 19 chapters located throughout Canada and the US, the society provides an opportunity for members to share ideas and innovations. Each chapter publishes monthly newsletters, conducts educational seminars, and hosts monthly meetings. In addition, the society disperses scientific research among its members through publications and meetings and maintains a digitized inventory of products developed in accordance to sound industry standards. 

SCC presents several prestigious awards, including the Shaw Mudge Award and the SCC Merit Award, in recognition of its members’ contributions and achievements in cosmetics science and research.

Market Growth and Trends in the Cosmetics Industry

A cosmetic scientist with over 30 years of experience, Pragna Chakravarti previously held senior executive positions with companies such as Revlon and JAFRA. Now, she uses her experience in leading Pragna Chakravarti Consulting, a firm that helps startup companies navigate the cosmetics industry. 

According to a recent report released by the market research company Technavio, the global cosmetics industry will experience steady growth through at least 2023. Specifically, the report predicts that the market will post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately six percent over the next four years. The increasing popularity of premium cosmetic brands among affluent consumers will be a major factor driving growth in the industry. 

Another key trend boosting the global cosmetics market is a growing preference for organic or chemical-free skincare and makeup products. In addition to natural fragrances, these products use natural raw materials such as soybeans, guar gum, fish oil, and aloe vera. Other notable trends highlighted in the Technavio report include the ongoing dominance of the facial skincare market segment, which is expected to continue to lead the industry throughout the forecast period.

The Queen of Skin Care: Royal Jelly and its Rejuvenating Properties

Chief Scientific Officer and Sr.Vice President of Worldwide Research and Development for JAFRA Skincare and Cosmetics, Pragna Chakravarti explains the beneficial properties of royal jelly, a nutrient-rich product of bees. In 2008, Pragna Chakravarti was instrumental in re-formulating the Royal Jelly collection of skincare products for JAFRA, which aims to improve skin's youthful appearance.

Royal jelly is a unique substance in that its ingestion is what differentiates a queen bee from other bees in a hive. Worker honeybees create the substance—a white paste containing proteins, essential lipids, and vitamins—and feed it to all young bee larvae. When a new queen is needed for the hive, a particular larva is fed only royal jelly throughout her life, which results in her being larger than other honeybees and provides her with the ability to reproduce.

If this substance is so beneficial to maturing bees, would it also be beneficial for humans? Tests of royal jelly have found that it contains antibacterial properties and actually encourages cell renewal and proliferation, which is what makes it an ideal ingredient in skincare products. It is thought to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and slow down the visible effects of aging. Used in skincare products since ancient Egypt, royal jelly is making a resurgence in the modern skincare market.