The London College of Fashion on Tips/Tricks to Industry ‘Survival’ and Cosmetic Trends via Cosmetics & Toiletries

The London College of Fashion (LCF) recently held its digital ’20 Years of Cosmetic (R)Evolution’ summit featuring insights and advice from industry experts to graduates—and on the flip side, student insights from their industry placement projects. Plus, a look a current and future trends.

The event also fostered panel discussions between students and alumni, gave an overview of research co-creation by Danka Tamburic, and more.

Vegan Formula Updates

Among several student presentations given, Eilis McGowan described her work with Manchester-based bespoke private label company Amelia Knight. McGowan served as a regulatory technologist for the company.

She focused on updating formulas containing ingredients such as a PVP that was no longer considered vegan. In particular, she described work on an eyebrow gel to replace the ingredient and subsequent testing to ensure the vegan version performed equally and met consumer expectations. In the end, the updated formula rated higher than the original.

Transparency and Safety

Rita Santos Maia Da Silva presented her experience in working with manufacturer Deciem, where she served as science communications associate—i.e., the “voice of the labs.” She collaborated with all departments, providing quotes for press and retailers, creating master text and material for new product developments, creating educational pieces for customers and staff, and even conducted academic research for the company’s R&D. “Knowledge is power,” she noted, “but peer-reviewed knowledge is even better.”