Events

SWSCC Formula Competition: A Call for Innovation

The SWSCC Formula Competition is an exciting opportunity to challenge students, researchers, and industry professionals to develop innovative and scientifically thoughtful cosmetic formulations. This competition allows participants to showcase their creativity and technical expertise by creating products that push the boundaries of cosmetic science. Formulas must utilize commercially available ingredients to be considered.

Participants can submit formulas in the following categories

• Skincare 
• Haircare 
• Color Cosmetics

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovation: How is this formula unique and original?
• Scientific Merit: Is the formula supported by scientific rationale &/or relevant data?
• Creativity: What’s cool about this product?
• Functionality and Aesthetics: It’s got a cool story, but is it enjoyable to use?
• ***In the spirit of innovation, existing or pre-formulated prototypes from suppliers or distributors will not be considered. Each submission must feature a brand-new, original formulation developed specifically by the entrant/team. To encourage ingredient diversity, we recommend that approximately 50% of the ingredients used in the formulation come from sources outside of your represented supplier(s).***

Who Can Participate?

Any current SCC member is eligible to submit a formula, including students. Students interested in participating can contact Gabby Bittner for support and resources. We're dedicated to helping you succeed!

How to Enter:

• Register: complete the online submission form
• Submit Formula: Provide 5 formula prototypes to one of the board or committee members at the SWSCC chapter meetings/via shipment by December 1st, 2026
  • Prototype shipment and dropoff can be done outside of SWSCC meetings, please contact Gabby for coordination (945-341-4472)
  • Questions can be directed to Gabby Bittner (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Submission Form:
  • Name, email, company name, phone number (text box) 
  • Student or professional (checkbox) • Product Name (text box) 
  • Describe the formula (4-5 sentences) (Large text box) 
  • What makes it innovative? (Large text box) 
  • How is the product supposed to be used? (Large text box) 
  • Ingredient List (Large textbox or attachment) 
  • Check off if any of the following tests have been completed: 
    • Irritation/Patch Testing 
    • Preservative Efficacy Testing 
    • Micro Testing 
    • Other: please provide •
  • Check box if you agree: 
    • By checking this box, I obtained permission from my employer to submit this formula and therefore their intellectual property to be evaluated in this competition.

Survey Monkey Link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F8YTHCW

November Educational Meeting & 2027 Officer Installation
*Exact times may vary*
When:
5:00 PM – Registration & Social Time
6:00 PM – Dinner
6:30 PM – Chapter Announcements
6:45 PM – Technical Presentation
7:30 PM – Q&A
7:45 PM – 2027 Officer Installation
8:00 PM – Networking & Social Time

Where: The Ranch at Las Colinas, 857 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75039

Topic - Biomimicry for Elevated Beauty

Who: Alexis Skidmore is a Technical Support Coordinator at Gattefossé

Biomimicry for Elevated Beauty

Abstract

Biomimicry offers a transformative framework for advancing sustainable beauty innovation. By studying the strategies that living organisms have optimized over billions of years, cosmetic scientists can rethink ingredient sourcing, extraction methods, and approaches to understanding skin biology. Nature-inspired design principles such as regeneration, circularity, and functional intelligence enable the development of smarter raw materials, greener processes, and more biologically relevant skin models. This presentation explores how applying mimicry to cosmetic science can open new pathways for high-performance, responsible, and future-focused beauty solutions.

Speaker Bio

Alexis Skidmore is a Technical Support Coordinator at Gattefossé, where she provides formulation guidance, technical expertise, and support on product performance, quality, and certifications. She began her career in the medical spa industry, specializing in laser hair removal and tattoo removal before managing multiple spa locations across Texas and Colorado. Her work with skincare sparked a passion for cosmetic ingredients and formulation science, leading her to earn her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and transition into technical marketing Gattefossé, followed by formulation experience on Hawaiian Tropic’s new product development team at Edgewell Personal Care. Today, she draws on her diverse background, from esthetic treatments to formulation and technical communication to bridge innovation, education, and customer support within the personal care industry.

Ticket Purchase - For details click the "details" button below. 

Ticket Purchase - For details click the "details" button below.