Int'l Congress in Osaka to Discuss Cosmetic Sciences
The 24th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) Congress Osaka is being held from October 16 through 19, 2006 at the Osaka International Convention Center.
The third time for this convention
to be held in Japan (Tokyo 1968, Yokohama 1992), this year's theme is "Integration of Cosmetics-related Sciences and Technologies".
Organized by The Society of Cosmetics Chemists of Japan (SCCJ) and the co-organizers Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) and The Cosmetic Goods Association of Japan, about 2,000 participants are expected to attend this year.
The Opening Ceremony, held on the 16th at the Osaka International Convention Center was officially opened with a brief address by Yoshimaru Kumano, President of SCCJ who hoped that the convention would help integrate and create new values.
He was followed by Gianfranco Secchi, President of IFSCC, who stressed the importance of conveying right values of skin treatment and others to consumers.
Her Imperial Highness, Princess Takamado spoke with grace and wit about the tremendous changes in the past few years not only in the area of cosmetics but also in consumer demands.
It is most opportune that experts are gathered to discuss cosmetic science from different viewpoints.
However, whatever the conclusion, it should be one of moral integrity not only for humans but also for the environment as it is extremely fragile.
Akira Amari, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said that hopes are high for the further development of the cosmetics industry as it will result in new products and services which will improve the health of senior citizens and contribute to the healthy development of our society.
Hakuo Yanagisawa, Minister of Health,
Labour and Welfare (MHLW) expressed his certain hope that the results of the Congress would help break ground in cosmetics technology and lead to advances in the cosmetics industry.
Fusae Ohta, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, in an impromptu shift from her prepared speech expressed her hope that advances in cosmetic products would help make women look younger and more beautiful, an effort that she has been making but of which success she is not sure of.
She also added that Osaka has for long been the bio-center of Japan and is a noted center of life-science research as well as being the future site of a world-class "bio cluster".
Junichi Seki, Mayor of Osaka expressed the signal honor of IFSCC being held in Osaka and lauded it for bringing about the development of safe and effective cosmetic products and improving and advancing these technologies.
Yasukiyo Kobayashi, President of JCIA, praised the hard work put into the development of cosmetic products and the fact that technologists from all over the world are making extremely significant contributions to the development of this field.
He hoped that the research findings that have been labored over will be shared in full when the 340 scheduled research presentations will be delivered.
Following the addresses, the Maison G. De Navarre Award for young scientists was presented by Secchi to Megan Jones, a scientist from South Africa.
Ms. Jones thanked the IFSCC for the honor, adding that as the IFSCC Congress will be held in South Africa in 2012, she hoped that she would be able to see all the participants again in 2012.
Moral Integrity to Humans and Environment
By Princess Takamado
I am certain that over the years there have been tremendous changes, not only within the world of cosmetics, but also in the demands that have been made from without.
From the fashion of the early sixties to the style of today, it seems that there have been many developments, and interestingly some revivals, although I don't doubt that the contents of the cosmetics have been greatly improved.
Women and men over the ages and throughout the world have a desire to appear more attractive.
Cosmetics are used not just in order to appear attractive to the opposite sex, but to present a different image-a younger, a stronger, more individualistic self- to others, and perhaps also to oneself.
In terms of market demand, there are geographical differences, for instance women in the far East seem to wish to appear faire, whereas women in the West seem to wish to appear tanned.
And there are different requirements according to age.
Some are more or less on the surface, but then not-so-skin-deep, there is an anti-aging craze, when all of us not only attempt to look more attractive, but to look younger.
The search for eternal youth is in itself an eternal theme, and skin care is of paramount importance.
Nowadays, we also hope that cosmetics will go even deeper into our beings and not only relax our bodies, but refresh our inner spirits and revitalize us.
We ask a lot of our cosmetics, increasingly blurring the borders between cosmetic sciences and medicine.
It is deeply significant, then, that experts from throughout the world gathered here today in order to discuss the integration of cosmetic science from different viewpoints.
Over the next three days, the results of research by academic, scientists, researchers, technicians working in universities, research institutes, cosmetic companies, supplying companies, etcetera., these results will be published, and experts will no doubt be discussing the global market trends, communication, etcetera.
It is to be hoped that there will be much thought-provoking argument.
My one request is that whatever conclusions you come to, it should be with moral integrity, not only against your fellow men (or women), but also against the planet, for our environment is a fragile one, and we cannot afford to poison her, intentionally or non-intentionally.
Integration of Communication
By Gianfranco Secchi, President of IFSCC
All the authorities, all the Praesidium members, ladies and gentlemen, welcome, or better, "Yokoso" to Osaka!
As you can read, and better understand from my English, you know that the value of cosmetic is the integration, not only of scientific communication but also exchange with marketing and communication; we will be able to transmit to the consumer the right value of skin treatments.
I wish that this 3-day conference will be very busy with not only scientific hearing but exchange with your colleagues some scientific ideas, your interest, and research.
I think that's all.
Thank you very much.
Various Studies and Techonologies
By Yoshimaru Kumano, President of SCCJ
I would like to say a few words as we mark the opening of the 24th IFSCC Congress here in Osaka.
It is a great honor for the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan (SCCJ) to have Her Imperial Highness, Princess Takamado-no-miya with us tonight, along with so many colleagues with strong interest in cosmetics gathering from all over the world.
Our appreciation is extended to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, the Mayor of Osaka City and president of our co-organizer, the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA), without whose cooperation, the opening of this congress would not have been possible.
It has been 14 years since the last IFSCC Congress in Japan was held in Yokohama in 1992.
Along with the presentation of the world's cutting edge of cosmetic science and technology, introduction and exchange of information of the latest cosmetic raw materials and ingredients, we have aimed to add a touch of Japanese hospitality to the Congress.
Much more is required for the state-of-the-art cosmetics than merely being efficacious, but to integrate "function" and "sensibility" and to enhance satisfaction from both the "interior" and "exterior", creating brand new values.
With this in mind, the main theme of the congress has been said to be "Integration of Cosmetic Sciences."
In order to offer an opportunity for various studies and technologies of cosmetics to integrate and create new value.
I most sincerely hope during the next three days of scientific sessions and exhibitions that new values are the result of integration of software and hardware of various cosmetic disciplines, discussed at every corner of the halls.
Improvement of Cosmetics Techonology
By Yasukiyo Kobayashi, President of JCIA
In line with the march of internationalization, I have made particular efforts to strengthen Japan's cooperative relationships conducive to international coordination with cosmetics industry associations in other countries.
A large part of this work involves international conferences in which Japan, America and the European Union play a central role, in addition to conferences designed to foster Japan's interchange with China and South Korea.
Japan's cosmetics market was liberalized more than 30 years ago, earlier than any other industry, and a wide range of brands is now distributed without restriction.
In the last fiscal year, the size of the market was 3.2 trillion yen in retail terms, making it the world's second largest cosmetics market, the first being America.
The main respect in which Japan's cosmetics industry differs from those of America and the EU is that the proportion made up by fragrances is very low.
In terms of shipments, fragrances make up a mere 2% of the whole market, while instead, skincare products account for as much as 43%.
The improvement of cosmetics technology has been essential to the development of cosmetics products.
It is thanks to the hard work put in by yourselves, and by everyone else involved in cosmetics research, that cosmetics technology has managed to advance so far.
In your quest for ever higher product quality, you, the technologists all over the world, are making an extremely significant contribution to the development of cosmetics technology.
Congratulatory Messages by Central Government
The messages by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akira Amari and the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Hakuo Yanagisawa were read by representatives.
The texts are as follows.
Sustained Economic Development
By Minister Akira Amari
Since its founding in 1959 until the present day, the IFSCC has been addressing the needs of everyone who wants to care for their health and their appearance, by contributing to the development of diverse products, the improvement of cosmetics technology, and the development of the cosmetics industry.
In recent years, its work has become increasingly important with regard to broadening the remit of the cosmetics industry, to which the general public now looks, not only to maintain its appearance and health, but also to meet its increasingly advanced needs for products that are close to being pharmaceutical, and products that supplement medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the population in Japan is aging faster than anywhere else in the world, and it is becoming vital to improve the mental and physical health of our senior citizens, in order to facilitate their active participation in society.
To this end, we now face an urgent need to ensure the sustained economic development that will support our aging society.
Our hopes are high for the further development of the cosmetics industry: we envisage that it will result in new products and services, which will in turn improve the health of our senior citizens and contribute to the healthy development of our society, besides contributing to sustained economic development.
This lends an extremely profound significance to the fact that the technologists here today, active at the leading edge of cosmetics technology all over the world, are meeting under one roof to share the findings of their day-to-day research, and exchange opinions.
This Congress is, I understand, the largest academic gathering for cosmetics technologists.
I am sure that this event will serve to promote interchange between the members, and help foster the next generation of technologists, leading to the further development of the global cosmetics industry.
Safety of Cosmetic Products
By Minister Hakuo Yanagisawa
This Congress is, I believe, the largest academic conference in its field, providing a platform where cosmetics technologists from all over the world can gather together under one roof to deliver presentations on their latest research findings, hold discussions, and compare notes in greater depth.
I extend a cordial welcome to the participants who have turned out in such gratifyingly large numbers today.
The desire for good health and long life is shared by all nations.
The desire to improve one's appearance is, I believe, equally universal.
Cosmetic products have come to play a large role in enabling us to live full and enjoyable lives, whatever our age.
Thanks to the recent dramatic advances in research on products using nanotechnology and other leading-edge industrial technologies, the field of cosmetics is seeing new technologies developed and applied at an ever-increasing pace.
Meanwhile, users are evincing an increasing interest in the safety of cosmetic products.
I am sure that everyone here today who is involved in the development of cosmetic products will, through further improvements in product quality and increased provision of information, make a contribution to the healthy development of a cosmetics industry that consumers can trust.
Cosmetics are a typical example of internationally-distributed products.
Thanks to their exposure at this Congress, the new technologies emerging from the research being conducted around the globe by everyone here today will become consolidated technologies shared by the whole world.
This, I am sure, will bring about improvements in the quality of the world's cosmetic products.
Congratulatory Addresses also by Local Government
From Fundamentals to Applications
By Ms. Fusae Ohta, Governer of Osaka Prefecture
I understand that the field of research in which you are all engaged on a daily basis is extremely profound, embracing the health and safety aspects of cosmetic products, and their therapeutic psychological effects, as well as their aesthetic dimension, and ranging widely from fundamentals to applications.
Applied not only to ladies' make-up products, but also to facial cleansing and body-care products, the findings of this research have become indispensable to our daily lives.
I would like to express my profound respect for your dedicated work.
Japan's domestic cosmetics market alone is now worth in excess of 1.5 trillion yen.
Growth has been especially dramatic in the area of bio-cosmetics, where substances previously impossible to synthesize are now manufactured using biotechnology.
Along with fields such as medicine and foods, this field promises to become a driving force in the biotechnology-based industry of the future.
Having spearheaded Japan's industrial development for many centuries, Osaka has as much economic muscle as the leading cities in any other advanced industrialized country.
More specifically, it is home to many of Japan's foremost pharmaceutical companies, and prides itself on its large concentration of biotechnology research facilities.
These include universities and research institutes that are noted centers of life-sciences research, along with vibrant venture businesses.
Improve and Advance Technologies
By Junichi Seki, Mayer of Osaka
Today's highly-effective cosmetic products, which can be used safely and with peace of mind, are underpinned by leading-edge technologies in the life sciences and other fields.
For many years, the IFSCC has been working on an international scale to bring about the development of safe and effective cosmetic products, and to improve and advance these technologies.
Taking as its theme the Integration of Cosmetic Sciences, this Congress will see cosmetic technologists from all over the world gathered together under one roof to deliver presentations on their latest research findings.
Osaka has a rich history, of which Osaka Castle is a notable legacy, and a heritage of traditional performance arts such as bunraku.
It also offers a vivacious urban landscape, to be enjoyed in areas such as Kita-Minami, and a diverse food culture.
I urge you all, ladies and gentlemen, to seize this opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of Osaka to the full.
I leave you with best wishes for the success of this Congress, for the continuing growth and development of the IFSCC, and for the continued health, prosperity and professional success of all here present.
Interview with Top Two of IFSCC and SCCJ
More Accureate Information
Gianfranco Secchi., current president of the IFSCC, says he hopes this week's convention in Osaka, will serve as an exciting opportunity for all participants and guests to share their enthusiasm, expertise and energy in the spirit of scientific communication.
"All five continents are represented in our federation," he says, "and this year's gathering exceeds even last year' record-setting attendance figures."
The IFSCC Congress is held every two odd-numbered years, and this year's event will be attended not only by prominent figures within the cosmetic chemistry industry itself, but also by prominent political and government representatives such as Osaka's Governor and Mayor, as well as Japanese ministers and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado.
The theme of this year's event is "Integration of Cosmetic Science," and is instructive to illuminate the current trend of an industry focused on providing newer and better ways of thinking, in the constant search to implement more effective solutions for customer's health maintenance and cosmetic needs.
One example of such integration is the impact of genetic science on manufacturer's product development.
This integration, according to leaders like Secchi and Kumano, will allow companies and developers to focus on the science (the hardware, if you will) as well as the psychology (the software), of products' effects on health maintenance.
Secchi also mentions the importance of more accurate information on products' efficacy and limitations being delivered to the customer through mass media channels.
"We want to educate the consumer about the true product benefits, rather than merely exaggerated claims," he says.
"For example, some products can be effective for the goal of maintaining one's present healthy condition, but it wouldn't be accurate to say they reverse, or stop aging.," he says.
Increasing consumer knowledge and pursuing improvements in the synergy between science and psychology are important and exciting goals of both Secchi and his successor, Kumano.
Valurable Product Information
Yoshimaru Kumano is the president of SCCJ (Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan), an impressive and influential scientific consortium from one of the world's leading countries in the field.
The 24th IFSCC Congress, held from October 16th to 19th at the Osaka Convention Center, is the latest installment of the biannual gathering of representatives from the cosmetic chemistry industry.
SCCJ , the de facto host society of this year's international event, has a membership of about 1,500, about 600 of which are cosmetics manufacturers and suppliers.
"This year's Congress is the biggest ever," notes Kumano.
"We have a pre-registered attendance of 1,855" (as of this writing), "and we anticipate the final registration number to top 2,000."
Chemists from all over the world gather at the event to share and exchange ideas, recognize the achievements and support of their colleagues and counterparts from various sectors of the industry, as well as their supportive private and governmental organizations.
The affable Kumano shares Secchi's contentions on the importance of synergy between inner and outer scientific solutions for truly effective consumer products, as well as the need to convey accurate and valuable product information to consumers through media.
This is especially important in Japan, Kumano points out, in light of the country's relatively strict regulatory guidelines, which often limit the quality and quantity of information that can be given to the consumer via advertisement.
Kumano is in line to succeed to the post of IFSCC president with this week's Congress.
De Navarre Award Given
Thirty-five-year-old South African scientist Ms. Megan Jones has become the newest recipient of the prestigious Maison G. De Navarre Award for young scientists.
The annual award was installed and named in honor of one of the founding members of IFSCC.
Prizewinners must be 35 years old or younger, be a part of one of IFSCC's member societies, and work in the cosmetic industry.
The presiding IFSCC president selects five different essay topics, with the winner writing an essay on his or her choice among the five.
The prize was created to encourage young scientists to take a more active part in the biannual congresses and conventions held by the organization.
Ms. Jones is currently sales manager at Uniqema in Johannesburg, in addition to being president of COSCHEM, South Africa's equivalent of SCCJ.
The coveted award consists of an all-expense-paid trip to the Congress's host country, including accommodation, admission fees and hotel.
Ms. Jones' prizewinning essay, entitled "How Can Cosmetic Science Influence Society?", will be published in the upcoming issue of the quarterly IFSCC Magazine.
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