The New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) 43rd Annual Suppliers’ Day, held May 3-4 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, showcased the latest raw materials, ingredients, formulations and technical innovations—and attracted 7,805 attendees representing 55 countries. The exhibit floor had 448 exhibitors with a 17% increase in net square footage space including 100 new exhibitors.
 
“The enthusiasm and excitement for Suppliers’ Day was evident throughout the Javits Center. Everyone was eager to meet in person and get back to business as well as learn about the latest industry trends and advancements,” said Giorgio Dell’Acqua, chair of NYSCC.  “It truly was the destination for ‘Science & Sustainable Sourcing Solutions.’ ”
 
The high-quality attendance and engagement as well as focus on sustainability at Suppliers’ Day was also praised by exhibitors. Scott Tuchinsky, Business Head Consumer Care, North America, CRODA, said: “I have been attending Suppliers’ Day for over 35 years, and this one is special, to finally make connections in person. Also, there is so much innovation in the industry now and every supplier and booth is thinking about sustainability. It is a big push in the industry and consumers are pushing for it as much as the brands.”
 
Neslihan Utkan, Business Director, Consumer Care, Clariant, said, “Attendance has been great this year and Suppliers’ Day is an important platform for seeing where the industry is heading. It is going to be all about being natural, green and sustainable.”
 
A highlight of Day 2 was a special keynote presentation by Noah Rosenblatt, President, North America, and Space NK.  The conversation touched upon consumers’ return to in-store shopping in terms of experience, convenience and connection as online sales growth returns to a pre-pandemic trajectory.
 
Rosenblatt also discussed how ingredient-led trends are driving sales and that consumers are shopping by ingredient just as much as they are searching for an ingredient. “We’re seeing the ingredient-led trend continue to show up regularly in our stores and product selection and curation,” said Rosenblatt. “Hyaluronic acid to CBD, vitamin C, and this year, niacinamide are everywhere.”

Educational Offerings

The educational offerings at Suppliers’ Day were also well received by attendees.  With more than 60 hours of programming, there was something for everyone in the industry. The Presentation Theater boasted standing room only sessions that included the Discover Sustainability, World of Chemistry, IBA Regulatory & Compliance Update and the Innovations from the exhibit floor, which highlighted some of the dozens of new product announcements that were made at the event.
 
Digital Age of Beauty returned with presentations on digital tools and innovative technologies that influence product development, including AI, VR and a presentation on “The Good Face App – Where Consumers Drive R&D.”
 
Microbiome: Inside Out Beauty featured the Skin Trust Club, a unique skin health tracking app powered by Labskin and included a talk by Dr. Elsa Jungman of ELSI Skin Health, the first microbiome-friendly U.S. consumer brand. The INDIE 360 program covered every angle of launching and sustaining a brand, and featured founders Dr. Brent Ridge, Beekman 1802 and Stephanie Lee, of Selfmade.
 
Two advanced courses were specifically curated by the NYSCC Scientific Advisory Committee and took deep dives into In-vitro Modeling to Predict Clinical Outcome as well as Natural Colorants. The Lunch & Learn on Hair: Textured, Curly, Straight? What You Need to Know! was standing room only and PCPC and IKW presented their popular class on Essential Elements of Cosmetic Regulation, Safety Assessment, and Quality Assurance.  For the first time, there was a Poster Presentation Pavilion with scheduled session times with the authors for attendees to learn more about skincare, clean and green, CBD, sustainability and other relevant topics. 

Future Chemists

The Future Chemists Workshop hosted college students from 16 universities/colleges across the country including University of Toledo in Ohio, Florida International University, Rutgers University in New Jersey and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). and provided real world experience of working as a bench chemist in a lab.  The NYSCC Mentorship Committee hosted a lunch meet-up and Information Session for Mentors and Mentees.

Awards Ceremony

After the first night of the show, the NYSCC Awards Night Ceremony took place at Sony Hall. The eight finalists of the CEW Supplier’s Beauty Creators Award:  Ingredients & Formulation were announced and include: BASF Corporation: Seanactiv – quickly rejuvenate the eye contour; Clariant Corporation: Berashades; Croda Inc.: ChromaPur; Croda Inc.: Nutrinvent Balance; Geltor, Inc.: Elastapure; IFF/Lucas Meyer Cosmetics: Anti-Glyc-Aging Zinc Screen; Silab Inc.: PEPTILIUM; and Symrise, Inc.: SymHair Thermo – 100% natural heat protection for hair care, powered by mushrooms. The winner will be announced at the CEW Winner’s Celebration on November 11, 2022.

People’s Choice Award

NYSCC also hosted a People’s Choice Award where attendees casted their vote for the most innovative brand in ingredients, delivery, branding/packaging in the INDIE 360 Pavilion.  The curated companies that participated included: CandaScent Labs, Dr Lili Fan Probiotic Skincare, High on Love, I-on Skincare, Lamik Beauty, Malibu Apothecary, Onekind, PRIORI Adaptive Skincare, Redmint, Shielded Beauty, Sunrise Session by Nohbo, Inc., and Touch in Sol.
 
The People’s Choice Award winner was Sunrise Session, a single-use, waste-free self-care that disappears and leaves no trace behind. “Sunrise Session had an amazing first time at Suppliers’ Day,” said Benjamin Stern, Founder & CEO, Nohbo, Inc., who was present at the champagne reception to accept the NYSCC Suppliers’ Day People’s Choice Award.  “It is exciting to be recognized as a leading brand in sustainability and to be at such a valuable event for chemists.”

Virtual Suppliers’ Day

Virtual Suppliers’ Day launched on Monday, May 9th attracting hundreds of new attendees and providing the on-site attendees at the Javits Center a chance to revisit with exhibitors or catch content they may have missed during show days.  This WEEK OF BEAUTY Live & Virtual event reached 8,000 participants from around the globe.

Looking Ahead to 2023

Plans are already underway for the 2023 NYSCC Suppliers’ Day taking place May 2-3, again at the Javits Center, with more than 80% exhibitors already resigned.  “I am looking forward to working closely with our members and SCC as well as with the Suppliers’ Day team in expanding our industry and media partnerships to create the best global ingredients event for the industry, by the industry,” said Stacey House, Chair-Elect, NYSCC. “The past few years have been challenging, I also want to focus on bridging wellness and eco-consciousness into areas of the beauty and personal care industry.”