The PCHi Annual Industry Conference 2025 will take place from 19-21 February 2025, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. As the annual technological assembly of China’s cosmetics industry, the Conference will feature more than 20 themes and 200 presentations, encompassing policies and regulations, market trends, clinical dermatology, formulation development, aesthetic and skincare, efficacy evaluation and testing, technologies and trends in ingredient innovation, cosmetics innovation, university-led fundamental research and achievement commercialization and extension, and cross-disciplinary technology.

Keynote Session                                                                                                           

Ø  Capturing the Industry’s Trends & Mapping the Pathway to the Future

Highlights: The main forum will spotlight emerging ingredient technologies, explore market trends, and offer insights into the future development of the sector. It is designed to equip businesses with up-to-date information to strategically plan for the year ahead.

l  A global overview of cosmetics ingredients and forecasts for future trending ingredients

l  Insights into the latest technologies driving this year’s most popular ingredients

l  Analysis of the year’s top color trends

Who should attend: Decision-makers, market and development professionals, and product managers interested in the current and future trends in the cosmetics industry.

Breakout Sessions                                                                                                            

Ø  Cosmetics R&D and Formulation

Highlights: Centered on cosmetics formulation development technologies, this forum seeks to cultivate a comprehensive approach to innovation within the cosmetics industry. It will delve into formulation-related topics like ingredients and technologies, innovation technologies, and scientific communication. Special attention will be given to trending functional cosmetics, with the aim of addressing practical challenges by offering enhanced technical guidance that blends innovation with consumer preferences and needs. Another key focus of the forum will be the effective co-development strategies, helping formulation professionals strengthen their competitiveness across the entire industry chain.

Who should attend: Cosmetics R&D engineers and other technical developers.

Ø  Cosmetics Regulations

Highlights: Organized in collaboration with the China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetics Industries (CAFFCI), this forum will bring together authorities on cosmetics regulations to address the challenges faced by the industry upon the introduction of new regulations.

Who should attend: Industry professionals navigating the complexities of new regulatory requirements.

Ø  Research in Dermatological Science and Innovative Applications

Highlights: This forum is divided into two sections: Collaboration in Dermatological Science and Medical Research and Precision Skincare.

The first section will feature a dialog between renowned dermatological clinicians and cosmetics development professionals, focusing on soothing sensitive skin, anti-aging mechanisms, and collaboration strategies for medical and cosmetics fields.

The second section will delve into how fundamental research on skin physiology informs product development. This forum will bring together university professors, personnel from research institutes, and cosmetics development specialists. Their discussions will provide insights into various niche sectors of precision skincare, such as the skincare of Chinese consumers, particularly their pain points, and cosmetics development strategies.

Topics will include:

l   Mechanisms of sensitive skin and targets for soothing

l   Mechanisms of skin aging and design strategies for anti-aging skincare products

l   Dermatological research findings and strategies for precision skincare product development

l   Mechanisms of action and applications of functional ingredients in dermatology

Who should attend: Skincare R&D and efficacy evaluation personnel, clinicians from hospitals, dermatological researchers from companies, and relevant technicians and marketing personnel interested to collaborate.

Ø  Perioperative Repair in Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-aging Skincare Product Development

Highlights: Organized in partnership with the Shanghai Institute of Medical Cosmetology and Skin Health, this forum will focus on perioperative repair. It will serve as a platform for aesthetic clinicians and skincare formulators to discuss the fundamental principles of photoelectric medical aesthetic technology, strategies for developing postoperative skincare products in light medical aesthetics, and collaborative innovation between medical and cosmetics development professionals.

l   Clinical mechanisms of light medical aesthetics and prevention of adverse reactions for ingredients used in different scenarios

l   Case studies by doctors on perioperative product combinations and formulation strategies

l   Development strategies for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative skincare products in light medical aesthetics

l   Ingredients and technologies in aesthetic medicine

l   Co-development by medical and cosmetics development professionals

Who should attend: Medical directors and R&D formulators from finished product companies, clinicians in hospitals and medical aesthetics institutions, skincare R&D and efficacy evaluation personnel, etc., who focus on medical aesthetics and skincare product development.

Ø  Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration on Ingredient Innovation & Knowledge Exchange 

• Highlights: This forum will bring together esteemed professors and young scholars in cosmetics science and technology from research-focused universities. With a focus on cosmetics ingredient innovation, the speakers will explore both fundamental theoretical research and the practical applications of research findings in the industry. The forum will feature several sections, each focusing on a different topic, including dosage forms, formulations, and mechanisms.

• Additionally, a dedicated area will showcase original achievements from universities, fostering greater interaction and exchange. The goal of the forum is to facilitate collaboration between academic researchers and industry innovators, and speed up the translation of academic achievements into practical applications within the cosmetics industry.

• Who should attend: Researchers interested in cutting-edge research and technologies of universities and their applications in the cosmetics industry, as well as university professors and interdisciplinary scholars.

Ø  Cosmetics Inspection and Testing: Quality Assurance and Standardization

Highlights: This forum will cover the evolution of testing standards, the latest regulations and standards in China, and the application of advanced testing technologies. It will also examine how the industry can effectively address local requirements in the face of increasing global standardization. By providing a comprehensive overview of regulations and sharing of advanced technologies, the forum aims to strengthen regulatory compliance and support the industry’s growth.

Who should attend: Regulatory experts, researchers, and industry professionals interested in regulations, standards, and technologies related to cosmetics efficacy evaluation.

Ø   International Ingredient Technology

Highlights: With a spotlight on emerging ingredient trends, the forum will feature presentations on latest cutting-edge technological innovations in ingredients by researchers from renowned international ingredient companies. Simultaneous interpretation services will be provided to facilitate technical exchanges, fostering ingredient research and innovation while paving the way for new growth opportunities.

Who should attend: Executives and technicians in cosmetics companies who are keen to learn more about international ingredient technology and technological transformation.

Ø  Ingredient Export Compliance and Trends (New)

• Highlights: This forum will focus on the policies, regulations, and technical exchanges surrounding the export of Chinese cosmetics ingredients to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) regions. Key topics will include the analysis of ASEAN's cosmetics export regulations, the development of ingredients and products in compliance with HALAL certification, and strategies for enterprises to adapt to the EU's regulations. This forum aims to help Chinese enterprises expand internationally and to foster industry-wide innovation.

• Who should attend: Company executives, researchers, regulatory professionals, and market professionals interested in the current export regulations and market developments in the ASEAN and EU cosmetics industries.

Ø  Technology-led Color Cosmetic Development (New)

Highlights: This forum is specifically designed to address the rising demand for Color Cosmetic. Industry experts will share their insights on ingredient selection, formulation development, and efficacy evaluation for products aimed at sensitive skin and skin-nurturing needs. The goal is to drive advancements in the color cosmetics industry through innovative technology.

Who should attend: Company decision-makers interested in technological trends within the

Color Cosmetic industry, as well as product managers, formulation development professionals, and efficacy evaluation researchers.

Ø  AI-driven Cosmetics Innovation and Application (New)

Highlights: This forum will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cosmetics industry. Key discussions will focus on breakthroughs in AI applications for cosmetics development, the creation of personalized skincare products powered by AI, and the future directions and potential applications of AI in the industry. Additionally, the forum will examine how AI is set to transform both production and consumption patterns in the cosmetics. An AI display area will also be set up, allowing attendees to quickly understand the latest technological advancements and application experiences within the industry.

Who should attend: Managers, researchers, and technicians from cosmetics companies who are interested in AI's potential to enhance the cosmetics industry.

Note: This is a preliminary introduction to the Conference. Additional themes and technical exchange sessions will be announced as they are confirmed. Please refer to details published onsite for the latest schedule.