In 2024, the cosmetics and personal care products industry showcased its resilience and commitment to innovation, navigating regulatory changes, evolving consumer demands, and global trends.
As we head into 2025, CosmeticsDesign spoke with Tom Myers, President and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), who provided insights into the year’s significant achievements, challenges, and opportunities.
Regulatory advancements and compliance milestones
The implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) was a cornerstone of the year. Myers highlighted the industry’s proactive approach to meeting the law’s requirements, noting that companies successfully registered products and ingredients with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the July 1, 2024 deadline. “Cosmetics companies collected the required information and submitted it to the FDA’s Cosmetics Direct electronic platform,” Myers explained.
“Companies are now working to update product labels as needed to meet the December 29, 2024 deadline for including contact information for reporting adverse events,” he added.
MoCRA’s transparency requirements also represent a significant shift. “By giving consumers more access to information from manufacturers, consumers can make informed choices about the best products for themselves and their families,” Myers said.
On the state level, PCPC collaborated with regulators to address packaging standards and ingredient restrictions. Myers cited Washington state’s interim enforcement policy on trace elements in cosmetics as a positive step, emphasizing the industry’s ongoing engagement in creating balanced, science-based standards.
Consumer education and combating misinformation
Misinformation on digital platforms remained a pressing issue for the industry in 2024. “Today’s consumers expect safe and effective products and ingredients,” Myers stated.
“As a reliable, credible source of information, we have been identifying and addressing misinformation that has proliferated digital platforms,” he further explained. Topics such as sunscreen usage and complex skin care regimens were areas of focus.
Myers stressed the need for continued consumer education to counter misleading or dangerous claims. “It is important to maintain our investment in consumer education and actively inform and engage stakeholders about the recommended, safe use of beauty and personal care products,” he added.
Sustainability and transparency initiatives
Sustainability was another central theme, with the industry making strides in transparency and responsible practices. PCPC maintained its consumer-facing knowledge center, CosmeticsInfo.org, to provide clear and accessible information about product ingredients and safety.
“This comprehensive database is developed for consumers and maintained by scientists and subject-matter experts,” Myers noted. Additionally, the council supported its members through webinars on sustainability topics like circular packaging design and advanced technologies.
Member companies also doubled down on responsible sourcing practices. “Many of our member companies have established and doubled down on a code of conduct for suppliers, which outlines expectations for behavior and practices related to child or forced labor, freedom of association, health and safety, and environmental protection,” Myers shared.
These efforts are part of broader participation in initiatives such as the Responsible Beauty Initiative and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
Embracing innovation and addressing consumer trends
Innovation in product formulation continued to thrive, with companies leveraging biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver personalized beauty solutions.
Myers highlighted the industry’s ability to adapt to evolving consumer needs: “Many companies are leveraging AI and other advanced technology tools to offer, among other things, customized skin care and makeup recommendations to meet consumers’ unique skin types, tones, and concerns.”
Consumer behavior also reflected a growing emphasis on wellness and self-care, leading to demand for multifunctional and value-aligned products. “Consumers today are more educated and discerning about ingredients. They want cosmetics that align with their own personal values and are willing to spend more on products that do,” Myers observed.
Looking ahead: Opportunities in 2025
Reflecting on the future, Myers expressed optimism about the industry’s potential to drive positive change. “Our goal is to maintain trust in our industry,” he stated.
“When consumers research, purchase, or use our industry’s products, we want them to trust in the 4.6 million beauty and personal care product professionals who are committed to science, safety, and to the well-being of people and the planet.”
Thomas Myers, President and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)
As the industry moves forward, PCPC plans to continue supporting its members by promoting science-based policies, advancing sustainability practices, and fostering collaboration across the sector. “We are ready to embrace the opportunities ahead to help build a sustainable, holistic, and, of course, beautiful future for us all,” Myers concluded.
